Newark Working Kitchens (NWK), a Covid-19 response that activates Newark’s restaurants to deliver nutritious meals to low-income seniors and families, has announced it will deliver over 10,000 Thanksgiving meals to Newark residents on November 23-26. Each of the 24 Newark-based restaurants involved in NWK has created their own Thanksgiving-inspired menu, and will deliver thousands of meals to local residents in senior, low-income and disabled housing.
As the Newark community continues to face restrictions and challenges brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic, NWK wants to ensure that the community members most in need will have a warm meal for the holiday.
This collaboration has been made possible thanks to a special donation from Audible’s Black Employee Network (BEN). Audible launched Newark Working Kitchens in April as a continuation of its years-long support for local restaurants.
“I celebrate and thank these amazing restaurants that have delivered more than 600,000 meals and will continue cooking for their neighbors most in need around Thanksgiving,” said Don Katz, Audible founder and executive chairman. “Newark Working Kitchens continues to be validated as a win-win for community members without enough food and the independent small businesses that can stay in business, and I urge corporations, philanthropies and donors of all giving levels to help us sustain this vital program.”
“2020 has been a challenging year and for many that means a very different Thanksgiving than what’s been enjoyed in the past, so we appreciate impactful supporters like Newark Working Kitchens (NWK) helping our residents through these times,” said Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka.
“During the holiday season everyone deserves to be able to eat a hot meal. Especially this year when we’re in the midst of a pandemic, it’s important that we take care of our neighbors,” said Walter Green, owner of Uncle Willie’s Wings. “Community is so important to me and 2020 has presented challenges that none of us could have ever imagined. This Thanksgiving I am so grateful that I survived Covid-19 and that my restaurant survived its first year of operations. None of this would have been possible if I hadn’t been able to become a part of Newark Working Kitchens to serve Newark during this difficult time.”
“The decision was easy, there is a sense of urgency in today’s world, especially when it comes to food insecurity. Hunger doesn’t wait,” said Audible Black Employee Network (BEN) co-leader Yvonne Durant.
Since launching in April, NWK has delivered more than 600,000 meals to more than 10,000 residents across 60 locations. All meals are prepared by NWK’s 24 participating restaurants, more than half of which are minority-and/or female-owned. NWK has sustained hundreds of jobs during the pandemic and helped restaurants relaunch services and rehire staff over the last six months.
Current participating NWK restaurants include:
Andros Restaurant & Diner
Barcade
Blueprint Café
Bulgogi Zip
City Rub Smokehouse
Fresh Coast
Harvest Table
Kilkenny Alehouse
King’s Family Restaurant & Catering
King’s #1 Family Restaurant
La Cocina
Lit 21
Marcus B&P
McGovern’s Tavern
Mercato Tomato Pie/Novelty Burger
Nizi Sushi
O’LaLa Empanadas
Panzz Seafood & Wings
Pita Square
Robert’s Pizza
Sigri Indian BBQ
The Halal Guys
Uncle Willie’s Wings
Veggie Walla
