Nourishing Newark  Program: Combating Food Insecurity through Community Empowerment

In 2022, the City of Newark, under the leadership of Mayor Ras J. Baraka, launched the Nourishing Newark Community Grants Program, a $2 million initiative aimed at addressing food insecurity intensified by the economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic. This program reflects Newark’s commitment to fostering sustainable, community-driven solutions to hunger and food access challenges, particularly in neighborhoods classified as “food deserts.”

‍

Key Objectives:

• ‍Eradicating Food Deserts: The program aligns with the New Jersey Economic Development Authority’s (NJEDA) Food Desert Relief Program, focusing on areas where residents struggle to access affordable, healthy food. By supporting local initiatives, the program seeks to transform these areas into thriving “food oases.”
• ‍Supporting Community-Based Solutions: Grants were awarded to 14 community organizations engaged in urban agriculture, cooperative food distribution, and educational programming. These organizations are pivotal in creating resilient food systems, reducing reliance on external food sources, and empowering local residents.

• Expanding Urban Food Cooperatives and Distribution Channels: The grants fund projects that increase the availability of fresh produce through community gardens, farmer’s markets, and innovative food co-ops like Clinton Hill’s “Nourish to Flourish” initiative, a resident-run market in Newark’s South Ward.

• Education and Empowerment: In addition to food distribution, the program supports training and workshops to enhance gardening skills and promote healthy eating.  

‍

Impact:

Since the onset of the pandemic, Newark has distributed over eight million meals, underscoring the city's dedication to food security. The Nourishing Newark initiative builds on this success by funding sustainable projects that not only provide immediate relief but also lay the groundwork for long-term food sovereignty.

Through partnerships with non-profits, schools, urban farmers, and local organizations, the program fosters a sense of community ownership and innovation in tackling food insecurity. By supporting diverse initiatives—from urban farms to cooperative food models—it ensures that Newark families have greater access to nutritious, culturally relevant food, reducing barriers and promoting health equity.

Grantees:

1. Go Green Initiative: Nourishing Students - Mind, Body, and Spirit

This project aimed to empower students at Central and West Side High Schools by addressing critical issues related to food insecurity and access to clean drinking water. Through the creation of Nutritional Advisory Councils and the introduction of Tower Gardens, students actively engaged in improving food quality and availability while fostering STEM learning.

Key initiatives included:

• Tower Gardens Installation: Eight hydroponic gardens produced fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs, enhancing meal quality and student engagement.

• Clean Water Access: Filtered water bottle refill stations ensured consistent access to clean drinking water.

• Cultural Representation in Meals: Collaborating with culinary programs and stakeholders to create diverse, culturally appropriate meal options.

• Composting & Food Waste Reduction: Education on sustainable practices to minimize waste.

This holistic approach empowered students to lead change, improve nutrition, and promote sustainability in their schools and communities.

‍

2. City Green Incorporated: Good Food Bucks and Farmers Market Capacity Building

Good Food Bucks Program: Expanding Access to Healthy Food for Newark Residents

The Good Food Bucks Program addresses food insecurity in Newark by increasing access to fresh, nutritious, and affordable produce for SNAP participants. With 18.6% food insecurity in Essex County and a high poverty rate in Newark, this initiative was critical in promoting public health and reducing diet-related illnesses like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.

Key features of the program included:

• Nutrition Incentives: SNAP shoppers received dollar-for-dollar matches through "Good Food Bucks" when purchasing fruits and vegetables at participating farmers markets and retailers, improving food affordability.

• Local Partnerships: Good Food Bucks is available at five farmers markets and one supermarket in Newark, including Newark Beth Israel Hospital and Ironbound Community Corporation’s Down Bottom Farms.

• Community Impact: Since 2016, over 16,000 SNAP and WIC beneficiaries have redeemed $206,000 in incentives, increasing fresh produce consumption and supporting local farmers.

By fostering direct connections between producers and consumers, the program empowered residents, enhanced food access, and strengthened Newark’s food system.

3. M.E.N.D (Meeting Essential Needs with Dignity): The Fresh Food Collaborative Project

The MEND Fresh Food Collaborative is transforming food access in Newark by prioritizing the nutritional needs, cultural preferences, and dignity of those facing hunger. By leveraging innovative solutions and partnerships, the program focuses on delivering fresh, healthy food to underserved communities through mobile markets and home deliveries.

