Federal Budget Cuts Wallop Montclair Nonprofit That Creates 'Little Free Pantries'

MONTCLAIR, NJ — Another nonprofit in Montclair is reportedly facing “grave danger” from the federal budget cuts happening under the Trump administration.

The Northeast Earth Coalition Inc. (NEEC) put out an urgent call for financial support on Tuesday. Read it here.

The Montclair-based nonprofit has earned kudos in recent years for its local environmental justice and educational efforts. It also supports small family farms, urban farming projects, community vegetable gardens and backyard food production as part of its mission to “protect the environment and promote local sustainability and food security.”

The group is also a driving force behind a network of Little Free Pantries, which now total 18 locations in five North Jersey towns. Last year, the network distributed more than 380,000 pounds of canned and dry food. Read More: Little Free Pantry Movement Is Exploding In Montclair

Founder Jose German-Gomez shared more details about the situation in a letter to the community. He wrote:

“We have just received word that the federal government has announced the termination of the EPA grant program the NEEC was counting on to allow us to maintain and expand our community programs. Like many nonprofits in New Jersey and nationwide, we rely on public funds to help run our programs. Without this funding, our community services are in grave danger.

“Our community gardens are not just patches of green; they are thriving hubs that bring people together, providing not only fresh produce but also space for education and community building. The loss of these gardens would be a severe blow to our local resilience and sustainability efforts. Last year, we collectively produced over 8,000 pounds of fresh produce to support local food programs, including Toni’s Kitchen, the Human Need Food Pantry, Montclair Emergency Services for Hope (MESH), and people facing food insecurity.

“Our Community Food Network (Free Little Pantries) is a beacon of hope for many. With 18 locations in five towns, it provides a lifeline for those struggling with food insecurity. Last year, we distributed over 380,000 pounds of canned and dry food. This network works to ensure that no one in our community goes hungry. The sudden halt in funding threatens to dismantle this network, leaving countless people in dire need.

“In addition to our food programs, we have 14 long-term environmental projects, including native plant gardens, pollinator gardens, rain gardens, and wildlife habitats. These projects help to maintain biodiversity and provide educational opportunities for our community. The cessation of funding puts them at risk, undermining years of hard work.

“The NEEC is a 501(c)(3) tax exempt volunteer-driven organization. Every day, our volunteers are out there serving the community. Their dedication is unparalleled, and their impact is profound. From planting and maintaining gardens to distributing food and educating the public, our volunteers are the backbone of our organization.

“The importance of our work cannot be overstated. Our programs provide essential services to the community, and the cancellation of funding puts all of this at risk. We are reaching out to you today because we need your help. Your donation can make a significant difference. It can help ensure that our community gardens can stay open, that our food distribution network can continue to provide for those in need, and that our environmental projects can keep making a positive impact.”

People who want to make a donation to the nonprofit can learn more here.

FEDERAL BUDGET CUTS AND ESSEX COUNTY

The Northeast Earth Coalition Inc. isn’t the only Montclair nonprofit that has reported severe disruptions from the cuts happening under President Donald Trump and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

Montclair Community Farms – a nonprofit that battles food insecurity across Essex County – says it has been “devastated” by the Trump administration’s recent gutting of AmeriCorps.

“This past week, we received the devastating news that the AmeriCorps program has been issued a federal stop-work order, which means we are suddenly losing half of our farm team right at the height of our growing season,” the group reported this week.

• See Related: Gutting Of AmeriCorps Hits Hard For Community Farm In New Jersey

Other impacted nonprofits in Essex County include a group that expects to serve 1,200 victims of domestic violence and their children this year – and which is facing “imminent closure” due to the federal budget cuts.

• See Related: Federal Budget Cuts Devastate Domestic Violence Group In Essex County

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