A new farm-to-community center, set to open in Newark this December, aims to tackle food insecurity in the area. Located in the city’s Central Ward, the center, named Harvest, will serve as a distribution hub for fresh produce, supplying food banks and soup kitchens. It will also offer space for healthy cooking classes and wellness counseling.
RWJBarnabas Health and the Urban Agriculture Cooperative will operate the center. Mark Manigan, president and CEO of RWJBarnabas Health, emphasized the importance of ensuring everyone has access to nutritious food.
Emilio Panasci, co-founder of the Urban Agriculture Cooperative, highlighted the need for the new facility. “Our current warehouse is overflowing, and demand for fresh produce is growing steadily. This new center will help us meet the increased need year-round,” he said.
The cooperative, which purchases produce from New Jersey farms, supports schools, food pantries, and local families. It is funded through a mix of state, federal, and private contributions.
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