Montclair Music Venue Fights Food Insecurity With $20,000 Donation

MONTCLAIR, NJ — A nonprofit concert venue in Montclair recently made a pair of $10,000 donations to local groups that fight hunger.

The Board of Trustees of Outpost in the Burbs, a nonprofit concert venue in Montclair, donated a total of $20,000 to the Human Needs Food Pantry and Toni’s Kitchen in support of their missions to combat food insecurity.

“Outpost in the Burbs extends its appreciation to the dedicated staff and volunteers of both organizations, whose tireless efforts make our community a better place,” the board said.

Mike Bruno, executive director of Human Needs Food Pantry, said the money is an investment in “hope, dignity and the well-being of our neighbors.”

“Your support enables us to continue providing nutritious food, clothing and other essential resources to people who desperately need our help,” Bruno said.

Anne Mernin, executive director of Toni’s Kitchen, said there are many people in the community that are struggling to make ends meet, including some receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.

“The vast majority of households receiving SNAP include older adults or working individuals and families who are unable to put all the pieces together to afford combined costs of housing, transportation, child care and health care,” Mernin said.

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