'Using Food To Build Community': Newark Center Will Be Hub For Healthy Eating (VIDEO)

NEWARK, NJ — A first-of-its-kind “farm to community center” in Newark will leverage the power of food to build community, create economic opportunity and change lives in New Jersey’s largest city, its supporters say.

RWJBarnabas Health, in collaboration with Newark-based farm-to-city social enterprise Urban Agriculture Cooperative, recently announced the launch of a new project, which has been dubbed “Harvest.”

The new center – located in the heart of Newark in the historic Hahne’s Building on Halsey Street – is expected to officially open in December 2025.

When it opens, the center will serve as a common hub for community programs that expand access to nutritious food, provide comprehensive nutrition and wellness education, and support local food entrepreneurs.

According to RWJBarnabas Health, here are some of the ways the center is expected to make a difference:

Farm Fresh Produce Distribution Center – “Over 2,100 square feet of cold and dry storage to store, package, and distribute local New Jersey produce, eggs, meats, and more to local schools, pantries, and meal providers. Through the Buy Local initiative, anchor institutions and companies can also procure fresh food for their dining services, supporting New Jersey farmers and ensuring year-round demand for their harvests. Harvest will also have composting capacity to embody sustainability and limit food waste.”

Consultation and Wellness Offices – “On-site registered dietitians, SNAP Navigators, and community health workers will offer services including diabetes management, meal planning, healthcare navigation and transportation resources.”

Demonstration Kitchen – “A fully equipped teaching kitchen for cooking demonstrations and nutrition education programs to demonstrate practical cooking skills for healthy eating for all ages. “

Industrial Kitchen Incubator for Food Entrepreneurs and Culinarians – “State-of-the-art facilities will be available through an accessible membership model to local chefs, caterers, and food business owners, to bake fresh breads and prepare whole foods for those who do not have the space or for culinary training to cook healthier foods.”

Community Partner Meeting and Office Space – “Flexible spaces will host food- and nutrition-related community events, meetings with partner organizations, wellness programming, and forums focused on fair access to nutritious food and better health for all.”

“Few human interactions are more basic or essential than feeding each other,” Newark Mayor Ras Baraka said.

“This complex, multi-level initiative in Newark goes much deeper than simply solving a set of problems,” the mayor added. “It is a comprehensive embrace of our entire community, and one we are profoundly grateful for.”

• See Related: Newark Ranks High On List Of New Jersey's Worst 'Food Deserts'
• See Related: Newark Is Investing $2M To Fight Hunger, 'Food Deserts'

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