Contact:
Julienne Cherry
President & CEO
United Way of Greater Union County
908-353-7171
julienne.Cherry@UnitedWayguc.org
Union County, NJ – November 26, 2024 – In a powerful demonstration of community collaboration, the United Way of Greater Union County (UWGUC) teamed up with Assemblyman Atkins, FedEx, UPS, the Roselle, Hillside, and Plainfield School Districts, Plainfield Police Department and the Community FoodBank of New Jersey (CFBNJ) to address food insecurity for families in the Greater Union County area ahead of Thanksgiving.
On a warm November afternoon, just days before the holiday, volunteers gathered in the parking lot of Plainfield City Hall to sort and distribute turkeys, roasters, hams, and holiday meal boxes—generously donated by CFBNJ.
This holiday meal distribution effort was strategically planned with designated sites in Plainfield, Hillside, Elizabeth, North Plainfield, Roselle, Rahway, and South Plainfield. The initiative ensured that 700 families in need across the county received a holiday meal, complete with fresh produce, which was further supplemented by the County of Union. The weekend prior, almost 100 Youth Corp students received the same items and participated in a holiday meal at the UWGUC new administrative location in Rahway.
“We are committed to ensuring that our neighbors in Greater Union County have access to nutritious meals this holiday season,” said Julienne Cherry, President, and CEO of UWGUC. “We are deeply grateful to CFBNJ for their generous donation and to our corporate partners FedEx and UPS who answered the call and helped us deliver these vital holiday meals. Without their support, we would not have been able to provide meals to so many families. I am also incredibly thankful to our community partners, who enable us to help even more people in need.” Chase Bank in Elizabeth also provided grocery bags to assist with the distribution, and Allstate from Rahway provided food and food gift cards. Volunteers from New Beginnings, Chase Bank Elizabeth Branch and UWGUC Team members staffed each location to ensure the meals were distributed efficiently and equitably.
Addressing the Growing Need in Union County
Food insecurity remains a significant issue for many families in Greater Union County. According to the latest data, the poverty rate in Union County stands at 11.76%, lower than the New Jersey state average of 10.2%. Approximately 9.0% of the county's population, or 565,979 residents, live in poverty, making it difficult for many families to put food on the table, especially during the holiday season.
“At UWGUC, we believe that by addressing food insecurity and supporting families in need, we are helping to break the cycle of poverty and create long-lasting change,” said Juanita Vargas, Chief Programs Officer of UWGUC. “Every meal we provide has a ripple effect. By ensuring families have access to food, we are laying the foundation for brighter futures and stronger communities.”
About United Way of Greater Union County
The United Way of Greater Union County (UWGUC) has been a vital resource for children and families in need across the region for over 55 years. As a leader in community-based initiatives, the organization focuses on key areas such as education, income stability, health, and family strengthening. UWGUC works tirelessly to improve lives and build stronger communities through its programs, partnerships, and investments.
UWGUC is currently in the midst of a capital campaign to raise $1.5 million, further advancing its mission to uplift vulnerable populations in Union County.
For more information about UWGUC’s initiatives, ways to get involved, or to donate, visit www.uwguc.org/donate
