Maria Torres of Newark became the manager of United Community Corporation’s Champion House food pantry just weeks before the onset of COVID-19. Recently diagnosed with Lupus, she was at extremely high risk yet never wavered in her commitment to the community. As lockdowns and unemployment led to a huge rise in food insecurity, the pantry served 150,000 people in 2020—an increase of more than 1,000 % over prior years. Maria will receive a $25,000 award for her dedicated service. UCC’s mission is to assist low-income, disadvantaged and at risk individuals and families, including seniors and youth, to become self-sufficient and self supporting; while enhancing their quality of life and standard of living. UCC serves more than 170,000 individuals annually in all neighborhoods, communities, and wards of Newark; and our Emergency Services alone annually reach over 300 individuals. UCC remains committed to building relationships in the community and developing fresh approaches to holistically reinforce the abilities of Newark residents to support themselves and their families.