Newest Community Refrigerator Now Installed at Hyatt Court in Newark

Organizers say the refrigerator will help bring fresh food to those in need in the community.

An organization in Newark is hoping to address and reduce food insecurity with the installation of a new community refrigerator. The newest community refrigerator just opened at Hyatt Court.

All of the items inside are free for those in need in the community.

“It’s about getting the right food to the right communities at the right time and this model of community refrigerators that are accessible 24/7 for the neighbors right here is truly as good as it gets,” said Heather Thompson, the Executive Director for Table to Table. “This model allowed people to not have to worry about whether their work schedule is at the same time as this week’s distribution or whether they need to find child care, so they can go stand in line and wait for food. They can come get what they need when they need it.”

The refrigerator is a collaborative effort between the United Community Corporation, Table to Table, and the Hyatt Center of Hope.

There are seven community refrigerators in total – six of them in Newark and one in Maplewood. They provide around-the-clock access to staple goods such as milk, juice, cheese, fresh fruits and vegetables at no cost to those in need.

“It’s an opportunity for people in the community to get access to this food a couple of times a week without pay, as long as it is available. Especially with the high cost of living and the high cost of groceries, the high cost of rent – the high cost of everything in this country, in this state,” said Newark Mayor Ras Baraka. “This makes this incredibly important now than any other time.”

The Community Refrigerator at Hyatt Court will be stocked by Table to Table on Mondays and Wednesdays.

Credit: News 12 New Jersey