2024 Outstanding Plan Award
The First Ward of Paterson, a densely populated, low- to moderate-income area within a designated food desert, faced significant barriers to healthy food access. With limited vehicle access for many residents and inadequate public transportation, shopping outside the neighborhood was challenging. Recognizing this need, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority awarded a Food Security Planning Grant to Passaic County and its partners to explore solutions.
BRS, Inc. led a comprehensive study to analyze food access in the First Ward. The study began with a market analysis that examined community demographics, economic impacts, and transportation. Following this, a physical site evaluation identified challenges with a selected target site near Grace Chapel Baptist Church. The assessment revealed limitations due to flooding, zoning, insufficient income in the trade area to support a supermarket, and other spatial constraints. These findings steered recommendations towards a community-centered solution rather than a traditional grocery store.
BRS proposed establishing a farmers market and mobile grocery unit to meet residents’ needs. The farmers market plan emphasized community engagement, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and local nonprofit partnerships. For the mobile grocery, BRS suggested tailored stops and service routes, engaging local volunteers, and ensuring accessible vehicles.
Community feedback was critical throughout the study, with surveys, interviews, and public meetings guiding recommendations. The project concluded in July 2024, and soon after, Passaic County partnered with CUMAC, a nonprofit, to add a mobile food bank stop at the target site, bringing fresh food access to First Ward residents. This initiative demonstrates an innovative, collaborative response to food insecurity in Paterson.
Project Website: brsinc.com/first-ward-food-study
