When federal cuts to SNAP benefits left thousands of New Jersey households with less support than before, Newark officials moved quickly to help residents bridge the gap. Mayor Ras J. Baraka met with local community organizations and directed every ward to establish an Emergency Food Hub, creating a coordinated citywide response to rising food insecurity.
In Clinton Hill, that directive came to life when the South Ward Emergency Food Hub opened its doors at Belmont Runyon Elementary School. The Hub, operated through a collaboration with the City of Newark, South Ward SID, BRICK Networks, and Clinton Hill Community Action, was designed to ease the increasing strain on residents across the South Ward.
More than 800,000 New Jersey residents rely on SNAP, including children, seniors, and people living with disabilities. NJ Spotlight News reported early projections that more than 22 million households nationwide, including nearly 400,000 in New Jersey, could lose some or all of their food assistance under the new federal guidelines. For families already struggling to make ends meet, the cuts created an urgent need for support.
Since launching on November 5, the South Ward Emergency Food Hub has seen steady and significant turnout. Marqese Singleton, the South Ward Emergency Food Hub Project Manager, reported that the Hub served more than 250 families in its first week and has now supported over 700 families. Residents have arrived with their own bags and carts to collect groceries, and volunteers have stepped in to help pack, organize, and coordinate deliveries for seniors and homebound residents.
During a visit on November 7, Mayor Baraka recognized the teams behind each ward’s food hub and underscored the importance of coordinated local action. “This is in every ward in the city, and I just want to shout out all the organizations that help make this a reality for us in the City of Newark.”, said Baraka. His visit highlighted the role community-based organizations are playing in meeting immediate needs while families wait for broader systemic solutions.
How the South Ward Emergency Food Hub Works
Location:
Belmont Runyon Elementary School
1 Belmont Runyon Way, Newark
Hours of Operation:
Mondays and Wednesdays, 3PM to 7PM
Saturdays, 12PM to 3PM
Eligibility:
- Newark residents
- Valid ID required
- SNAP or EBT card holders are prioritized
- Delivery available for seniors and residents unable to travel to the site
For More Information:
Contact: Ronice Bruce
Email: ronice.bruce@gmail.com
Phone: 201-228-0757
