One of New Jersey’s leading nonprofit organizations, La Casa de Don Pedro (LCDP), has partnered with grassroots, community-based event Hip Hop Against Hunger to raise funds and awareness for their fight against food insecurity and poverty in Newark and Essex County.
A pillar of the community since 1972, La Casa de Don Pedro offers a variety of programs and services to over 75,000 people annually, including food distribution, housing and utility assistance, workforce development, and seven preschool centers throughout Newark, to name a few. Elgin Cintron, who is the Director of Communications at LCDP, started Hip Hop Against Hunger in 2010 as “a way to harness the power of music/art to make an impact in the community and create a culture of giving back.”
“Everyone loves music, and artists hold a great deal of influence, so I thought to myself, what better way to inspire people to get involved in their community?”, says Cintron. In only nine flagship events, Cintron’s movement has raised and distributed over $14,673 in funds, 5,000+ pounds of food, and 600+ boxes of clothing & toiletries to local food banks and homeless shelters throughout Central Florida and Newark, NJ.
La Casa de Don Pedro’s President & CEO Peter T. Rosario has made food insecurity a top priority, adding a Community Fridge in Lower Broadway and Summer Meals programs since joining the organization in 2021. “With 24.4% of Newarkers living below the poverty line, which is more than double the national rate of 11.5%, the time for action is now,” says Rosario.
This year’s family-friendly event will be held on Saturday, October 26th from 1pm-5pm at Express Newark and will feature live music, art, local vendors, and guest speakers. As they celebrate their 10th Anniversary, the goal is to raise $15,000 in support of La Casa de Don Pedro’s programs and services. Visit www.lacasanwk.org/hhah for more information.
