Verona V!BE Holds Poverty Presentation

Almost 1 in 5 Verona and Cedar Grove households struggle to afford basic necessities, according United Way of Northern New Jersey data.

To that end, V!BE, a program supported by the Verona Recreation Department, will be hosting a “Hunger at Home,” event Tuesday, Nov. 20 to raise awareness about families living below the poverty line.

The organization will be showing the documentary, “The Red Wagon,” and a representative of the United Way will present information on ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) to make the public aware of the issue.

The program will be held from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at the Verona Community Center, 880 Bloomfield Ave.

“According to the ALICE report, based on a five-year study prepared by United Way, in Essex County 116,692 households (43 percent) are struggling, with 46,386 households (17 percent) living below the U.S. poverty line and 70,306 (26 percent) falling into the ALICE,” V!BE said in a written statement.

The presentation will include ways residents can get involved in addressing hunger in their community and helping out their neighbors.

For more information visit veronanj.org.