Who we are: MEND is a network of 20 food pantries located throughout Essex County. Nine pantries are in Newark, four are in East Orange, and the remaining seven are in Bloomfield, Irvington, Maplewood, Montclair, Orange, South Orange, and West Orange. Last year, MEND member pantries provided extra food for over 160,000 people who turned to them for help.

What we are doing, and why: While some of our member pantries have closed temporarily in light of this health crisis, many remain open, and are experiencing increased numbers of people looking for food. At the same time, many pantries rely heavily on food donations from community groups, schools, and houses of worship - many of which are now closed - and round out their supply with purchases from local grocery stores - many of which are experiencing increased demand and supply disruptions.

We are coordinating this effort to help ensure that there is food available for the pantries who need it over the next few weeks. If you have extra food (or cleaning supplies!) to spare, please consider donating them to MEND for distribution to pantries throughout Essex County. Thank you!

How it works: Leave a bag of donated food on your doorstep, and a volunteer will pick it up on the day you designate. It's a socially-distancing-compliant way to make a difference! Your donation will go directly to someone in need during this trying time.