COVID-19 Emergency Food Distribution

The Board of County Commissioners will hold two food distributions events for Union County residents to aid those affected by COVID-19 in the month of January.

A drive-up distribution will be held Saturday, January 23, beginning at 8:30 a.m. at Union County Vocational Technical School, located at 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains. On January 30, beginning at 8:30 a.m., a drive-up and walk-up distribution will take place at Warinanco Park in Roselle. The January 30 distribution will take place at the Skating Rink within the park and residents should use the Park Avenue entrance.

The food distributions are open to all Union County residents. Food will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis and no registration is required. The events will take place rain or shine.

The food distribution is being coordinated by the County of Union with support from Village Supermarket and Gargiulo Produce.

“Food distributions have become a lifeline for our residents during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said County Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “We are proud to be able to continue providing this valuable resource in 2021 to our residents.”

“Residents continue to face unprecedented levels of unemployment, housing issues and food insecurity and we are working hard to help everyone put food on their table,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados who also serves as Liaison to the Human Services Advisory Council. “We thank Village Supermarket and Gargiulo Produce for their partnership in this effort.”

Residents wishing to pick up food at Union County Vocational Technical School must arrive in a vehicle. Walk-ups will not be accommodated in Scotch Plains.

Residents picking up food at the Roselle distribution can arrive in a car or walk-up to the distribution site at Warinanco Park.

Upon arrival, proof of New Jersey residency and indicate how many people reside in their household will have to be provided. Recipients will receive an emergency box of produce, dairy and shelf stable food, with enough to sustain a family for several days. Please note that only one box of food will be provided per vehicle or walk-up recipient at each distribution event.

This event will run in compliance with state COVID-19 orders, regarding social distancing and other protocols. All drive-up recipients must remain in their cars with windows rolled up at all times, otherwise masks are required. Food boxes will be placed in the trunk or truck bed of the vehicle by volunteers.

Walk-up recipients must wear masks at all times and maintain social distance.  Walk-up recipients should bring a cart or be able to carry several food bags at the walk-up area.

For questions and more information, residents may call the UCDHS Director’s Action Line at 888-845-3434 or 908-558-2288.

To learn more about the Village Super Market, visit: https://www.myvillagesupermarket.com.  

To learn more about Gargiulo Produce, visit: http://www.gargiuloproduce.com.