Since the start of the pandemic, Livingston Philanthropies, Inc. (LPI) has been purchasing fresh produce for its long-time distribution partner, Newark Emergency Services for Families (NESF) to stock its monthly Free Grocery Giveaway events.“I am pleased to share that LPI just completed its largest fresh produce purchase ever, procuring some 115 cases of assorted vegetables including carrots, onions, cabbage, tomatoes and grapes to serve NESF’s clients and their sister Newark agencies,” said Jeff Friedman, the charity’s founder and chief executive officer.Families living below the poverty line along with the homeless queue in the hundreds to stock up with as much sustenance as possible, he notes. “Other Newark agencies who perform the same vital work as NESF, in terms of feeding those who cannot afford to feed themselves or their families, arrive all morning to pick up fresh produce and many other food items for their needy local constituencies.”Friedman has been working with NESF executive director, Amina Bey, and her staff for years. “I asked Ms. Bey what else her clients need immediately. Along with produce, she promptly responded, ‘Diapers, wipes and formula are always priorities and in demand. If you’re in a position in the future to get us some carts and new suitcases, that would also be a blessing. In the winter we get more fire victims who need the suitcases, along with the other homeless residents. We also do more deliveries to, and pick-ups from the seniors and carts help out tremendously.’”Hearing that, Friedman immediately purchased heavy-duty shopping carts and large suitcases on wheels, thanks to LPI’s donor support. “It makes perfect sense that older people, the infirm and parents with large families, cannot haul too much sustenance home without a cart. And, who would of thought about fire victims moving from shelter to shelter? Not I, but now I’m educated.”Friedman continued, “For those with the means and interest to ‘keep the ball rolling’ in support of Newark’s poorest citizens, including babies who are always on the food pantry lines – yes, babies – please visit paypal.me/njhomeless, njhomeless.org or contribute by mail to LPI, 8 Country Club Road, Livingston, NJ 07039.”Livingston Philanthropies, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit entity, in affiliation with Livingston’s Healthy Community Healthy Youth (HC/HY) initiative.Friedman concluded, “In the words of Anne Frank, ‘How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.’”Photos:Livingston Philanthropies, Inc. (LPI) started purchasing fresh ...
