Community Impact

Our Goal is to “Fill the Need”

The Community Council and the membership are working hard to continue our “Fill the Need Initiative,” which targets the basic needs of low-income children in our joint service area.  Our community work is dedicated to closing the gap on food insecurity, school supply gaps, essential clothing and basic hygiene needs of school-age children living in poverty. 

​“Children in need” is a compelling issue in Essex County:

• 22% of children live below the Federal poverty level
• 54,500 children receive free/reduced price school lunch and breakfast
• Over 62,000 children receive SNAP (food stamps)
• Approximately 1875 children in out-of-home placements (highest versus all other New Jersey counties)