Expanding the Impact of Newark Community Food Systems  

This project’s purpose is to address the social determinants of health with an emphasis on food access and security in economically disadvantaged areas in Newark. The project is a collaboration between the Rutgers Institute for Corporate Social Innovation (RICSI), led by Executive Director Jeana Wirtenberg, and community partner -- Newark Science and Sustainability Inc., a 501(c)(3) organization led by Founder & Managing Director Tobias Fox, facilitator for Newark Community Food Systems.

The project provides healthy food access and nutrition education to 100 families residing in Newark food deserts. It also supports 40 stakeholders in becoming ServSafe Manager certified introduces a training with a Doula Network for families with expectant mothers or newborn babies and reaches 1800 community members through engagement events to promote healthy food access, community green development, and pathways to green jobs. This project also provides a series of workshops and Farm to Table community meal events to encourage healthy eating, healthy living practices, and environmental education.