Food Connect

Connecting communities through food access

Food Connect Group is a national nonprofit at the intersection of health, equity, and sustainability, ensuring that fresh, affordable food reaches communities most in need. By improving transportation networks and establishing neighborhood distribution points across Newark, Food Connect will serve as a critical link between surplus food and residents seeking reliable access to nutritious meals.

The need in Newark is clear. In 2020, one in twelve New Jersey households—about 285,000 families—experienced food insecurity, and all five wards of Newark ranked among the top ten most impacted food desert areas in the state.

To address these disparities, GreenLight Fund Greater Newark invested in Food Connect to strengthen the local food system and make healthy food more accessible for all residents.

Since its founding in 2015, Food Connect has expanded nationally, delivering more than 200,000 meals each month, increasing food donations by 80% through community partnerships, and helping meal sites save $650 million weekly through efficient food distribution. With active operations in the Bay Area, Greater Philadelphia, Kansas City, and the Twin Cities, Food Connect is now bringing its proven, community-powered model to Newark—building a more connected, equitable, and sustainable food ecosystem.