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UCC, Hyatt Court Center of Hope Host Ribbon-Cutting for New Community Refrigerator
United Community Corporation (UCC) is continuing its efforts to mitigate food insecurity across Newark with the installation this week of the agency's seventh free community refrigerator at the John W. Hyatt Court complex in the city's Ironbound neighborhood.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony was hosted July 17 at 11 Hawkins Court for the launch of the new community refrigerator. The refrigerators provide residents with around-the-clock access to staple goods such as milk, juice, cheese, fresh fruits and vegetables, all at no cost.
The ceremony was held with the Hyatt Center of Hope and Table to Table. The event was attended by various city officials and Newark elected officials, including city mayor Ras Baraka and East Ward Councilman Michael Silva. Additional attendees included the H.I.P.P. Afterschool Program, the Devils Youth Foundation, Yendor Arts, and more than 30 youth participating in the city’s summer camp program. It is currently expanding to address the needs of senior citizens.
Speaking on the significance of the community refrigerator’s launch at the Hyatt Court complex was UCC Executive Director Craig Mainor. He noted that the initiative is a pivotal step in combating food insecurity in Newark. “Together, we are ensuring that Newark families have reliable access to fresh and nutritious food, reinforcing our commitment to supporting the well-being and resilience of our community,” said Mainor. “We are grateful for our partnerships with the Centers of Hope, Table to Table and Newark Housing Authority to help bring healthy food directly to communities that need it most.”
Launched in January 2022, UCC's community refrigerator initiative aims to tackle food insecurity head-on by installing units across each of Newark's five wards and throughout the greater Newark area. For the installation of the refrigerator at Hyatt Court, UCC partnered with the city’s Center of Hope to develop the refrigerator food service and made the first delivery to stock it prior to the ceremony. Future deliveries will be made by Table to Table. UCC is also providing additional staffing and resources for the center, which provides programs to 30 youth during the school year and 34 during the summer.
“A basic need of human beings is nourishment, both for the body and the soul,” said Baraka. “By providing this refrigerator and its contents 24/7 to the neighbors here in the East Ward, we meet both needs, as we feed and affirm the value of these residents to our citywide community. Newark is shrinking our food deserts neighborhood by neighborhood, and infusing these areas with healthful meal essentials to build strong, healthy individuals and families, and improve their quality of life.”
UCC’s Community Refrigerator initiative has expanded since the first unit was installed two years ago at 106 Ann St. in the city's East Ward. In addition to the recent launch of the community refrigerator at Hyatt Court, the agency currently operates units outside its 31 Fulton Street Emergency Shelter, 332 S. 8th Street the Village Housing Complex, La Casa de Don Pedro's 39 Broadway location, the Shani Baraka Women's Resource Center, and at 1916 Springfield Ave., in Maplewood. The initiative provides more than just accessible fresh food for the community. It provides an opportunity for UCC’s YouthBuild program students to take part in designing, building and installing the refrigerator’s protective structure from scratch. The project helps students further develop their leadership skills by allowing them to see and understand the importance of working together to empower their community.
The community refrigerators service areas of greater Newark, most of which are designated “food deserts” in New Jersey. In 2022, sections of each of Newark’s five wards were deemed “food deserts” by the state Economic Development Authority. A food desert is defined as a region where people have limited access to healthy and affordable food. Hyatt Court residents like Marcus M. understand the struggles local families face when it comes to food insecurity. Upon the launch of the complex’s new community refrigerator, he said it will go a long way in servicing individuals who need it most.
“I am grateful to be a part of something as big as the UCC Community Refrigerator. From being a teen, coming to the Hyatt Court recreational facility, to now being an adult who is a part of giving back is a huge blessing,” Marcus said. “I am certain the food will not last long on the racks. Lastly, I am thankful to be a part of UCC and the Centers of Hope for providing a great service like this refrigerator. I know all will enjoy it, and we are working to bring more to our community.”
UCC's community refrigerator program is made possible through the support of various partners including the Devils Youth Foundation, the Office of Faith-Based Initiatives, Wellpoint, the Community FoodBank of New Jersey, MEND, and the Presbytery of Northeast New Jersey.