RWJBarnabas Health to Distribute Over 37.6 Tons of Fresh Produce, Thousands of Turkeys to Help Feed NJ Families this Holiday Season

RWJBarnabas Health’s holiday season of giving – to fight food insecurity and support New Jersey families in need – is underway. With recent disruptions to federal SNAP benefits still impacting many families, RWJBarnabas Health is distributing over 37.6 tons (75,230 lbs.) of fresh produce and 4,175 turkeys in time for the holidays through a series of food drives being held across the state.

“Our mission is not just to provide care in the places we work, but to meet the needs of our communities where they live,” said Mark E. Manigan, President and Chief Executive Officer, RWJBarnabas Health. “This season, especially, we prove our belief that food and health are inseparable. We take seriously our historic role as a provider to New Jersey’s most vulnerable and supporting families facing food insecurity exemplifies who we are as an organization. We live our values through our commitment to the total wellbeing of the communities we serve and are honored to join with local leaders who share our values and commitment.”

Since 2023, RWJBarnabas Health has invested nearly $20 million to support local food programs across New Jersey, with an additional $7 million planned for 2026. This includes RWJBarnabas Health’s recent $1 million donation to support 14 local feeding organizations during the recent government shutdown.

RWJBarnabas Health employees are participating in food giveaways this season in partnership with 22 community-based organizations, civic associations, and Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) across New Jersey. FQHC drives include Monmouth Family Health Center in Long Branch; Eric B. Chandler Health Center in New Brunswick; Neighborhood Health Services in Elizabeth and Plainfield; Metropolitan Family Health Network in Jersey City; Zufall Health in West Orange; Newark Community Health Center in East Orange; Mary Eliza Mahoney Health Center in Newark; and Saint James Health in Newark.

The system will also work with the Community FoodBank of New Jersey (CFBNJ) to distribute an additional 344 turkeys, 315 chickens, and 30 hams.

Mr. Manigan joined Newark Councilmen Michael J. Silva and Anibal Ramos Jr., and RWJBarnabas Health employees, distributing turkeys and food boxes members of the community in need at the RWJBarnabas Health and Saint James Health Holiday Food Drive on Nov. 24.