Community Corner

Connecting Essex County to Food, Care, and Community Engagement.

As families across Essex County face uncertainty around federal SNAP benefits and rising costs, Sheriff Amir D. Jones and the Essex County Sheriff’s Office have launched Community Corner — a countywide initiative designed to connect residents to food access, mental health support, and community safety resources.

While recent court rulings have temporarily protected federal SNAP payments, many households continue to experience delays, confusion, and growing food insecurity.

Through Community Corner, Sheriff Officers and our Community Engagement Team (CET) is stepping up to assist local partners — helping deliver supplies, bridge communication gaps, and connect residents to the care they desire and deserve.

Our Commitment

The Essex County Sheriff’s Office believes that public safety begins with access — to food, to care, and to trusted relationships.
Community Corner strengthens those connections by meeting residents where they are, working alongside the organizations that already serve them, and ensuring every family can access help with dignity and respect.

How our Community Corner Will Help Families Across Essex County

1. Supporting Food Pantries

Sheriff officers will assist high-volume food pantries and distribution sites across Essex County — including senior centers, churches, and local nonprofits — by helping to deliver, load, and transport food safely to residents in need. Beyond logistics, their presence helps create a calm, orderly, and compassionate environment for residents during high-demand events. The goal is to provide extra support and safety — not enforcement — while ensuring every household feels seen and respected.

2. Language-Access Support

Bilingual officers will be present at major food distributions.
Ensuring communication materials and signage are available in multiple languages.
Helping residents navigate resource information with clarity and care.

3. Mental Health Support

Upon request, Sheriff Officers will work alongside licensed mental health professionals to identify residents in distress and connect them to care.
Focusing on empathy, calm presence, and de-escalation during all community interactions.

4. Partnering with Houses of Worship & Nonprofits

Continuing our visits to churches, mosques, temples, and community centers throughout Essex County with our Community Engagement Team.
Assisting with deliveries, outreach, and public safety presence during events and food pantry days.
Strengthening the existing network of community partners through collaboration and trust.

Find Resources Near You

County Food Distribution Dates

(Please note: as more dates are added we will update)

Monday, November 3

10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Cherry Blossom Welcome Center

Thursday, November 6

10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Monte Irving Orange Park Community Center

Food Access

If you or someone you know needs assistance accessing groceries or meals, visit our list of Essex County food pantries.

Please note: Some countywide food pantry listings may still reflect temporary closures from the COVID-19 period. We can confirm these sites are now open and actively serving residents. We encourage residents to call ahead before visiting to confirm hours and availability.

Mental Health & Wellness

If you or someone you know is struggling emotionally, confidential help is available 24/7.

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — Dial 988
NJ Mental Health Cares Helpline — 1-866-202-HELP (4357)
Mental Health Association of Essex & Morris — (973) 509-9777 | mhainspire.org
Family Service Bureau of Newark — (973) 412-2056 | newcommunity.org
Rutgers Behavioral Health Care (UBHC) — (800) 969-5300

Partner With Us

Community Corner thrives through partnership.
If you’re part of a house of worship, nonprofit, or community-based organization supporting Essex County families, Sheriff Officers and our Community Engagement Team can assist with:

Safety presence at food distributions and events
Language-access and translation support
Delivery and logistics coordination
Mental-health referrals and wellness check-in support

Request Community Hub Support Here