Meeting Essential Needs with Dignity (MEND) is a hunger relief network in Essex County, NJ.

MEND's mission is to strengthen the health of our community by increasing access to fresh and healthy food. We envision a community in which everyone has access to nutritious food and the ability to achieve their optimal health.

MEND collaborates with pantry leaders and community partners to prioritize the needs of patrons, and regularly sources high quality, culturally relevant, fresh and healthy food. These efforts transform hunger relief from the traditional "emergency food" model to one that promotes dignity and respect.

Beyond food, MEND collaborates, convenes, and advocates to share ideas and resources - all with the overarching mission of alleviating hunger, addressing the root causes of food insecurity, and improving the health and well-being of everyone in our community.

How MEND Supports its Network

Pantry Partnerships -- MEND continually seeks feedback from leaders from over 20 food pantries located in Bloomfield, East Orange, Irvington, Maplewood, Montclair, Newark, Orange, South Orange, and West Orange. We provide fresh and healthy food, connect resources and raise funds to increase the pantries' capacity, and provide nutritious food options for patrons. 91% of the food MEND purchases, and 67% of the food donated through MEND, is fresh, (and 50% is locally sourced)!
MEND on the Move -- Through mobile markets and home deliveries designed collaboratively with 19 community partners, MEND reduces barriers to accessing nutritious food in food desert communities, and advances health equity by bringing fresh and healthy food directly and consistently to those who need it most. Over 36,000 servings of fresh and healthy food are provided through this program annually!
The Fresh Food Hub --MEND’s centralized warehouse in Orange, NJ, this space helps to alleviate the logistical burdens that have historically limited the food pantries’ ability to independently source, store, and distribute fresh and healthy food. The Hub enables MEND to build strategic food donation and purchasing partnerships, support MEND programs and patrons, and provides a physical space for volunteer activities!

To learn more, visit us at mendnj.org.

About Meeting Essential Needs with Dignity