Meeting Essential Needs with Dignity (MEND) has been awarded $500,000 through the New Jersey Economic Development Authority’s FEED NJ program, part of a $20+ million initiative supporting 50 organizations statewide.

The funding will help MEND expand access to fresh, healthy food across Newark East, South, and West, including:

• Hosting free farmers markets
• Expanding partnerships with local food pantries
• Providing SNAP outreach and enrollment assistance
• Offering nutrition education programming
• Connecting neighbors to wraparound services

“This grant allows us to strengthen our community in meaningful ways,” said Robin Peacock, Executive Director of MEND. “We’re proud to help families access fresh, nutritious food with dignity and support.”

MEND joins a network of organizations working to improve food access and equity in New Jersey, alongside partners such as Apostles’ House, City Green, Coalition for Food & Health Equity, Community Food Bank of NJ, Fairgrown Farm, Greater Newark Conservancy, Montclair State University Foundation, Newark Emergency Services, Rutgers University, RWJBarnabas Health, Share My Meals, St. James Social Service Corporation, United Community Corporation, and the Urban Agriculture Cooperative.

Learn more about the FEED NJ program and the statewide initiative here.