Mayor Ras J. Baraka and HelloFresh staff distributed 2,800 turkeys and 1,000 HelloFresh Thanksgiving dinner side dish kits to Newark residents today at CityPlex 12 in Newark’s Central Ward. Distribution was free and open to the public.

This city’s giveaway, including approximately 260 frozen turkeys donated by ShopRite of Newark, was in addition to the 500 turkeys already donated by Newark’s Department of Health & Community Wellness at three health clinic locations. Another 1,200 turkeys are expected to be distributed by the Department of Public Safety on Tuesday, November 26, at 11 a.m., at its headquarters at 480 Clinton Avenue, and an additional 220 turkeys will be given away by the Newark Police Foundation at the Second Precinct at 1 Lincoln Avenue at 12:20 p.m. Early arrival is suggested for first come, first served at both locations.

“There is an adage that the gift, the giver and the receiver are one,” Mayor Baraka said. “Here in Newark, we know the truth in this – how the lines between the three are blurred when we are united in an act of generosity. I am proud of my administration’s long-term commitment to providing nutritious food to Newark’s families, and of my brother, Chief of Staff Amiri Baraka Jr., who has assembled a network of caring volunteers who collaborate with HelloFresh. They have been distributing meals, not just on Thanksgiving, but once a week, every week, for going on five years now.”

“I am not aware of any city in the U.S. that leverages the power of collaboration as widely and effectively as we do in Newark,” said Newark Chief of Staff Amiri Baraka Jr. “Cooperation permeates our city culture and results in such meaningful events as this Thanksgiving giveaway. Our partnership with HelloFresh melds the efforts of volunteers with the generosity of HelloFresh, bringing more than a thousand meals kits to Newarkers each week, and providing this reason for extra gratitude each Thanksgiving.”

"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, North America. "In New Jersey, more than 1 million individuals are food insecure, and of that, one-third are children. That's why we're honored to partner with Mayor Baraka and the City of Newark to provide meaningful assistance to the community and work together to combat food insecurity this holiday season and beyond."

“Once again, the ShopRite of Newark is happy to help neighbors who are struggling, to enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving meal,” said Neil Greenstein, owner and operator of the ShopRite of Newark. “We are thankful to Mayor Baraka and his team and all the organizations that raise awareness about food insecurity and help fight hunger in our community. Since opening up our doors over ten years ago, it has been our commitment to give back to the community we serve every day. ”

The city’s partnership with HelloFresh began at the beginning of the COVID shutdown in April 2020, providing free meal kits to Newark residents facing food insecurity. The program continues to this day, with volunteers packing and distributing 1,300 boxes per week at locations rotating through the city’s five wards.

HelloFresh aims to change the way people eat forever, inclusive of those facing food insecurity. Its social impact program focuses on reducing food waste and creating a more equitable food system for those in need. The program consists of their “Meals with Meaning” initiative, launched in 2020, as a response to the pandemic and elevated rates of food insecurity. The free meal kits include HelloFresh ingredients and step-by-step recipe cards to create home-cooked meals.

For photographs click here.

‍