MAYOR BARAKA MOBILIZES CITY OF NEWARK, NONPROFIT AND CORPORATE PARTNERS TO MEET RESIDENT NEEDS DURING GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN

Emergency meeting coordinates citywide response;

Food, clothing, holiday gifts and cash available at hubs in each ward

Newark, NJ – October 31, 2025 – Mayor Ras J. Baraka mobilized leaders, experts and community volunteers in an emergency task force to meet the looming economic crisis caused by the federal shutdown and cutbacks which threaten to block, delay or reduce food stamps and other economic benefits to Newarkers in need. The city counts more than 37,000 SNAP recipient households among its residents, including 29,000 children.

Mayor Baraka, working with Newark Public Schools, nonprofits corporations and faith leaders has identified one central location in each of Newark’s five wards to serve as hubs for food, clothing, holiday gifts other giveaways to Newark residents receiving SNAP.

Plans include arrangements for Newark public schools to stay open to provide meals to students during November school holidays. A website page to launch midday tomorrow, Saturday, November 1, will connect Newarkers to resources including emergency cash for utilities and other vital needs. It will contain more information for residents including how to have necessities delivered to seniors and homebound individuals. Check the City of Newark website and social pages for the link.

Operating Monday, Wednesday and Saturdays from Noon to 8:00 p.m., the five Community Ward Food Hubs are:

South Ward

Belmont Runyon

1 Belmont Way

Coordinator: Ronice 973-851-3496

South Improvement District

South Ward Promise

Clinton Hill Community Action

Central Ward

Dr. Elma Flagg or Camden

150 3RD Street

Coordinator: Abigail 516-680-3817

Greater Newark Conservancy

Boys and Girls Club

NCC

West Ward

Speedy Way Avenue

701 Orange Street

Coordinator: Chris Keys 862-405-3154

UVSO

Urban League

East Ward

South Street School

44 Hermon Street School

Coordinator: Charles 973-3-964-6077

Ironbound Community Crop

Montante

North Ward

Rafeal Hernadez

345 Broadway

Coordinator: Ivonne Salazar 973-943-5050

La Casa De Don Pedro

Focus411inc

To see Mayor’s message to residents, click here.