Dear *{{Informal Name}}*,

MEND’s 2025 Annual Impact Report is here, and it’s a reflection of what your generosity made possible!

Together, we’re not only meeting rising needs, but also building stronger partnerships, expanding community-led programs, and planting seeds for long-term change that you’ll continue to see grow.

Thank you for being such an essential part of this effort.

With gratitude,

Robin Peacock

Executive Director

P.S. – Have questions or just want to chat about how you can get more involved? Schedule a call with me at your convenience.

Boys & Girls Club of Newark is MEND’s newest Mobile Market partner. At the first market, the corn, strawberries, sweet potatoes, and peaches were the clear favorites.

One mom said it best: “THIS is going to be dinner tonight!” 

United Community Corporation (UCC) has rejoined MEND’s Pantry Partnerships program.

Their new site, “The Market at UCC,” lets residents choose their own fresh produce and meats, restoring the dignity of choice.

Your support of MEND has kept the Cougar Cares Share-Shelf at Columbia High School stocked with fresh fruit, and the response says it all.

“Our hallway smells like oranges, and students keep coming down for fresh fruit for their classroom.” – Liz P., CHS Counseling Secretary

The Green Bean Gala returns on Friday, October 16th, 2026, at 6:30 PM at the Maplewood Country Club.

Bring your friends and wear your greenest, beaniest fashions for a night of community and celebration.

General admission tickets are $225, and sponsorships are available. Last year’s event sold out early, so don’t delay!

Thank you for running, walking, cheering and raising raising over $160,000 to bring more fresh, nourishing food to families across Essex County!

…and save the dates for Year 10: July 9-18, 2027!

Sabrina Subhit has joined the team and is MEND’s new Program Manager, supporting FHEC, too.

Alberto Miniel-Sosa has joined the team as MEND’s new Driver/Warehouse Assistant.

Shayna Schmidt is MEND’s new Purchasing Manager, moving over to the Operations team!

Keiva-Nevaeh Edghill has been promoted from Program Assistant to Program Coordinator.

This July, MEND welcomed two dietetic interns from Rutgers University for a two-week rotation. They led food demos, created recipes, and shared nutrition tips.

“What makes this rotation so unique is meeting neighbors right where they are… and sharing small, simple ways healthy eating can be preventive care.” – Nia, Intern

The MEND Team recently took a trip to partner America’s Grow-a-Row to harvest turnips together!