A woman kneeling down in the grass picking vegetables.

Uniting Leaders for Sustainable Food Systems

Tapping into the groundswell of leadership and momentum in urban agriculture in a city with a history of activism, the Newark Community Food System (NCFS) was founded in 2018 by Tobias A. Fox and other highly engaged community leaders with the support of the nonprofit Newark Science and Sustainability Inc. (Newark SAS) and Whole Cities Foundation. With over 20 active urban gardens and farms, the Newark Community Food System (NCFS) takes actionable steps to empower residents to become actively involved in reshaping their food system, while gaining control of their health and environment.

Advancing Sustainability

Since its founding, the collective has worked in a deeply collaborative way to foster a sustainable local food system based on needs identified by the greater community. Beyond the food system, the group also aims to influence clean energy, environmental justice, community green development, and sustainable policy practices throughout the Greater Newark community.

A woman wearing a mask and holding a shovel.
A woman and two children standing next to each other.

Foundational Beliefs

Our foundational beliefs are as follows:

  • Fostering Collaboration: To foster collaboration and ecopreneurship, aiming to develop tangible and sustainable solutions for environmental and social challenges.
  • Focusing on Well-Being: To consistently prioritize the health and well-being of our families, communities, and environment.
  • Embracing Cultural Diversity: To respect all belief systems and actively promote cultural diversity.
  • Maintaining Political Neutrality: To remain nonpartisan, free from party affiliation and bias.

Key Annual Events

Throughout the year, we at Newark Community Food System will host three signature events, one each in Spring, Summer, and Fall. These events are recurring and organized by Newark SAS, which will help significantly reduce the workload for event support.

A group of people standing in an alley way.
A yellow flower is growing in the dirt.

Engaging Community

Each event will highlight sustainable living and urban agriculture. Aimed at engaging the community and addressing needs from our Community Needs Assessment, these events will feature local organizations and boost neighborhood capacity for local action and involvement.

Join Our Network of Professionals

We are expanding our membership to include experts in agriculture, horticulture, nutrition, health, and wellness. We welcome:

  • Local Government Decision-Makers.
  • Professionals in the Food and Restaurant Industry.
  • Representatives From Neighborhood Associations.
  • Local Farmers, Growers, and Gardeners.
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Introducing Our Network

  • Tobias A. Fox, Newark Science and Sustainability, Inc.
  • Keven Porter, Rabbit Hole Farm Newark
  • Bilal Walker, Al-Munir LLC
  • Barbara Weiland, KIDS IN BUSINESS®
  • Hajjah Dena Corbin, Natural Ground 1
  • Fallon Davis, STEAM URBAN, INC
  • Sabrina Ross, Keep America Beautiful-Newark
  • Jacqueleen Bido, Ed.D., Bidoism LLC
  • Hashim Bennett, Plants & Ponds
  • Jewell Garcia, Jewell of the Earth
  • Emilio Panasci, Urban Agriculture Cooperative
  • Chef Charlene Messer, Elegant Bouquet Kitchen, Inc.
  • Alexandra Chang, RUN-Price Institute
  • Roxana Marroquin
  • Melissa Leuthner, Plant It
  • Sarah O’Leary, Greater Newark Conservancy
  • Abigail Martone, Greater Newark Conservancy
  • Charmaine LaFortune, Giving One Tenth Garden
  • Melanie Reyes, Down Bottom Farms-ICC
  • Ijeoma Ukenta, The Zubi Garden
  • Dr. Michele Scott, MLK Community Garden-Urban League

Make a Difference

We at Newark Community Food System are seeking new voices dedicated to community food issues. We aim to build a hub for local food-producing communities, empowering residents to reshape their food systems and manage their health and environment. We will continue to strengthen the local food system, support community initiatives, foster collaborations, and promote sustainability in urban agriculture and healthy food access. Connect with us for more information and make a difference today.

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Register to Join

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