Key Initiatives:

• Mobile Markets: The Green Bean, a school bus turned mobile market, delivers free fresh produce directly to food pantries, reducing logistical challenges.

• Fresh Food Hub: A dedicated hub sources culturally relevant fresh food, addressing gaps in pantry supply.

• MEND on the Move: A program blending mobile markets and home deliveries to reduce barriers to accessing healthy food.

• Community-Centric Approach: Pantries and community partners have direct input on how they are supported, ensuring food aligns with residents’ needs and preferences.

Impact and Outcomes:

• Increased fresh food access for Newark residents.

• Improved health and nutrition outcomes.

• Enhanced support for local food pantries and community organizations.

• Heightened engagement and volunteer opportunities in Newark.

With a 700% increase in food distribution since 2020, the Fresh Food Collaborative continues to meet the rising demand, addressing food insecurity and fostering healthier communities in Newark.

4. The Greater Newark Conservancy: Plot It Fresh Mini-Grant Program

The Plot It Fresh Mini-Grant Program supports Newark’s urban agriculture movement by providing funding, technical assistance, and essential resources to both new and experienced local growers. By fostering community participation and expanding access to gardening knowledge, the program aims to enhance local food production and distribution.

Key Initiatives:

• Funding Support: Grants for 15 community gardens and 8 school gardens annually.

• Skill Building: Hosting 10 open garden workshops and 4 resource distributions each year to equip growers with the tools and knowledge they need.

• Resource Access: Providing essential materials like soil, compost, and raised bed lumber, along with site setup recommendations.

Outcomes:

• Increased food production and distribution from Newark garden sites.

• Greater community engagement and participation in local gardens.

• Enhanced technical knowledge and skills among local growers.

The program also serves as a response to rising interest in urban agriculture, catalyzed by the COVID-19 pandemic, and aims to strengthen Newark’s local food systems through strategic investments in community-driven efforts.

‍

5. Better Tomorrows: Nourishing Better Tomorrows

Better Tomorrows aimed to combat food insecurity in Newark’s affordable housing communities by providing access to fresh, healthy food and empowering residents with nutrition knowledge and gardening skills. Focused on Harrison Park Square, Somerset Brownstones, and Boulevard West, the program integrated food access, health education, and community-building activities.

Core Initiatives: ‍

• Food Pantry Creation:
  • Increased food production and distribution from Newark garden sites.
  • Established food pantries at Harrison Park Square and Somerset Brownstones in partnership with the Community Food Bank of New Jersey, ensuring consistent access to nutritious food.
  • Developed the necessary infrastructure for food storage and distribution.

• Community Gardens:
  • Built accessible community gardens at Harrison Park Square and Somerset Brownstones, incorporating raised beds for elderly residents.
  • Introduced indoor gardening at Boulevard West, providing fresh produce year-round with support from Kids in Business.

• Nutrition and Cooking Education:
  • Hosted nutrition and cooking classes across all three sites, teaching residents how to prepare culturally relevant, nutritious meals using garden-grown produce.
  • Promoted understanding of the health benefits of fresh food, encouraging shifts away from processed, pre-packaged meals.

Outcomes:

• Increased Access to Healthy Food: Residents have convenient access to fresh, locally grown produce, reducing food insecurity.

• Improved Health and Wellness: Gardening and fresh food consumption supported better physical and mental health outcomes.

• Community Engagement: Gardening projects strengthened community ties, fostering collaboration and empowerment.

• Sustainable Solutions: The program provided long-term strategies for residents to maintain their health and nutrition, even amidst future challenges.

By integrating food access, education, and active engagement, Better Tomorrows enhanced health and well-being of Newark residents, fostering upward mobility and resilience.

6. La Casa de Don Pedro: Newark Farm Stand Learning Project

The Newark Farm Stand Learning Project, supported by Nourishing Newark, addressed food insecurity in Newark’s food deserts by providing free, fresh produce alongside learning opportunities that foster empowerment, ownership, and community engagement. This initiative bridged Newark’s urban farming sector with nonprofits like La Casa, which served vulnerable households, particularly families with young children.

