Good News In Essex County: Easing Hunger + Easter + Passover Packages

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — The world can be a scary place. But it’s also filled with humor, inspiration and beauty. Let’s focus on that second part. Take a look at some recent good news stories in Essex County below. (Click the headlines to read).

Got a local news tip about something that will make your neighbors smile? Have an awesome photo you’d like to share? Send it to eric.kiefer@patch.com

Free Fridges, Mobile Café Ease Hunger In Newark's Food Deserts

All five wards of Newark appear on a list of food deserts in New Jersey. But there are some new solutions for an old problem, advocates say.

Archbishop Marks Milestone Easter Mass At Cathedral Basilica

For the first time since the pandemic started, Cardinal Joseph Tobin celebrated Easter Mass at Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart.

NJ Volunteers Deliver Passover Packages To Homebound Seniors

Jewish Family Service of MetroWest NJ delivered packages to homebound older adults and Holocaust survivors in Essex and Morris counties.

Bloomfield Gelato Shop Sells New Jersey Attitude With Each Scoop

The gelato and sorbet shop has unflinchingly "Jersey" flavors like "Left Lane is For Passing Only!" and "Blabbermouth."

Newark Teen Entrepreneurs Make Splash With Student-Created Hot Sauce

A farmer's market at Newark Beth Israel will sell Rider Heat Hot Sauce, which was created by the West Side High School Business Club.

Kids At Livingston Middle Schools Show They Know Their Numbers

Students on middle school teams in Livingston placed first and second in a NJ competition and were honored by the school board.

Montclair State University Hosts Aphasia Book Club

It's a safe space for reading, as well as a way for those with the disorder to connect, organizers say.