Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka, alongside HelloFresh staff, distributed 2,800 turkeys and 1,000 HelloFresh Thanksgiving dinner side dish kits to local residents today at CityPlex 12 in the city’s Central Ward. The event, which was free and open to the public, also saw the donation of approximately 260 frozen turkeys by ShopRite of Newark, adding to the 500 turkeys already provided by Newark’s Department of Health & Community Wellness at three health clinic locations. Additionally, 1,200 more turkeys are expected to be distributed by the Department of Public Safety on Tuesday, November 26, and another 220 turkeys will be given away by the Newark Police Foundation. Early arrival is recommended for both events.
“There is an adage that the gift, the giver and the receiver are one,” Mayor Baraka remarked. “Here in Newark, we know this truth – how the lines between the three blur when we are united in generosity. I am proud of my administration’s long-term commitment to providing nutritious food to Newark families. This effort, spearheaded by my brother, Chief of Staff Amiri Baraka Jr., and supported by a network of volunteers, has been distributing meals weekly for five years, not just on Thanksgiving.” Chief of Staff Amiri Baraka Jr. added, “Our collaboration with HelloFresh melds the efforts of volunteers with the company’s generosity, providing over a thousand meal kits every week and fostering a sense of gratitude each Thanksgiving.”
HelloFresh CEO Uwe Voss emphasized the importance of this partnership, stating, “In New Jersey, over a million people face food insecurity, one-third of them children. We are honored to work with Mayor Baraka and the City of Newark to combat food insecurity, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to enjoy a home-cooked meal with loved ones this Thanksgiving.” Since its inception during the COVID-19 pandemic, the partnership between Newark and HelloFresh has provided crucial assistance to the community, continuing today with the distribution of 1,300 meal kits per week in Newark’s five wards. ShopRite’s Neil Greenstein added, “It has been our commitment to give back to the community, and we are proud to help our neighbors enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving meal.”
Photos courtesy of City of Newark Press Office
