Because of you, families across Essex County have consistent access to fresh, nutritious food.

Thank you for building a healthier, more connected community by investing in MEND’s 21 food pantry partners, 14 monthly Mobile Markets, and bi-monthly home deliveries to 220 families!

If you’re itching to do more, please read on for three simple ways you can amplify your impact even further.

Regards,

Regards,
Robin Peacock
Executive Director

P.S. – March is National Nutrition Month – and this year’s theme is “Food Connects Us.” We couldn’t agree more!

Amazon in the Community, MEND’s long-time home delivery transportation partner, recently published “Delivering Change: How Food Delivery Programs Can Transform Lives,” to quantify the impact of free delivery of charitable grocery boxes in improving food access, health, and quality of life.

Three of MEND’s 220 home delivery participants are featured in the report.

Amazon’s research revealed that delivery program participants experience significant benefits including improved food security, reduced stress, and better ability to maintain work and family commitments, confirming what MEND regularly learns from its program participants through surveys during the year.

WHAT: Spend the average SNAP benefit of $6 per person per day for groceries
WHEN: March 18 – 20, 2025
WHERE: Spread the word on social, in your community, and with policy makers
WHY: Cuts to SNAP would only deepen America’s hunger crisis.

Your financial support is another way to take action – giving to MEND ensures that local families have a steady supply of fresh and healthy food!

While you can give throughout the year, we’d especially love to see you at our annual fundraiser, The Green Bean Gala, on Friday, October 3rd!  Gather your friends, don your most festive green attire, and enjoy an unforgettable evening of joy, celebration, and community connection! 

The Bloomfield Church on the Green’s Food Pantry, co-managed by Kathryn Reilly and Celine Kowbel, serves over 300 families every week, providing support to 750 adults and 450 children, translating to about 12,700 individuals annually. They offer non-perishable staples, fresh produce, dairy products, and frozen meats, ensuring that families receive balanced meals.

Their commitment to providing fresh, nutritious food is evident through their sourcing efforts and partnerships with MEND and the Bloomfield Community Garden. They also offer resources such as clothing, shoes, and books, along with a play area for children, fostering a sense of community and care among those served.

Volunteers dedicate nearly 100 hours a week to ensure smooth operations. Pat and Ezekiel (pictured) go above and beyond, with Pat keeping everyone smiling and laughing and Ezekiel driving volunteers to and from the pantry. Their dedication helps create a welcoming environment for all clients.

This year’s Maplewood Chili Cookoff raised over $26,000 for MEND!  Thank you to all who cooked, judged, and joined! And a special thank you to the Lead “Cayenne” Sponsors: The Elizabeth Winterbottom Team, The GenWealth Group, and Weekday School, the Jalapeno Sponsors: The Able Baker, BCB Bank, Kitchen Table, MSO Homes, Pollock Properties Group, and South Mountain YMCA, and the in-kind sponsors: Java’s Compost and Toth Electric!

This year, the Jamie R. Anthony, Jr., Impact Award winners are Ms. Barbara Griffa of the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church Food Pantry and Mr. Don Cornell of the Bloomfield Church on the Green Food Pantry, who both recently retired from leading their respective food pantries. Named in honor of MEND’s first Board Chair, this award recognizes both awardees remarkable dedication and care for their communities.  

We’re looking for two passionate and dedicated individuals to join our team: a Community Resource Specialist to help connect our community with essential resources and a Driver & Warehouse Assistant to support food sourcing and distribution efforts.

What vegetable is hiding in your basement?

March is National Celery Month!

Did you know…