Mayor Ras J. Baraka and Department of Health and Community Wellness Director Ketlen Baptiste Alsbrook, along with HelloFresh, distributed 2,000 turkeys and 6,000 boxes of fresh food to Newark residents at Weequahic High School. The free, public event provided families with a full Thanksgiving meal, including a whole turkey, russet and sweet potatoes, fresh cranberries, apples, and carrots, along with step-by-step directions.
The event marked a major milestone for HelloFresh’s Meals with Meaning program, which has now distributed 3 million free meals to Newark families since its launch with the City in 2020. What began as an emergency response to the COVID-19 shutdown has evolved into an ongoing, year-round effort to fight food insecurity, with volunteers distributing 1,300 meal boxes each week across Newark’s five wards.
“Thanksgiving is especially meaningful in Newark because we are a city that comes together to give,” said Mayor Baraka. “Today, we celebrate 3 million meals distributed through our partnership with HelloFresh, a collaboration that began during the pandemic and has only grown stronger. We’re grateful for their continued commitment to our community and the true spirit of Thanksgiving they bring to Newark. I want to thank my Chief of Staff, Amiri Baraka, for the amazing team of food distribution volunteers he formed six years ago and leads every single Wednesday as they care for residents in each of our five wards. Last but not least, I wish everyone in Newark a happy Thanksgiving — may we celebrate with gratitude, awareness, and solidarity.”
Newark Chief of Staff Amiri Baraka Jr. echoed the sentiment, stating, “I can’t think of any more meaningful work than making sure families have the nutrition they need to carry on in these difficult times, and it’s a privilege to help organize this effort. Our partnership with HelloFresh becomes more solid and deeper every year and we are grateful for new partners like Sunrise ShopRite of West Caldwell and Bindi North America who have embellished this year’s Thanksgiving meals with additional items for entrees and desserts.”
Expansion of Services
In response to recent SNAP benefit disruptions and growing food insecurity, HelloFresh announced an expansion of their Meals with Meaning efforts this holiday season, nearly doubling the number of meal boxes distributed through the end of the month.
Adam Kalikow, Managing Director of Meal Kits at HelloFresh US, emphasized the urgency. “We’re proud to partner with Mayor Baraka and the City of Newark, along with Colavita and Wuhl Shafman Lieberman Corporation to support families facing food insecurity this Thanksgiving. In New Jersey alone, more than 1 million people are food insecure and with the recent SNAP benefit disruptions, more households are being forced to stretch their budgets even further. While we’re honored to celebrate this 3 million meal milestone, we also recognize that the need remains urgent. We’re committed to continuing this important work together.”
Ned Gladstein, third-generation owner and CFO of Sunrise ShopRite of West Caldwell, noted their contribution: “We’re grateful to join this team effort to provide holiday foods to those in need, and we hope today’s donation brings comfort, joy, and a sense of togetherness to Thanksgiving tables across our community.”
Food rescue nonprofit Table to Table helped transport dozens of pallets of food. Executive Director Heather Thompson stated, “As New Jersey’s first and largest food rescue nonprofit, we are honored to be part of this effort to ensure that even more of our neighbors have fresh, nourishing, delicious food for the holidays this year. We have proudly partnered with HelloFresh and the City of Newark since this initiative began, providing safe pickup and transport of millions of donated meals for local residents. Everyone deserves a good meal – and when we work together, we can ensure that our neighbors have enough all year round.”
Bindi North America also contributed specialty desserts. President & CEO Alberto Paderi said, “As we approach the season of giving, we’re reminded that true gratitude is shown through action. At Bindi North America, staying grounded and connected to our local communities is not only a responsibility, it’s a core part of who we are. While Thanksgiving brings this spirit into focus, our commitment to extending a helping hand is a year-round promise, and we’re proud to stand alongside the City of Newark in this generous initiative.”
