Essex County is partnering with the Community FoodBank of New Jersey to present an Emergency Food Distribution Event to help families negatively impacted by the Coronavirus. The 2,000 boxes of food that will be distributed are meant to benefit families who have been forced out of work and are not able to afford to purchase food.
Residents who want to take advantage of this free giveaway must enter Branch Brook Park by the Heller Parkway entrance or other more southern entrances. Cars entering from Mill Street or other northern entrances WILL NOT be allowed to make a left turn into the Cherry Blossom Welcome Center parking lot. In addition, residents are asked to not arrive on site until 8 a.m. Vehicles that arrive before 8 a.m. will be asked to leave. This is being done to allow for normal traffic flow through the park and prevent any traffic back-ups from being created.
Community FoodBank of New Jersey prepares emergency food boxes to contain enough food to provide for 40 meals. Boxes consist of a variety of non-perishable food such as cornmeal, oatmeal, rice, fruit, peanut butter, jelly, shelf stable milk and canned vegetables, chili, soup and ravioli. Items may vary based upon their availability.
Emergency food boxes will be distributed on a first come, first served basis. When residents arrive at the site, they are be asked to keep their windows rolled up and to open their trunk. Volunteers will place one emergency food box into each vehicle.
This event will only provide boxes to cars. Buses will not be allowed to enter. In addition, people walking to the site cannot be assisted.
“The Coronavirus has forced an enormous amount of people out of work and created food insecurity among residents who now have limited income or no income at all. Essex County has a long relationship with the Community FoodBank of New Jersey and we are pleased to partner with them to present this Emergency Food Distribution Event to help those who are in dire need,” Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr., Freeholder President Brendan Gill and Vice President Wayne Richardson said in a joint statement. “The Coronavirus has created uncertainty and unforeseen challenges for us all. We hope this emergency food distribution helps those families who are struggling,” they said.
Emergency Food Distribution Event
Tuesday, April 28, 2020, 10 a.m.
Essex County Branch Brook Park
Cherry Blossom Welcome Center (Enter Park via Heller Parkway)
Event will be held RAIN or SHINE.