SODT Farmers Market Vendor Grandma Emma's collaborates with Wright Independent Life Options

Grandma Emma's is a full season vendor at the South Orange Downtown Farmers Market. You can find them every Wednesday in the Sloan Street Parking Lot from 2PM-7PM serving Vegan friendly cobblers, deep fried cobbler bites, chicken cheesesteaks, hot dogs, fries and more.

Grandma Emma’s Corp collaborates with Wright Independent Life Options (WILO NJ) to offer brand ambassador opportunities to adults who have disabilities at their Maplewood, South Orange, and Union Township Farmers Markets.

As an answer to the housing deficit for adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities in New Jersey, Keldrick Wright, Executive Director, formed WILO NJ in Maplewood in October of 2014. WILO NJ provides a unique path where persons with disabilities can learn daily living skills, navigate community safety, manage personal care & wellness, and receive guidance needed to enjoy life more independently within their chosen communities. WILO NJ is a service provider agency through New Jersey’s Division of Developmental Disabilities.

“Employment and other substantive community-based opportunities continue to evade much of the disabled sector of our community. We (service providers) often find ourselves having to chart our own path to create opportunities. When Eric and I first met by happenstance, we shared perspectives about our life’s work and passion for service. That chance conversation lead to several collaborative meetings among our teams which brought us here today. I am most delighted and fortunate for the opportunity to partner with Grandma Emma’s, and for the great opportunities it will provide to a sector of our community often overlooked. People with disabilities have many skills and abilities, and they are true assets to any community. We hope this inspires other collaborative efforts between local businesses and organizations like ours.” said Keldrick Wright.

Eric Dawson, founder and CEO of Grandma Emma’s, knows all-too-well what it’s like to face and overcome life’s many challenges. In May 2018, Eric was diagnosed with stage III stomach cancer. He underwent 16 rounds of chemotherapy and surgery that required the complete removal of his stomach. As a means of coping with the difficulties of anxiety and depression that battling his physical illness brought on, Eric turn to baking his Grandmother Emma’s fruit cobbler’s.

Eric says, “I’m living with a greater purpose now. The thing that gives me strength and the greatest joy is my deep desire to be a blessing to others.“

“I’m excited to collaborate with Keldrick and WILO NJ. This synergetic relation is in alignment with the mission of both organizations, and it will bring even greater awareness to issues and challenges adults with disabilities in our community face as well as the progressive work WILO NJ is doing to improve outcomes.” said Eric Dawson.

WILO NJ believes in providing individuals who have disabilities the skills and experiences to build confidence and promote community participation and inclusion.

Farmers Markets run until early November. Starting Monday, September 11th and every Monday from 2pm-7pm located at 1866 Springfield Ave., Maplewood, NJ. You can also find us on Wednesdays from 2pm 7pm at Sloan St. Parking Lot in South Orange.

 For more information, visit GrandmaEmmas.com or call 973-544-8032.

MEND Food Drive at the Market June 21st 2PM-7PM

Join us at the Farmers Market this week, Wed Jun 21st 2PM-7PM and give back to the community. We are partnering with MEND who will be hosting a Food & Essential Items Drive at the market. You can purchase items from participating vendors, then drop them off at the MEND table at the market. Our goal is 100 items. Please help us to reach our goal and beyond!⁠
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Support the vendor's at the South Orange Downtown Farmer’s Market AND communities experiencing food insecurity across Essex County by purchasing and donating fresh fruits, vegetables and essential items to MEND (Meeting Essential Needs with Dignity), Essex County’s largest hunger relief network! Donated items will be distributed to individuals and families through MEND’s network of local food pantries and mobile markets.⁠

MEND (Meeting Essential Needs with Dignity), is Essex County’s largest hunger relief network. MEND'S mission is to strengthen the health of the community by increasing access to fresh and healthy food. They envision a community in which everyone has access to nutritious food and the ability to achieve their optimal health⁠
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Outdoor Dining Spots in South Orange

We have officially made it to one of the most special and pleasurable times of the year: the time to dine outdoors. Should your ideal setup be beautiful flowers, vibrant decorations, or a casual courtyard, downtown South Orange restaurants have just the thing for you! Check out some of the best outdoor dining spots to add to your list of destinations for the summer.

Town Hall Deli

Miti Miti

Bunny's Sports Bar

The Order

Burgers Grilled Right

Giorgio's

Jackie and Son

Dancing Blender

Village Hall Restaurant

Sonny's Bagels

The Fox and Falcon

Toro Loco

Three Daughters Baking Co

Martin's Pretzels

Ariyoshi

A Guide to the Best Downtowns & Main Streets of North Jersey - The Montclair Girl Guide

South Orange Downtown made the list!

Check out the whole article here on The Montclair Girl! Thank you for the feature!