More Than 5K Turkeys Distributed To Newark Families In Need

NEWARK, NJ — More than 5,000 free turkeys and other food products were distributed to Newark residents in need at multiple locations throughout the Newark's five wards Monday.

This Thanksgiving is anticipated to be the most expensive meal in the history of the holiday, according to the American Farm Bureau.

With an estimated 2 million people facing food insecurity in New Jersey, which also ranks No. 2 in the U.S. for the most significant increase in childhood food insecurity, access to fresh, nutritious food will continue to be a struggle for many this holiday season.

To do their part to help, Mayor Ras J. Baraka, the Believe in Newark Foundation, HelloFresh, Pepsi, Bindi North America, Inc., The Home Depot of Newark, New Jersey Children’s Foundation, Bimbo Bakeries, Inc., and The Brantley Brothers Transportation Company teamed up for the city's annual Thanksgiving food drive.

"The Believe in Newark Foundation stands with the City of Newark, HelloFresh and other sponsors to ensure that needy families can still come together and enjoy a hot meal during this Thanksgiving season despite the difficult circumstances we're all still facing,” said Andre Hollis, Executive Director of the Believe in Newark Foundation. “We're proud to live our purpose tangibly."

“At HelloFresh, we believe that everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy a home-cooked meal around the table with loved ones, especially during Thanksgiving,” said Uwe Voss, CEO of HelloFresh U.S. “We are grateful to be able to contribute to the Newark Gives Thanks event to provide local residents with fresh ingredients to prepare and enjoy a Thanksgiving feast.”

In addition to the turkey giveaway, B&G Foods donated over 7,000 cans of vegetables to families in need. Bimbo Bakeries also donated 400 bags of stuffing and 400 packages of dinner rolls.

Other items provided by co-sponsors included:

• Pepsi Bottling Co.: Donated 1,200 cans of assorted Pepsi products
• Brantley Brothers Transportation Co.: Transported donations to multiple sites
• New Jersey Children’s Foundation: Donated 500 turkeys
• Bindi North America, Inc.: Donated 300 Pistachio Cheesecakes
• Bimbo Bakeries, Inc.: Gave two pallets of assorted items from Entenmann’s, Arnold’s Stuffing and Sara Lee Bread Line
• The Home Depot of Newark: Hand Sanitizers, gloves and masks