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When families have access to healthy affordable food, communities grow stronger.
United Way of Passaic County works to build healthier communities by improving access to nutritious food and advancing health equity across the county. We focus on supporting ALICE households—families who are working, but still struggle to afford basic needs like food, housing, childcare, and healthcare.
We believe food is essential to health, dignity, and opportunity. By strengthening local food systems and working alongside community partners, we help residents meet their basic needs today while building healthier, more stable futures.
Food insecurity remains a serious challenge in Passaic County. In several communities, more than 40% of residents experience food insecurity, limiting access to nutritious food and increasing the risk of diet-related chronic illness.
According to United Way’s ALICE data, 51% of households in Passaic County cannot afford the basics—including 36% ALICE households and 15% living below the federal poverty level. Many of these families are employed, often working more than one job, yet still struggle to keep up with rising food and living costs.
High food prices, limited access to healthy grocery options, and barriers to nutrition programs place added strain on families, seniors, children, and people with health conditions. These challenges contribute to preventable, diet-related illnesses and long-term health inequities.
United Way of Passaic County addresses both immediate food needs and the root causes of food insecurity by supporting community-led solutions and long-term strategies that improve access to healthy food and overall well-being.
United Way of Passaic County works closely with community organizations, residents, public agencies, and local leaders to improve access to healthy, affordable food throughout the county.
A key partner in this work is the Passaic County Food Policy Council (PCFPC), convened by United Way of Passaic County. The Council brings together partners from across the food system to help improve food access, strengthen local food systems, and advance solutions that reflect community needs.
Together with the Passaic County Food Policy Council and our partners, we support efforts that:
- Expand access to nutritious, affordable food in underserved communities
- Connect families to SNAP, WIC, and free school meal programs
- Strengthen local food providers and community-based solutions
- Support food-as-medicine approaches that improve health outcomes
- Advance long-term, community-driven solutions to food insecurity
Together, we are building healthier communities—where every resident has the opportunity to thrive.