OUR
As an interfaith organization meeting the emergency needs of the disadvantaged of Essex County, working to support and facilitate their growth as self-sufficient individuals; assisting them in obtaining benefits to which they are entitled; and advocating for policies that improve the quality of life for those we serve.
OUR HISTORY
In 1979, MEND’s first full year of operation, there were only eight pantries serving approximately 500 people a month. In 2011, over 69,000 needy individuals in the
All MEND clients must have an authorized referral letter in order to be served. Since there is a limited supply of food available to MEND, the pantry coordinators try to exercise good stewardship of the food they receive. A referral letter helps to ensure that the food is going to an individuals and families who are truly in need.
Many of the MEND pantries provide other support services in addition to their food pantry operation. These type of services reflect the committment of the member pantries to respond to the ever changing needs of their particular community. A few pantries provide clothing, other pantries serve hot meals on certain days of the week. Day care is provided at one pantry and another pantry operates an emergency shelter.
The primary activity of the MEND network is the collection and distribution of food. This is coordinated by the Emergency Food and Nutrition Network of Catholic Charities which also contributes the services of a van and a driver to pick up the food collections. The food for the pantries comes mostly from the Emergency Food and Nutrition Network, local churches, synagogues and community organizations. Thanks to these groups’ generosity, MEND was able to distribute over 42 tons of quality food items to the member pantries last year. In addition to supplying these pantries on a regular basis, MEND also sponsors special projects like Help A Family at Christmas and Share the Harvest project to help those in need. MEND welcomes participation by concerned people of all faiths.
To be a member pantry, coordinators must agree to specific guidelines and submit monthly reports to the MEND Coordinator concerning the number of clients served, the reason for food assistance, etc. This enables MEND to provide valuable statistics to advocate the cause of the hungry on a local and state level and be good stewards the the monetary and food donations received.
We are always looking for volunteers. Give us a call anytime, or just stop by.
Call (973) 266-7941 for details.