In 2011, United Way in partnership with CUMAC, received a
Hunger-Free Community grant from the USDA to investigate
food insecurity and food access in Passaic County. The
Where’s the Food? report draws from information obtained
from community-based surveys, focus group meetings, GIS
mapping and reviews of federal, state and local reports.

Food insecurity (limited or uncertain availability of nutritionally
adequate and safe food) in Passaic County is
among the highest in New Jersey. Food affordability is the
leading concern, especially among disabled, the un/underemployed,
native American , and single-parent with child
households. Access to full-service grocery stores is a
concern in some Paterson neighborhoods. Knowledge of
nutrition and food preparation is lacking among certain
groups. Alternative food access is not being utilized to its
full potential (home gardening, CSA’s, co-ops, community
gardens).

All of these concerns result in access to less-nutritious food
choices as well as children and families with poor nutrition
knowledge and habits.

To read the entire Where’s the Food? Report click here

Assistance is still available for individuals affected by Hurricane Irene

As the Long-Term Recovery process continues in Passaic County help is still available for individuals who are struggling to regain normalcy. Families and Individuals affected by Hurricane Irene still in need of assistance should contact Catholic Family & Community Services at 973- 279-7100  to register for Disaster Case-Management Services. Through Disaster Case Management Services families & individuals will receive  assistance developing a Long-Term Recovery Plan, filing claim appeals to FEMA and insurance companies as well as applying for financial assistance to address unmet needs.

United Way of Passaic County has established a special Flood Relief & Recovery Fund to aid those most affected in Passaic County by  Hurricane Irene. Funding is being distributed to assist victims with long-term recovery efforts as part of an ongoing community effort to meet needs of affected individuals and families. To apply for support from the Flood Relief & Recovery Fund please contact Catholic Family & Community Services at 973- 279-7100. Individuals must be registered with disaster case-management services to be eligible to request financial assistance from the fund. All applications to the Flood Relief & Recovery Fund will be made by a disaster case-manager on behalf of clients. Affected individuals and families should not apply directly to the United Way of Passaic County.

If you are interested in supporting the United Way Flood Relief & Recovery Fund please click here , or send a check payable to United Way of Passaic County 2011 Flood Relief & Recovery Fund, 20 Mill Street, Paterson, NJ 07501.

United Way of Passaic County Announces
Availabitity of 2012 Vincent D. Pavese Scholarship Application


February 13, 2012 - Paterson, NJ:
United Way of Passaic County has announced that applications are now available for the 2012 Vincent D. Pavese Scholarship.  The scholarship is awarded annually to a Passaic County high school senior who has exhibited a commitment to community service and plans to pursue a career in public service.

The scholarship was established 19 years ago, as a memorial to Vincent D. Pavese, a former President and Chief Professional Officer of United Way of Passaic County.  Pavese held this office until his death in January 1993.  Each year, a special review panel reviews the applications to determine which student has most closely fulfilled the requirements of the scholarship. 

Scholarship applicants must plan to attend an accredited college or university upon graduation from high school. Eligible applicants must also qualify for financial aid and plan to pursue a career in public service (government, social work, education, recreation, public health and welfare, law enforcement, etc.)  Applications and criteria information are available on United Way of Passaic County’s website and at high school guidance offices.

Deadline for application submission is Monday May 21, 2012. This $1,500 scholarship will be presented at United Way of Passaic County’s 2012 Annual Meeting, which will be held at in June.

Questions regarding the application process including requests for applications should be directed to Caroline Schneider via email: carolines@unitedwaypassaic.org