Procurement and Distribution

We plan, purchase, and resell the highest quality produce at subsidized and competitive prices. Urban Agriculture Cooperative works with a diverse set of local growers and partner organizations to bring fresh produce to our community.

 

Farm to Family Boxes

MEND Boxes

Fresh seasonal farm boxes delivered to selected home participants via our partner Meeting Essential Needs with Dignity NJ (MEND NJ). Delivered last mile with support from Amazon drivers, and now funded by LFPA federal dollars administered through the Community Food Bank of NJ (CFBNJ). Program has grown steadily since inception in 2021 and today includes over 200 families on bi-weekly delivery cycles.

Kidsfit Family Boxes

UAC packs and delivers seasonal farm boxes for families with school aged children, in partnership with RWJ Barnabas Health’s KidsFit curriculum and the Healthy Food in Newark Schools Coalition. The scale of this annual 10 week program has grown significantly over the last three years, going from serving 225 families in the 2022-2023 school year to now serving 1000 families in the current 2024-2025 school year.

 

Making Urban Agriculture Accessible

Inclusive Farmer’s Markets

UAC facilitates strategic farmer’s market support and occasional vending opportunities for community partners that are making long-term commitments and scaling good food distribution in service of the low-to-moderate income populations in the Newark area. Partners include East Orange City, Newark Beth Israel, Clinton Hill Community Action, La Casa De Don Pedro, Newark Public Library, Audible, Greater Newark Conservancy, and more.

Our inclusive farmer’s markets: 

  • Are focused on SNAP, WIC and Senior Vouchers redemption

  • Include products from urban, new, and established rural farmers and makers

  • Supported by chefs, dieticians, community organizations and health institutions


Food as Medicine

Rutgers REACH Food as Medicine in Newark is a new pilot program being introduced in response to the health disparities fueled by food insecurity in the city.

In collaboration with UAC and Ethos Farms, this Food as Medicine intervention hopes to serve as a nexus between food systems and urban healthcare, crafting innovative healthcare access within community spaces like farmers markets, urban gardens, and teaching kitchens. The program’s goal is to develop a model that integrates food systems and urban healthcare, delivering community-based lifestyle medicine to improve health outcomes and lay the foundation for a preventative healthcare system.

Wholesale Broker B to B

UAC coordinates wholesale B to B brokerage from NJ Farms to small and mid-level business/ non-profit partners seeking fresh good foods.

Our food hub and distribution networks offers wholesale opportunities that connect 30 rural and urban farms to thousands of community members through local community organizations, food pantries, and healthcare providers, ensuring fresh and locally sourced produce.