RWJBarnabas Health Opens Farm to Community Innovation Center

RWJBarnabas Health, community partners, and public officials celebrated the grand opening of Harvest: A Farm to Community Center. In collaboration with Newark-based farm-to-city social enterprise Urban Agriculture Cooperative, this innovative, first-of-its-kind initiative brings together the power of healthcare, agriculture, education, and economic development in one strategic, centralized location.

Harvest integrates food distribution, education, and economic opportunity through a holistic, community-centered approach to meet the needs of Newark residents. Designed as a hub for wellness and community engagement, the center reflects a shared commitment to improving access to healthy food while creating new pathways for learning, entrepreneurship, and neighborhood revitalization.

“Harvest is a transformational space with the ability to redefine what a health system can and should do to ensure the wellbeing of the people it serves,” said RWJBarnabas Health President and Chief Executive Officer Mark E. Manigan. “Whether as a hub where fresh foods will get out into the broader community or where local entrepreneurs will come to build their businesses, Harvest will be at the center of a healthier Newark and, with it, a stronger New Jersey.”