In October 2023, MEND was the first ever recipient of the Worthy Causes $10,000 prize, a new philanthropic initiative of Worthy Financial, Inc., a modern personal finance company that helps individuals of all economic levels build retirement nest eggs. (All awards are granted via Worthy Financial’s subsidiaries, Worthy Property Bonds and Worthy Property Bonds 2.)

MEND was considered for the prize thanks to the efforts of volunteer Richard Mikelinich. Rich is a regular volunteer at MEND member pantry Pierre Toussaint, located in St. Mary’s Church in Newark, NJ, and a Worthy customer. Each month Worthy invites their customers to nominate and then vote for individuals or organizations, “making noble contributions in communities across America”. Rich recorded and submitted a video describing his experience as a MEND volunteer, and the positive impact MEND has had on the community. Worthy Bonds representative Dara Albright visited Pierre Toussaint pantry to present the check.

“When you support MEND, you are making nutritious food options a reality for families in our community,” said Robin Peacock, MEND’s Executive Director. “This generous donation of $10,000 from Worthy Causes will help MEND continue to expand its fresh food sourcing and much needed mobile programming. We are grateful to Rich for his service as a volunteer, and for nominating MEND for this award!” In 2023, 97% of the food MEND purchased, and 73% of the food donated, was fresh; 60% was locally-sourced. 

Throughout the year, MEND collaborates with pantry and community leaders to prioritize the needs of patrons, and regularly sources high quality, culturally relevant, fresh and healthy food. This community-led, responsive, “healthy hunger relief” model prioritizes residents’ nutritional needs and is helping to transform hunger relief locally.

Beyond food, MEND connects community leaders to share knowledge and resources on a variety of food-related and other relevant topics, such as nutrition, health, immigration, employment, and affordable housing. MEND advocates for long-term change by participating in local and regional food policy councils and planning workshops, as well as statewide food advocacy organizations.