Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH), an RWJBarnabas Health facility, has been awarded a $15,000 grant from AARP to expand its “Planting to End Hunger” community garden initiative in New Brunswick.
The funding was formally announced during a check presentation at the Suydam Street Reformed Church Community Garden. The competitive grant is part of the national AARP Community Challenge, making RWJUH’s initiative one of only 13 quick-action livability projects in New Jersey—and among 544 nationwide—to receive funding this cycle.
Operated in collaboration with the Suydam Street Reformed Church Health Ministry, the Planting to End Hunger program relies on community volunteers to cultivate fresh produce. The harvest directly supports the church’s Virginia and Anthony Previte Food Pantry, which provides vital nutrition to 121 families—representing 438 individuals—each month.
Health system leadership emphasizes that expanding access to fresh, healthy produce is a critical component of addressing systemic health disparities. Food insecurity is directly linked to chronic health conditions such as diabetes and heart disease, making community-level agricultural interventions an essential tool for improving regional public health outcomes.
With the new financial investment, the project will expand its physical planting capacity, upgrade garden infrastructure, and broaden educational and volunteer opportunities for local residents.
The initiative aligns with a broader, system-wide commitment across RWJBarnabas Health to tackle food insecurity and champion wellness initiatives throughout New Jersey communities.
