New Jersey’s Breweries Lend a Hand Amid COVID-19 Downturn

Originally posted at Jersey Digs

It has been tough sledding for craft beer companies throughout the Garden State since the coronavirus pandemic began, but several initiatives are looking to give back to the communities they serve while helping them stay afloat.Two breweries in Jersey City, one established and one set to open later this year, are leading the way. In the wake of COVID-19, Downtown staple Departed Soles started a program called Hops4Heroes as a way to “pay it forward” to those on the front lines.

The initiative asks customers to purchase a $25 growler fill for donation to doctors, nurses, police officers, EMS workers and others helping to battle the virus. Those interested can call the brewery at (201) 479-8578 or email them at beerme@departedsoles.com.

Heading west to the Bergen-Lafayette neighborhood, the upcoming space of 902 Brewing Company had an unexpected partnership with their new neighbors, Corgi Spirits. The companies teamed up to make hand sanitizer that they are donating to first responders and non-profits throughout the community and customers who order any three bottles of spirits from Corgi will get a 750mL bottle of sanitizer for free.

Both Departed Soles and 902 Brewing are participating in an initiative called All Together, an idea started by Brooklyn-based Other Half Brewery. It gives brewers an IPA recipe and artwork for a beer to brew that will donate a portion of the proceeds to hospitality professionals of their choice in local communities.

The project has seen a big response so far, with over 700 breweries worldwide announcing their participation. 47 of those are scattered throughout New Jersey’s diverse landscape and while tap rooms remain closed due to an Executive Order from the Governor, breweries throughout the state are offering curbside and delivery sales in the meantime.

Several Garden State breweries have already released their variations on All Together. They include 7 Mile Brewery (Rio Grande), 902 Brewing Co. (Jersey City), Atco Brewing Company, Axe and Arrow Brewing (Glassboro), Bolero Snort (Carlstadt), Brix City Brewing (Little Ferry), Carton Brewing (Atlantic Highlands), Frye Brewing (Point Pleasant), Highrail Brewing Company (High Bridge), Last Wave Brewing Company (Point Pleasant Beach), Icarus Brewing (Lakewood), Lower Forge Brewery (Medford), Source Farmhouse Brewery (Colts Neck), Three 3’s Brewing Company (Hammonton), Toms River Brewing, Twin Elephant Brewing (Chatham), Magnify Brewing Co. (Fairfield), and Neck of the Woods Brewing (Pitman).