Interview with Robin Peacock, Executive Director of MEND NJ

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Before the Coronavirus hit our shores, there were many people in need across the country. This has only amplified since this pandemic has been spreading across the United States. As of this recording, worldwide there are over 285,000 case. In the U.S., there are almost 20,000 confirmed cases. My small town in New Jersey currently has seven cases and since the first case, it has doubled every four days.

This is scary stuff for all of us. Many of us are stocking up on food in worries of supply chain interruptions. But what if you were worried about your next meal prior to COVID-19? What does this mean for those who need the support of local organizations to get their food?

For this episode, I am talking with Robin Peacock, the Executive Director of MEND NJ, network of 20 member food pantries located throughout Essex County, New Jersey. The organization has provided food and other essential needs for families since 1980.

Prior to the Coronavirus, more than 40 million people in the United States were food insecure. Given the massive layoffs since the virus hit our shores, this number has only increased. In New Jersey alone, there were almost 900,000 people who were not sure where their next meal was coming from. Essex County, where MEND NJ services, has the highest rate of families and individuals who fall into the category. What is going to happen to those needest cases if we do not stop the spread of the coronavirus?

Take a listen to what MEND NJ is doing and learn how you can help even if you do not live in New Jersey. Also please stay through to the end where I talk about how you can help local farmers as well, find a local CSA in your area and also about a new group helping people across the country get items they need by using simple #ASK system.

Every community in the country is home to families with food insecurity.
Feeding America

Links to MEND NJ’s social media and other items mentioned in the interview.

Instagram @mend.green.bean

Facebook @mendnj

Website: https://mendnj.org

Hunger Free NJ: https://hungerfreenj.org

Feeding America: https://www.feedingamerica.org

Book to Plate Segment

Farm & Fork Society: www.farmandforksociety.com

Link to donate to purchase fresh produce for food pantries: https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/wGHdF3D_T43YF5V45qzl6g?t=1582209346

Find a CSA in your area: Local Harvest

Intellihelp FaceBook Group: @IntellihelpGlobal

Ways to Help MEND NJ:

1. If you are live locally you can donate to Mobile food drive. https://forms.gle/NvHu4494qugupsKd7

2. You can purchase food online. https://yougivegoods.com/mendnj

3. You can donate money directly to MEND NJ. https://www.mendnj.org/donate

4. You can participate in Farm & Fork Society’s fresh produce fundraiser help both local farmers and feed those in need. https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/wGHdF3D_T43YF5V45qzl6g?t=1582209346