Newark Working Kitchens Keeps Spreading The Love, Fighting Hunger

NEWARK, NJ — How do a million good deeds taste? Delicious, community advocates in Newark say.

The “Newark Working Kitchens” project recently added five more local restaurants to its roster thanks to a $2 million award from the New Jersey Economic Development Authority.

Newark Working Kitchens (NWK), helps to pay for meals prepared at local restaurants, which are then delivered to low-income residents and others struggling amid the coronavirus pandemic. Since April 2020, the program has delivered 1.2 million meals to senior, low-income and disabled housing residents and people without homes, picking up support from additional sponsors along the way.

Meanwhile, it has also given a much-needed financial boost to local restaurants, including the newest participants: 9 Thai Cuisine, Casa d’Paco, La Tienda Tapas, Queen Pizza, and Sihana Café.

Meals prepared by participating restaurants, more than half of which are minority- and women-owned, have reached more than 10,000 residents across 70 locations. With support from both the private and public sector, NWK has preserved hundreds of jobs, helping several restaurants to relaunch services and rehire staff.

“My restaurant and employees mean the world to me, but after the economic toll of the past two years, I was faced with the harsh reality of layoffs or even worse, shutting down completely,” said Angel Leston, owner of Casa D’Paco.

“By joining Newark Working Kitchens, I didn’t have to do either of those things,” Leston said. “I am proud to be a part of this program and to have the opportunity to give back to a community that has long supported me and my restaurant.”

Central Ward Council Member LaMonica McIver said that with the colder winter weather approaching, she was grateful to see programs like NWK “doubling down” on their commitment to the city.

“Not only has [Newark Working Kitchens] helped so many of the city’s restaurants keep their lights on and staff paid, it’s ensured many residents have access to healthy and reliable meals during this unprecedented global health crisis,” McIver said.

Newark Working Kitchens was launched with a $1 million investment from audiobook company Audible, in partnership with Chef José Andrés' nonprofit World Central Kitchen and award-winning chef Marcus Samuelsson, whose local eatery, Marcus B&P, served as the initial production and food distribution site.

In February 2021, the NJEDA awarded NWK $2 million as part of Phase One of its Sustain and Serve NJ Program.

The center works in tandem with the City of Newark, which guides NWK to determine where meal delivery is needed most and collaborates on distribution to tenants associations and a growing list of community organizations, including Ironbound Community Corporation, Bridges Outreach, FOCUS Hispanic Center for Community Development, Newark Emergency Services for Families, Palm Street Block Association, NJCRI/Crossroads Drop-in Center, Tree House Cares, Willing Heart Community Care Center, and the YMCA.

Current participating NWK restaurants include: 9 Thai Cuisine, Andros Restaurant & Diner, Black Swan, Blueprint Café, Bulgogi Zip, Casa d’Paco, the Green Chicpea, City Rub Steak & Smokehouse, Cornbread Newark, Fresh Coast, Harvest Table, Kilkenny Alehouse, King’s #1, La Cocina, La Tienda Tapas, Marcus B&P, McGovern’s Tavern, Mercato Tomato Pie/Novelty Burger, O’LaLa Empanadas, Panzz Seafood & Wings, Pita Square, Queen Pizza, Robert’s Pizza, Sigri Indian BBQ, Sihana Café, Vonda’s Kitchen, Uncle Willie’s Wings, and the Walla.

• See related article: Newark Chef, Veteran Offers Free Meals To Neighbors Amid Pandemic
• See related article: Devils Care Foundation Donates $200K to Newark Working Kitchens

In September 2020, Audible – which continues to support the NWK program, launched its Global Center for Urban Development to expand the company’s community-building efforts in Newark.

Abhinav Mathur, an executive at the center, praised Newark Working Kitchens for providing a “vital lifeline” to Newark’s restaurants and residents for more than 18 months – and going.

“Another pandemic winter is approaching, and thanks to the meaningful support of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, we’re going to be able to serve thousands of meals this holiday season and beyond,” Mathur said. “It’s crucial funding like this that allows NWK to continue its impactful work, and I urge donors of all sizes to consider supporting this program.”

• See related article: Audible Expands Social Justice Efforts In Newark With New Center
• See related article: Audible Will Give 400 Newark Residents $75 Per Week – For Free

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