The tap water at home is undrinkable for residents in about 14,000 households in Newark’s Pequannock service area, in which two out of three filters meant to reduce lead levels are not working as expected.
In response to the situation, the Community FoodBank of New Jersey is partnering with the City of Newark and the United Way of Essex and West Hudson to facilitate donations and coordinate distributions of bottled water to Newark families in need.
“Assisting families in times of need is an essential part of the Community FoodBank of New Jersey’s mission,” said Carlos Rodriguez, President & CEO of the Community FoodBank of New Jerey. “The FoodBank is a critical agency responsible for New Jersey’s infrastructure and food distribution during emergencies. We look forward to facilitating donations and coordinating logistics alongside the city and our partners to ensure access to safe drinking water for all of our Newark neighbors in need.”
On August 23, Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka visited the FoodBank to see the thousands of donated cases of bottled water for those impacted by lead service lines and to thank the community for all that they’ve done to support Newark during this time of need.
“It’s overwhelming that people want to help Newark out,” he told reporters. See the full NJTV story on the mayor’s tour below.
So far, the FoodBank has received more than 17,500 donated cases of bottled water, but the need is great. We are working with Newark to help get water out to the four approved drop-off locations throughout the city.
You can show your support for families in Newark with lead-contaminated water by donating cases of bottled water to the FoodBank at 31 Evans Terminal, Hillside, NJ. Drop-off hours are Monday through Friday from 7:30 am to 2 pm.
As large-scale distributions continue, we need your help to ensure access to clean drinking water for those in need until the situation is resolved.
