NEWARK, N.J. – RWJBarnabas Health has launched its annual holiday giving campaign, distributing more than 37.6 tons of fresh produce and 4,175 turkeys across New Jersey to help combat food insecurity.
The initiative comes as many families continue to face hardship following federal SNAP benefit reductions.
The statewide effort includes food drives in partnership with 22 community-based organizations and Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), ensuring fresh food reaches residents in need before the holidays.
Since 2023, RWJBarnabas Health has invested nearly $20 million in food programs across New Jersey, with another $7 million planned for next year.
Health system expands statewide partnerships to combat hunger
RWJBarnabas Health’s community drives this season include events at Monmouth Family Health Center in Long Branch, Eric B. Chandler Health Center in New Brunswick, Neighborhood Health Services in Elizabeth and Plainfield, Metropolitan Family Health Network in Jersey City, Zufall Health in West Orange, Newark Community Health Center in East Orange, and both Mary Eliza Mahoney Health Center and Saint James Health in Newark.
The system is also working with the Community FoodBank of New Jersey to distribute an additional 344 turkeys, 315 chickens, and 30 hams.
“Our mission is not just to provide care in the places we work, but to meet the needs of our communities where they live,” said Mark E. Manigan, President and Chief Executive Officer of RWJBarnabas Health. “We take seriously our historic role as a provider to New Jersey’s most vulnerable.”
Community leaders join in Newark holiday drive
On Nov. 24, Manigan joined Newark Councilmen Michael J. Silva and Anibal Ramos Jr., along with RWJBarnabas Health employees, to distribute food boxes and turkeys during the RWJBarnabas Health and Saint James Health Holiday Food Drive in Newark’s East Ward.
The organization’s Community Health team and hospital leaders participated in the event, which is part of a broader systemwide initiative to support local feeding programs and address health inequities tied to food insecurity.
Earlier this year, RWJBarnabas Health also contributed $1 million to 14 local food organizations during the federal government shutdown to keep meals flowing to vulnerable residents.
RWJBarnabas Health’s holiday outreach aims to ensure that every New Jersey family can celebrate the season with access to healthy, nutritious meals.
RWJBarnabas Health distributed more than 37.6 tons of fresh produce and thousands of turkeys through statewide food drives to fight hunger this holiday season.