Gov. Praises Montclair Soup Kitchen For Fighting Food Insecurity

MONTCLAIR, NJ — A Montclair-based soup kitchen recently got a shout-out from Gov. Phil Murphy for fighting food insecurity during the coronavirus pandemic – and boosting local restaurants in the process.

Earlier this year, Toni’s Kitchen, a food ministry of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, was awarded a $663,750 grant from the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) as part of the agency’s Sustain and Serve NJ program.

The NJEDA launched applications for Sustain & Serve NJ in late 2020 to support restaurants that have been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 crisis.

With the grant, Toni’s Kitchen was able to purchase meals at $10 each from Montclair restaurants, then distribute them to residents in need with the help of The Salvation Army, MESH, the Montclair Inn and Family Promise.

On Monday, Gov. Murphy offered a message of thanks to the nonprofit and its executive director Anne Mernin, writing that Toni’s Kitchen has been “fighting food insecurity” for nearly 40 years.

• See related article: Montclair Soup Kitchen Is Beacon Of Hope In Shadow Of Coronavirus

Other elected officials applauded Toni’s Kitchen after news of the grant was announced in February.

“Toni’s Kitchen and our local restaurants are integral to the fabric of our community,” said Sen. Nia Gill (District 34), who represents Clifton, East Orange, Montclair and Orange.

“The Sustain and Serve NJ grant will provide much needed funding and support as they purchase meals in bulk from participating restaurants and distribute them at no cost within our community,” Gill said.

Montclair Mayor Sean Spiller said the grant will further the mission of Toni’s Kitchen, but it will also be a boost for local restaurants during a difficult time.

“A big thank you to everyone involved in bringing this to fruition,” Spiller said.

Other support for the grant to Toni’s Kitchen came from Essex County Commissioner Brendan Gill and former mayor Ed Remsen, a member of the Mayor’s Covid Task Force.

Patch has partnered with Feeding America to help raise awareness on behalf of the millions of Americans facing hunger. Feeding America, which supports 200 food banks across the country, estimates that in 2021, about 42 million Americans may not have enough nutritious food to eat due to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. This is a Patch social good project; Feeding America receives 100 percent of donations. Find out how you can donate in your community or find a food pantry near you.

Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com

Sign up for Patch email newsletters. Learn more about posting announcements or events to your local Patch site. Don’t forget to visit the Patch Montclair Facebook page.