Meeting Essential Needs With Dignity Inc

Meeting Essential Needs With Dignity (MEND) is an interfaith network of 19 food pantries located throughout Essex County, NJ. The MEND network includes nine pantries in Newark, three in East Orange, and seven more in Bloomfield, Irvington, Montclair, West Orange, Orange, South Orange, and Maplewood. MEND is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation.

Our hunger relief network, the largest in Essex County, has been providing food and support services to individuals and families in need since 1980. MEND pantries served 117,063 Essex County residents in 2017, and over 134,000 people in 2018. Families and individuals facing hardship find food and encouragement in our programs. All are welcome. Nearly 50% of those served reflect the most vulnerable of our population: 38% are children, and 10% are seniors.