Catholic Charities is reporting the greatest strain ever on food pantries in suburban areas such as Livingston, West Orange and Maplewood. The demand is the greatest since Catholic Charities took over an inter-faith emergency food network in Essex County in 1984.

“It is the worst I’ve ever seen,” said Sharon Reilly-Tobin, a program director at Catholic Charities who administers the emergency food coalition known as MEND (Meeting Emergency Needs with Dignity). “Out of the 18 MEND pantries in Essex, half have had to turn people away because there is simply not enough food,” she continued.

The increased demand is from unemployed middle-class families finding themselves for the first time facing eviction. Since New Jersey is one of the highest cost of living areas in the U.S., a large percentage of income goes towards paying rent.

“We’ve found that people will do much to keep a roof over their heads because they know that the food budget can be helped with food pantries,” said Reilly-Tobin.

“I’ve been working in Livingston for 15 years, and the need for food is greater now than ever before,” said Sister Barbara Howard (of the Sisters of St. Joseph) who runs a MEND pantry in Livingston. “Now I’ve got neighbors saying, ‘I’m trying to get my neighbor to call you because they’re too proud because they have never needed help before.’ “ These are young families who have been down-sized or laid off from jobs and senior citizens struggling to stay in their homes.

The Holy Trinity-West Orange Food Pantry in West Orange has had to begin turning away people coming from other areas. We’ve experienced noticeable growth trends in three particular areas this year.

“We have probably seen a 20% increase this year alone, and we ourselves are struggling to be able to meet the demand,” said Cynthia Cumming, the administrator of the pantry. Cumming said that the need is from the underemployed: people that are working, but still struggling to get by. They don’t qualify for food stamps, WIC or other services because of income. The second group, Cumming reported is the unemployed. Despite improvements in the economy, businesses are not rehiring and many cannot find work. Third is an increase in senior citizens who have to care for their grandchildren.

Catholic Charities is reporting that some of the donor churches that used to send food or a financial donation to the MEND pantries in Newark or the Oranges can no longer give, or give only half, because they now have needs to fill within their own communities.

MEND is Essex County’s largest and oldest network of food pantries. In 2010, MEND served over 75,000 individuals—40% of which were children under the age of 18. MEND’s 18 food pantries are supported through food drives and donations throughout Essex County by churches, temples, synagogues, schools, businesses and community organizations.

If people are interested in supporting MEND through a food drive with their business, school, or house of worship, contact Sharon Reilly-Tobin, or they can make a donation at 973-266-7941. All donations are tax deductible. You can learn more about MEND at www.mendnj.org