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.

Now in its seventh year, the Green Bean Gala (originally named for our beloved school bus-turned-mobile-pantry) is MEND's annual fundraising event to benefit 50+ Essex County food pantries and community partners working to alleviate hunger throughout Essex County.

The event features a fun and festive evening (green attire is encouraged!), filled with delicious food, lively music and dancing, photo booth fun, the opportunity to outbid your friends and neighbors on unique auction items - and to contribute to a special appeal to help MEND grow, and lots of time to mix and mingle with like-minded community members who believe in and support this important work!

Funds raised will:

increase access to more high quality, culturally relevant, and wanted fresh and healthy foods and other essential items for those impacted by hunger in our community;
allow for greater collaboration among food pantries, nonprofit organizations, and community partners for greater impact to empower those impacted by hunger in our community;
ensure that those impacted by hunger in our community are connected to and aware of needed and available resources beyond food;
advocate for increased and improved resources where existing systems and resources are failing those impacted by hunger in our community;
address the root causes of hunger by learning from and prioritizing the voices of those impacted by hunger in our community; and
transform the traditional hunger relief model to better serve the health and nutrition needs of those impacted by hunger in our community.

Become a Sponsor

Support MEND’s mission and make a lasting impact in our community by becoming a Green Bean Gala sponsor. View our sponsorship package to explore opportunities and benefits.

Join the fun – Donate an Item or Experience to the Silent Auction!

Green Bean Gala 2025

By Meeting Essential Needs with Dignity

Green Bean Gala 2025

Invest in the Health of Your Community!