Thanksgiving Spirit Soars In Newark At Local Turkey Giveaways

NEWARK, NJ — The spirit of Thanksgiving soared in New Jersey’s largest city this year, with turkey and food giveaways taking place across Newark.

Catch up with a few of this year’s holiday events below.

CITY DONATIONS

Mayor Ras Baraka and HelloFresh staff distributed 2,800 turkeys and 1,000 HelloFresh Thanksgiving dinner side dish kits to Newark residents at CityPlex 12 in Newark’s Central Ward on Nov. 25. The event was free and open to the public, and included about 260 frozen turkeys donated by ShopRite of Newark.

Meanwhile, the Newark Department of Health & Community Wellness gave away 500 turkeys at three health clinic locations, the Department of Public Safety gave away about 1,200 turkeys at its headquarters on Nov. 26, and the Newark Police Foundation handed out another 220 turkeys at the Second Precinct on Lincoln Avenue.

“I am not aware of any city in the U.S. that leverages the power of collaboration as widely and effectively as we do in Newark,” Chief of Staff Amiri Baraka Jr. said.

“Cooperation permeates our city culture and results in such meaningful events as this Thanksgiving giveaway,” Baraka added.

FRIENDSGIVING

More than 500 greater Newark community members were able to put a warm meal on their table during the holiday season thanks to the United Community Corporation’s (UCC) annual “Friendsgiving” food distribution.

The distribution, which was hosted Tuesday, Nov. 26, at the West Side Park Community Center in Newark, reached 595 individuals with free turkeys, chickens, hams and groceries, addressing food insecurity in the community ahead of Thanksgiving.

Supporters of the event included Peapack-Gladstone Bank, Munich Airport NJ LLC, Wellpoint, RWJBarnabas Health, and Newark West Ward Councilman Dupré Kelly. Additionally, the nonprofit received key assistance from students and volunteers at Great Oaks Legacy Charter School in Newark, members from UCC’s YouthBuild program, and U.S. Sen. George Helmy’s office.

The event underscored the importance of addressing food insecurity during the holidays, a time when families often struggle to meet basic needs. In 2022, parts of all five Newark wards were classified as “food deserts” by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, further emphasizing the need for residents to be able to access fresh food. And in Essex County, state data reported more than 99,000 people face food insecurity, the UCC said.

“This year’s Friendsgiving event was a powerful reminder of the difference that community support can make,” executive director Craig Mainor said.

“For many, access to a holiday meal eases some of the burdens of the season and brings families together around the table,” Mainor said.

TALKING TURKEY

Real estate firm Fairstead, which owns and operates Essex Plaza, recently partnered with New Jersey Assemblywoman Eliana Pintor Marin and Newark City Council members Luis Quintana and Michael Silva to mark the season of giving by handing out 450 turkeys in advance of the Thanksgiving holiday.

“It was an honor to partner with Assembly Member Pintor Marin, Councilmember Silva, and Council Member Quintana as we celebrated this season of giving by distributing turkeys to our Essex Plaza community,” said Estelle Chan, senior director of development at Fairstead.

RECORD-BREAKING GIVEAWAYS

The Archdiocese of Newark’s Mercy House brightened the Thanksgiving season for hundreds of families in need, distributing a record-breaking 650 free turkeys during its annual Thanksgiving giveaway in Newark, Elizabeth and Jersey City.

The giveaways took place between Nov. 19 and Nov. 21. At each location, families received turkeys as well as bags brimming with holiday essentials like stuffing, cranberry sauce, and mashed potatoes — ensuring a complete Thanksgiving feast for those who might otherwise go without.

“This year, we were able to bring joy to more people than ever thanks to the generosity of our donors and the dedication of our staff and volunteers,” said Cheryl Riley, director of The Mercy House.

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