Feeding Newark’s Families and Anchoring the Community
Access to nutritious food is a fundamental human right. UCC’s Food Assistance Department, led by Director Maria Torres, is a lifeline for the city, distributing over 220,000 lbs of food annually to ensure that no neighbor goes hungry. Whether you need emergency groceries, a warm meal, or a quick snack from a community fridge, UCC is here to serve you.
Our Comprehensive Food Network
We meet our residents where they are, providing multiple layers of support to combat food insecurity:
Champion House Food Pantry:
Our central food hub in Newark provides food monthly including non-perishable groceries and fresh produce.
The "UCCafe" Mobile Food Truck:
Our mobile unit brings nutritional support directly into “food deserts” and underserved neighborhoods throughout Newark and Essex County.
Community Refrigerators:
UCC operates six community refrigerators across the city, providing 24/7, barrier-free access to fresh staples like milk, eggs, and produce.
Community Kitchen:
We operate a full-service kitchen dedicated to preparing and serving warm, nutritious meals to our most vulnerable residents, including the homeless and homebound.
Monthly Distributions:
In addition to daily operations, we host large-scale community food distributions at Champion House to ensure high-volume support for families in need.
How to access the champion House Pantry
To ensure we can serve as many families as possible, the pantry provides one comprehensive food package per month.
Champion House Food Pantry
409 S 18th Street, Newark, NJ 07103
908-967-0362
fooddistribution@uccnewark.org
What To Bring
To enroll, please bring the following documents:
1. Government-Issued Photo ID
2. Social Security Card
3. Proof of Recent Residency (Lease, mail, library card, or proof of income). Note: If you have no income, you will be asked to complete a zero-income verification form.
No ID? No Problem. If you currently lack identification, we will provide you with a complimentary emergency food package and immediately refer you to our case management team, who will help you apply for new documents.
Plan Your Visit
Call Ahead: We highly encourage residents to call 908-967-0362 prior to arrival to confirm hours and availability.
End-of-Month Support: We recognize that many NJ SNAP participants run low on resources toward the end of the month. We prioritize being a "safety net" during these critical times.