Key Project Components:

• Farm Stand Learning Campus Development:
  • Located at 218-222 First Street in Newark’s Roseville neighborhood (North & Central Food Desert), this campus will transform a blighted area into a hub for food access and education.
  • Features included a food pantry, refrigerated storage, raised garden beds, and an outdoor kitchen (to be added in Year 2). The campus also provided access to commercial kitchens at La Casa’s early childhood centers. ‍

• Farm Stand Sites:
  • Three locations served as distribution and learning centers: ‍

• First Street Campus (North & Central Food Desert) ‍
  • 43-47 Broadway (North & Central Food Desert) ‍
  • 35-45 Elizabeth Avenue or 30 Demarest Street (South Food Desert)

• Food Access and Learning Opportunities:
  • Weekly access to fresh produce and essential staples using a “Farm Stand Approach” that emphasizes dignity and choice.
  • Nutrition and cooking workshops focused on healthy eating, food appreciation, and waste reduction.
  • Activities encouraging connections to local farming and home gardening.
  • Volunteer opportunities fostering community ownership and engagement.
  • Comprehensive case management and access to social services through La Casa’s network.

Outcomes:

• Increased Food Access: 300 households received fresh, local produce weekly in a dignified, choice-based setting.

• Empowerment and Ownership: Participants engaged in volunteerism, fostering a sense of community and ownership.

• Improved Health and Nutrition: Families gained knowledge about healthy eating, farm-to-table practices, and food preparation.

• Stronger Community Connections: The project built ties between residents, urban farms, and support services, creating a sustainable network of food security.

• Stigma Reduction: By focusing on empowerment and education, the project shifted perceptions around food assistance, emphasizing dignity and self-sufficiency.

‍

The Newark Farm Stand Learning Project was a transformative initiative that not only provided fresh food but also empowered Newark’s most vulnerable families to take control of their health and well-being through education, community engagement, and support services.

‍

7. Newark Science and Sustainability, Inc (Newark SAS) with support from Urban Agriculture Cooperative: Newark Community Food System (NCFS)

The Newark Community Food System (NCFS) is a comprehensive initiative led by Newark Science and Sustainability and the Urban Agriculture Cooperative. It aims to reduce food insecurity through a holistic approach that integrates local food supply chains, community engagement, and education. By leveraging the Farm-to-Table Cooperative, workshops, and local market access, the NCFS project promotes food justice and sustainability while fostering economic growth and cultural preservation.

Core Project Elements:

• Farm-to-Table Cooperative:
  • Provides fresh, healthy food to 100 families annually, ensuring consistent access to local produce.
  • Encourages SNAP, WIC, and other assistance program utilization to make local food more accessible.
  • Supports local growers by creating a stable, year-round customer base. ‍
• Workshops and Education:
  • Offers workshops on Nutrition, Food Justice, and Urban Farming, equipping residents with the knowledge to make informed food choices.
  • Emphasizes the cultural and historical significance of urban farming, particularly for communities of African descent. ‍

• Local Market Access and Policy Advocacy:
  • Expands community access to fresh produce through farmers’ markets and online markets for year-round consumption.
  • Advocates for policies that support local food consumption and economic development. ‍
• Economic and Community Impact:
  • Strengthens local economies by cycling money back into the community through cooperative models.
  • Promotes urban farming as a pathway to green jobs and economic sustainability.
  • Preserves Newark’s greenspaces and fosters community pride and ownership.

The Newark Community Food System is not just about food access—it’s about empowering residents, revitalizing the local economy, and building a more equitable and resilient Newark.

‍

8. Project U.S.E: Newark Healthy Food Access and Empowerment Project

The Grace West Community Garden Initiative

The Grace West Community Garden Initiative was a collaborative project designed to reduce food insecurity for low-income households by increasing access to fresh, locally grown produce. Through partnerships, on-site gardening, skill-building workshops, and mobile food distribution, the project empowered Newark residents to take control of their food systems, promoting healthier lifestyles and community engagement.

Core Project Components:

Community Garden Expansion at Grace West:

• Utilizing Existing Infrastructure: The project re-established and expanded the community garden at Grace West, leveraging existing space and garden infrastructure.

• Resident Engagement: The initiative engaged residents of all ages in planting, growing, and harvesting produce, fostering a sense of ownership and pride.

Pedal Farmers Program:

• Active Participation: Newark residents, including staff and students, partnered with Grace West residents to cultivate the garden.

• Skill Development: Participants gained hands-on experience in urban farming, contributing to community food security.

Mobile Food Distribution:

• Expanding Access: Using public spaces like Jesse Allen Park and partnerships with faith-based institutions and nonprofits, fresh produce was distributed to residents who faced mobility or transportation barriers.

