Several businesses and community leaders in Passaic County came together Sunday morning to give back to the community ahead of the holidays – handing out free hot meals to local families. The event was held to help ease the stress many families face during the holiday season. John Barreto, owner of a local tattoo shop who hosted the event for the first time last year, said he was thrilled to see more businesses join this year. “I was just fully blessed to see other businesses…They wanted to donate their time, their food to this – and that just makes me extremely happy,” Barreto said. From tacos and coffee to baked bread and Hispanic dishes, organizers ensured there was a variety of food for families to enjoy.

Local nonprofit organizations also emphasized the importance of being part of the event.

“Grocery prices being so high – this is super important in the City of Passaic, where food is scarce. It makes us so happy to be able to do this."