This is the time of year I find myself watching so. much. college. basketball. It’s fun, inspiring, and yes, full of madness! You’re never quite sure how things will go, and that’s what makes it interesting.

In many ways, MEND’s work feels similar. The fun and inspiring part is easy. But there’s also a lot of uncertainty right now – from how much food is donated (and from where), to how to continue to meet growing demand, to how SNAP changes will affect our neighbors.

Because of you, we’re able to stay responsive to immediate needs while also building toward longer-term food security – even with a little madness thrown into the mix!

Thank you for all you do to make an impact – in March, and all year long.

And here’s hoping there’s still some life left in your brackets!

With gratitude,

Robin Peacock

Executive Director

P.S. – MEND will be hosting a SNAP Community Briefing on Tuesday, April 28th, at 7 p.m., via Zoom, to share the policy changes, expected impacts, and ways you can help respond. Please register to join if you are available! 

Your support makes it possible for MEND to stay connected and responsive. Here are a few recent reflections from mobile program participants and a pantry partner.

Thank you for being an essential part of this work!

The Food and Health Equity Coalition (FHEC), led by MEND, kicked off the year with a briefing from Essex County’s Division of Family Assistance and Benefits, offering a look at how upcoming SNAP changes may impact local residents. Current estimates are that between 13,000 to 21,000 Essex County residents may lose government food assistance in the coming months.

Building on that shared understanding, coalition members set preliminary focus areas for the year – an approach inspired by Assemblyman Chigozie Onyema’s call for focused, coordinated action. Areas of interest included:

To support both partners and community members, MEND is also in the process of developing a simple, shareable SNAP one-pager to help people navigate what’s changing and where to turn for support.

Join MEND’s virtual Community Briefing on Tuesday, April 28th, at 7 p.m., if you would like to learn more about the SNAP changes and anticipated local impacts.

MEND’s growth plan for 2026-27 includes the addition of 3 new mobile markets and 3 new pantry sites, thanks, in part, to funding from the NJEDA’s FEED NJ Grant.

This month, we tested a Mobile Market at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Newark, alongside a nutrition workshop and swim lessons. It was a big hit!

Last week, MEND testified before the New Jersey Assembly Commerce Committee in support of the Fair Price Protection Act (A4523), sharing the experiences of the neighbors you help us serve every day.

After a neighbor’s SNAP card was stolen, she called MEND. Because of you, Dalili, our Community Resource Specialist, was able to step in – connecting her to home deliveries, sharing diabetes resources, and offering a trusted point of contact.

Having a dedicated team member focused on resource connection ensures that when challenges arise, neighbors don’t have to navigate them alone.

Jubilee Community Outreach Center at Epiphany and Christ Church Pantry recently shifted to a choice model, allowing neighbors to select their own food rather than receiving a pre-packed bag.

Currently, 12 of MEND’s 23 member pantries offer a full or partial choice model. And you make it possible for all 23 to offer fresh food at each distribution!

Thank you for generously responding to our urgent request for diapers and wipes! All donated items have been distributed directly to pantry partners.

This will remain an ongoing need. If you would like to continue to help, you can still shop from MEND’s Amazon Wishlist or drop off items at the Hub.

MEND is seeking a passionate, community-engaged leader to serve as a consultant and help guide the work of the Food & Health Equity Coalition of Essex County.

Please see the attached Request for Proposals (RFP) and submit materials to HR@mendnj.org with the subject line: FHEC Coalition Coordinator Proposal.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Priority consideration for those who apply by April 13, 2026.  

This month, 14 MEND staff members completed eight hours of training in Foundations of Trauma, Resilience, and Healing-Centered Strategies,.

Jessica Padilla Gonzalez, CEO of CUMAC, one of MEND’s peer orgs, based in Passaic County, led the training.

Please welcome Gabrielle (Gabby) Mills, MEND’s new Administrative Assistant.

Gabby brings a strong commitment to community, food justice, and supporting neighbors each day.

This month, the team planned MEND’s first annual bake-off competition, with a chocolate chip cookie theme.

Keiva, MEND’s Program Assistant, took home the grand prize honors – and the whole team was thrilled to join in the judging!