• COVID-19 Preparedness: Equipment acquired during the pandemic facilitated efficient mobile distribution.

Educational Workshops and Empowerment:

• Gardening Skills Training: Workshops taught residents basic and advanced gardening skills, enabling them to grow food at home or in community spaces.

• Healthy Living Programs: Informational workshops on nutrition, healthy living, and cooking demonstrations were hosted at the Grace West community center.

• Support and Resources: Residents were connected to programs like the City’s Love Your Block grants to develop community-led projects related to gardening and food access.

‍Conclusion:

The Grace West Community Garden Initiative created a sustainable, community-driven solution to food insecurity. By expanding access to fresh, locally grown food, offering educational programs, and fostering resident empowerment, the project improved health outcomes and strengthened community ties in Newark. Through collaboration, skill-building, and innovative food distribution, this initiative took a vital step toward achieving food justice and community resilience.

9. United Community Corporation (UCC): UCC’s Nourishing Food Deserts Through Innovation Plan

The Nourishing Through Innovation Program by the United Community Corporation (UCC) is a comprehensive initiative aimed at eradicating food insecurity and poverty across all five wards and four food deserts of Newark. By leveraging innovative strategies, UCC is committed to making healthy food accessible, dignified, and empowering for Newark residents.

Key Program Components:

• UCC Café Mobile Feeding Program: ‍
  • Mobile Meals: Utilizing a retrofitted food truck funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, UCC provides freshly cooked and packaged meals to vulnerable populations, including individuals without housing and seniors. ‍
  • Citywide Reach: The food truck delivers nutritious meals across all five wards and food deserts, ensuring flexibility and accessibility for those most in need.
• ‍Community Refrigerator Program: ‍
  • Daily Stocking: UCC operates two community refrigerators in the East and West Wards, stocked daily to provide free meals in a dignified, stigma-free manner.
  • ‍Expanding Access: With additional funding, UCC plans to increase the number of community refrigerators, offering residents greater choice and autonomy in how they access food assistance. ‍
• Nutritional Education and Self-Sufficiency: ‍
  • Workshops and Training: UCC offers workshops, recipes, and culturally appropriate cooking classes to teach residents how to prepare healthy meals. ‍
  • Health Outcomes: These programs aim to improve community health by addressing disparities in chronic diseases through better nutrition and food preparation practices. ‍
• Supporting Local Growers and Vendors: ‍
  • Local Sourcing: UCC allocates funds to purchase fresh, locally grown produce, supporting Newark’s economy and providing healthy food to the community. ‍
  • Incentives for Participation: Residents participating in nutritional education programs can earn gift certificates and rewards redeemable with local growers, encouraging community engagement and healthy eating habits. ‍
• Food Pantry Expansion: ‍
  • Champion House and Ann Street Locations: UCC’s traditional food pantry services continue to operate in the South and East Wards, distributing groceries to residents and partner organizations.

• Increased Capacity:
  • ‍ Funding will allow UCC to expand its food assistance services by hiring additional staff and finding a larger headquarters, enhancing its ability to meet growing community needs
  • ‍

10. Clinton Hill Community Action: Nourish-to-Flourish: From Desert to Food Oasis

The Nourish-to-Flourish: From Desert to Food Oasis project, in partnership with the City of Newark, aimed to establish a Farmers Market and the first-ever resident-run Food Co-op in the South Ward. The initiative built on existing food pantries, community gardens, collaborations with local corner stores, and small grocers to create a robust, sustainable food ecosystem. The goal was to end hunger by ensuring that all residents, especially those struggling financially, had access to fresh, healthy food. At the same time, the project promoted healthy food choices and increased access to locally grown produce

Key Program Components:

• Expanding Food Pantry Capacity:

• Increased Access: The project expanded food pantry operations to serve more residents, ensuring that those in need could access food consistently and in larger quantities.

• Community Support: By bolstering existing food pantries, the project enhanced the ability of these local resources to address the immediate food needs of the community.

• Farmers Market Creation: ‍
  • Affordable Fresh Produce: A new farmers market was established in the South Ward, bringing fresh, locally grown produce into the community. This market made healthy food options more accessible, especially for residents in areas with limited access to fresh food. ‍
  • Community Integration: The farmers market will serve as a key community hub, connecting residents to local farmers and promoting healthy eating habits.

