[The Montclair Times] Hunger is very present in Essex County.
Toni's Kitchen, the food ministry of St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 73 South Fullerton Ave., has seen a 62 percent increase in the number of meals served to its guests since 2007, according to director Anne Mernin. The Salvation Army Montclair Citadel, 13 Trinity Place, served approximately 16 percent more meals in its most recent service year than it did the year previously, according to Major Larry Ashcraft.
While needs remain great, also in the wind is a public interest in improving access to healthy foods. Mernin told The Montclair Times that this year Toni's Kitchen saw its biggest-ever season for produce donations; they came from grocery stores, local community-supported agriculture initiatives, and individuals.
Food drive organizers, as well as populations being served, are now trying to make better choices, according to those involved in bringing food to those in need.
"This is a big switch," said Montclair resident Lisa Amato.
