Pictured: Pantry leaders gather at a MEND Advisory Board meeting  – summer 2025.

One of the first pantry managers I ever met told me that leading a pantry can feel lonely – you’re doing important work, but often feel like you are figuring it all out on your own.

Since 1980, when six Newark pantries first joined forces to found MEND, collaboration has been at our core – bringing food pantry leaders together every month to share, learn, and support one another.

Earlier this week, guest speaker Lisa Pitz of Hunger Free NJ spoke with the MEND pantries about upcoming SNAP cuts, and the impact they will have on community members. As this legislation is implemented, MEND pantry leaders will continue working together to identify emerging trends from the new law, share strategies, and support one another in meeting the growing needs of their communities

Thank you for valuing the power of collaboration, and making these conversations possible through your support!

Regards,

Robin Peacock

P.S. – Have questions or want to connect? Please reach out to schedule a call!

A recent survey of MEND pantries showed that:

Thank you for ensuring that families get the healthy food they need each week!

Pictured: A summary of responses from MEND’s summer survey of pantry leaders.

For more than 20 years, Franciscan Charities has been a steady, compassionate presence in Newark. What began as a humble soup kitchen has grown into a lifeline offering far more than a hot meal.

Franciscan Charities serves 200 to 250 people daily. Along with prepared meals and fresh produce, they also provide referrals to housing, healthcare, and other critical services. As Melissa Hillier, a Franciscan Charities Board member says, “Food is just the beginning of the story.”

A member of the MEND network since 2021, Hillier adds, “I have never heard the word ‘no’ from MEND. Their dedication… means everything to us.”

Mark your calendar! You are invited to attend The Green Bean Gala, MEND’s annual fundraiser, on Friday, October 3rd, 2025, at 6:30 PM at the Maplewood Country Club.

Bring your friends, wear your greenest, beaniest fashions, and join fellow community members to increase fresh food access across Essex County.

General admission is $175, and sponsorships are available.

In partnership with the Essex County Office of Public Health Management, MEND is offering monthly “mini markets” of free fresh food for families who register for the County’s Vaccines for Children (VFC) program.

VFC is part of a federally funded initiative that provides no-cost childhood vaccines to eligible families.

Working with the Diabetes Foundation, MEND recently distributed 66 diabetes care packages to community members experiencing unique and extreme challenges to diabetes care and management, through 5 community partners!

Each package included a glucometer, test strips, lancets, alcohol swabs, and educational materials in both English and Spanish

Thank you for raising over $155,000 to bring fresh, nourishing food to families across Essex County! View the recap video here.

And whether you’re a 10 Days ride or die, or simply 10 Days curious, save the dates for 2026: 7.10.26 – 7.19.26.

Please take a moment to vote for MEND through Target Circle™ to help us earn critical funds to provide fresh, healthy food across Essex County.

Voting is open through September 30th, and can be done via the Target app, or this website.

What’s a potato’s least favorite day?

August is National Peach Month!

Did you know…