• Resident-Run Food Co-op:

• Affordable and Accessible Options: A food co-op with a tiered membership model allowed residents to access healthy food at prices they could afford. The "pay what you can afford" option ensured low-income residents had the opportunity to buy fresh food without financial strain.

• Community Ownership: The food co-op was run by residents, empowering them to take ownership of the food system in their community.

• Nutrition and Education: The co-op hosted educational programs on nutrition, healthy cooking, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. These workshops also connected residents to available programs and resources that promoted long-term health.

• Building Community Wealth and Ownership:

• Economic Empowerment: The project offered residents opportunities to engage in community wealth-building activities, including selling artisanal goods and gaining training in various aspects of the food retail industry (e.g., purchasing, distribution).

• Cooperative Development: This project transformed current food distribution efforts into community-owned food enterprises that provided financial opportunities and promoted self-sufficiency.

‍

11. Urban League of Essex County (ULEC) + AMPERE Civic Improvement Association: Increasing Fresh Food in Fairmount

The Urban League of Essex County (The League) received funding to expand its food pantry operations by providing fresh produce, establishing a community farmers market, and fostering local urban agriculture. These efforts aimed to address food insecurity and health disparities in Newark's West Ward, classified as a Level 3 food desert according to the NJEDA’s 2022 assessment. The initiative focused on improving access to fresh, affordable food while empowering residents to grow and sell their own produce, creating a more sustainable and health-conscious food system in the community.

• Key Program Components:

• Food Pantry Fresh Produce Expansion:

• Increased Access to Healthy Foods: The funding supported the integration of fresh produce into the existing food pantry operations, providing residents with healthier alternatives to processed foods. This expansion allowed the pantry to serve more people with cost-effective and nutritious food options.

• Addressing Health Disparities: By increasing access to fresh produce, the project helped combat chronic health issues in the African American and LatinX communities, such as obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes, which were exacerbated by poor diet and limited access to healthy food.

• Establishment of a Community Farmers Market:

• Location and Access: The farmers market was established at either the Martin Luther King (MLK) Garden site on Central Avenue or the Fairmount Switching Station Community Grounds on Littleton Avenue. These central locations provided easier access to fresh, locally grown produce for West Ward residents.

• Support for Local Farmers: Local residents received support to establish organic farm plots, where they grew produce to sell at the farmers market. This initiative promoted self-sufficiency and provided income opportunities for community members.

• Pollinator Ecosystem and Urban Beekeeping:

• Pollinator Health: The project created a robust pollinator ecosystem in the Fairmount area, vital for sustainable food production. It included instruction and support for urban beekeeping, fostering environmental stewardship.

• Urban Beekeeping Training: Residents were trained to establish and manage four hive sites in Newark's West Ward, contributing to local food production and environmental health.

• Gardening and Sustainable Agriculture Education:

• Organic Gardening Training: Of the 32 raised garden beds at the MLK Garden, 16 were dedicated to resident gardeners, while the remaining 16 focused on soil biodiversity and reclamation. This division provided both immediate access to fresh produce and long-term ecological benefits for the community.

• Building Knowledge: The project increased residents’ understanding of organic gardening, food production, and sustainable farming practices. Participants learned how to grow their own food and develop skills for maintaining a healthy, organic lifestyle.

• Cultural Shift in Food Practices:

• The initiative promoted a cultural shift by reintroducing food production knowledge, which had been lost as society became more urbanized. It helped residents understand the origins of their food and its impact on their health and the environment.

• Goals and Benefits:

• Increase Access to Fresh Produce:

• The establishment of the farmers market and the integration of fresh produce into the food pantry provided residents with better access to healthy foods, directly addressing food deserts in the West Ward.

• Healthier Lifestyles and Education:

• The project aimed to combat diet-related health issues by providing nutritious foods and educating residents on incorporating healthy eating into their daily lives. Workshops on organic gardening, healthy cooking, and nutrition empowered the community to make sustainable, health-conscious decisions.

• Community Empowerment and Economic Opportunity:

• By supporting local residents in growing and selling produce at the farmers market, the project created economic opportunities and fostered community ownership of the local food system. Residents were trained in beekeeping and gardening, offering additional skills that could lead to future employment and self-sufficiency.

• Environmental Stewardship:

• The integration of beekeeping and the focus on soil biodiversity supported sustainable agriculture and promoted environmental consciousness. Residents learned about the vital role pollinators play in food production and how to care for their environment.

‍