Montclair Urban Farming Nonprofit Celebrates 10 Years Of Environmental Justice

MONTCLAIR, NJ — A Montclair nonprofit that has earned some big kudos in recent years for its local environmental justice and educational efforts is getting ready to celebrate its 10-year anniversary with a Fall Harvest Fiesta.

The Northeast Earth Coalition (NEEC) will hold its latest fundraising event from 6:30 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 26 at Glen Ridge Congregational Church, 195 Ridgewood Avenue. Learn more or purchase tickets here.

Here’s what to expect, organizers said:

“The Fiesta will feature a Mexican buffet prepared by Mezoco, locally sourced beverages, including from Varitage Brewery of Bloomfield, live music by the Jonathan Luks Trio, and a silent auction featuring tropical getaways, gift certificates to local businesses and restaurants, professional nature photography, framed artwork, garden consultations and much more.”

The nonprofit 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.”

In a typical year, NEEC’s five Montclair and Glen Ridge community gardens raise more than 8,000 pounds of produce for donation to local food programs and low-income seniors.

• Related: Montclair Nonprofit Grows Fresh Veggies, Shares With Local Seniors

The group is also a driving force behind a network of “Little Free Pantries,” which include 17 locations in Cedar Grove, East Orange, Bloomfield, Clifton and Montclair.

• Related: Little Free Pantry Movement Is Exploding In Montclair

Other local efforts include three NEEC pollinator gardens – located at Montclair’s Crane Park, Essex County’s Brookdale Park, and First Congregational Church in Montclair – which provide essential habitat for beneficial insects and other wildlife.

• Related: Bee City Montclair: Learn How To Make Your Yard A Pollinator Haven

“Community is the backbone of what we do, so it’s important that we take time to celebrate with good food and great people – and together we hope to raise necessary funds to continue our work,” NEEC founder Jose German-Gomez said.

• Related: Montclair Environmental Nonprofit Is Growing Strong, Founder Says

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