Deacon Willie Davis Honored for Hunger Action Month and Fight Against Food Insecurity in Paterson

PATERSON, NJ - In recognition of Hunger Action Month and his ongoing dedication to fighting food insecurity, Paterson officials honored Deacon Willie Davis for his tireless efforts in providing fresh, nutritious food to the community. The event highlighted his work at the Green Acre Community Garden, which he founded in 2015, and his continued contributions to improving food access in the Fourth Ward of Paterson.

Hunger Action Month, observed every September, is a time to raise awareness about food insecurity and to take action against hunger in communities nationwide. It serves as a reminder that many individuals and families face difficulties accessing enough nutritious food. During this month, organizations, volunteers, and advocates come together to host food drives, raise funds, and support initiatives aimed at ending hunger.

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Green Acre Community Garden has been transformed from an underutilized lot into a vibrant green space under Deacon Davis' leadership. The garden produces culturally relevant foods for the local community, hosts educational programming, and holds seasonal events. The initiative not only provides residents with fresh food but also creates a space for community building and engagement with nature.

Deacon Davis, originally from North Carolina, comes from a family of sharecroppers and has been farming in rural and urban areas for over 60 years. His efforts have made Green Acre a beacon of hope in the community, providing residents with free nutritious food and opportunities for education and empowerment.

“I give all glory to God for what He’s doing here,” Deacon Davis said. "It’s not about me, but about what God is doing through me for all of us—our community, our city, and especially our children. We need to come together as one to build, to love, and to keep giving. God has given us His power, and we must use it for the good of the people. As we celebrate 10 years of the Green Acre Community Garden, I see this as a new beginning. Thank you to everyone who supports this work—let's keep fighting the good fight, together."

"Deacon Willie Davis is not just a credit to our community but a gift from God," Mayor André Sayegh said. "This garden was once known for notorious activities, but now it's known for glorious ones. Thanks to Deacon Davis, we are providing access to fresh, healthy food and changing lives."

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In addition to celebrating Deacon Davis, Sayegh announced the distribution of 50 DoorDash credits, each valued at $50, to local families. The credits, provided through DoorDash's Community Credits program, are part of Paterson's ongoing efforts to support vulnerable families during Hunger Action Month.

Fourth Ward Councilwoman Ruby Cotton, a long-time supporter of the garden, praised Deacon Davis’ dedication and the challenges he faced in the garden's early years. "It’s been a long road, but Deacon Davis has always had the heart for this community. He’s a true servant of God, and we’re all better for his efforts."

The ceremony also acknowledged the efforts of local partners, including Paterson Habitat for Humanity, which helped secure land for the garden’s greenhouse, and neighboring businesses like A Better Market , which further supports the community’s access to healthy food.

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