&grain’s Community Bread Donations in Garwood & Westfield, NJ

One of the things we’re proudest of at &grain has little to do with awards or restaurant reviews.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, owner John Ropelski and the &grain team used what we had available to help people throughout the surrounding community: fresh bread.

Part of that effort included working with the Westfield Fun Club, a local organization that was helping refugee families with food and essential items during an incredibly difficult period.

From a Local Partnership to a Larger Effort

&grain began providing leftover bread to the Westfield Fun Club for local families. As the effects of the pandemic spread and more people experienced layoffs and financial hardship, the effort grew.

We continued baking at our Garwood artisan bakery while offering bread and food to people who needed additional support.

The initiative was covered by local and statewide media and ultimately became a much larger part of &grain’s response to the pandemic.

Read the original NJ.com coverage of &grain’s community bread donations.

More Than 2,000 Loaves Donated

The effort continued to grow. Union County later recognized &grain as a Small Business Community Champion, with nominations describing how the bakery provided more than 2,000 loaves of bread as well as meals to people affected by the pandemic.

It became an example of what a neighborhood business can accomplish when customers, employees and community organizations work together.

We’re grateful to everyone who supported &grain and helped make it possible for us to support others.

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