Mercer Street Friends

09/04/2026

Food insecurity is about more than whether food is available. It’s about whether people have consistent access to enough nutritious food to live healthy, active lives. For many, that access can be disrupted by a combination of challenges, including low or unstable income, the rising cost of food, limited transportation, or lack of access to a nearby grocery store.

That’s why food banks matter. They help fill the meal gap, connecting individuals and families with the food and resources they need while strengthening the communities they call home.

Today, on , we recognize the power of making sure our neighbors feel seen, supported, and never alone when putting food on the table. 💙🥦🍎

Help Mercer Street Friends keep food on the table for our neighbors. Together, we can help bridge the meal gap and build a stronger, healthier : https://bit.ly/4xdCKBW

09/02/2026

our Community Schools Team headed to California this summer to share the story of Mercer Street Friends’ Community Schools Initiative! They highlighted the success we’ve seen in Trenton, Hamilton, and Ewing and connected with Community Schools leaders from across the country.

From sharing lessons learned to exchanging ideas and best practices, the experience was an opportunity to showcase the impact of Community Schools in Mercer County while learning from leaders doing this work nationwide.

Read a recap of the experience from Assistant Director of Community Schools Nigel Johnson:

Mercer Street Friends’ Community Schools Team presents at the 2026 National Community Schools and Family Engagement Conference in California.

09/01/2026

the average cost of a meal in the United States is $3.70, according to Feeding America?

That adds up to $77.70 a week for three meals a day for one person. Yet, on average, Americans report needing an additional $23.16 per week to afford the food they need.

For too many of our neighbors, this can mean choosing between putting enough food on the table and paying for other necessities, like gas, medical care, or utilities. That isn’t right.

Mercer Street Friends is working to combat food insecurity in to ensure every child, family, and individual has access to healthy, nutritious food – so they can focus on building a healthy, fulfilling life.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/3XH55A3

08/28/2026

Mercer Street Friends was proud to join Senator Cory Booker at The Franklin Food Bank for an important conversation about the future of SNAP and the impact of recent changes on New Jersey families. Beginning October 1, 2026, New Jersey could face $90 million in additional SNAP administrative costs that would normally be covered by the federal government, including $78 million that would fall on counties – many of which are already seeing longer lines at food pantries as families struggle to put food on the table.

At Mercer Street Friends, we’re seeing more parents visiting our school-based food pantries, often at the very schools where their children are learning, including at our Community Schools throughout and . This is a powerful reminder that access to nutritious food is directly connected to a child’s ability to focus, learn, and succeed. When families lose access to critical food support, the impact extends far beyond dinner that night – it can affect a child’s well-being, education, and future.

We’re grateful to Senator Booker for listening to organizations on the front lines of hunger and standing up for New Jersey families. Together, we must protect SNAP and ensure no child has to learn on an empty stomach.

The Community FoodBank of New Jersey
Food Bank of South Jersey
Fulfill
Norwescap New Jersey
Arm In Arm

08/27/2026

to an unforgettable summer with our Summer Bridge students! 😎📚 Our Community School students showed up and shined all summer long. From educational enrichment in math, reading, and social-emotional learning to extracurriculars like drumline, fashion, gardening, and drama, our students had plenty of opportunities to learn, explore, and grow.

Now, they’re heading into the new school year with new skills, new experiences, and plenty of confidence to crush it in the classroom this fall! 💪💙

Learn more about Summer Bridge and the Community Schools Initiative: https://mercerstreetfriends.org/programs/community-schools-initiative/

08/25/2026

Kinda chic to care about your community. 💙

At Mercer Street Friends, we’re all about making sure our neighbors have access to the food, family support, and educational opportunities they need to thrive. And honestly? We think that’s pretty chic.

Learn more and get involved: https://bit.ly/3XH55A3

08/24/2026

Hey ! 👋 Are you 16–24 years old and ready to earn your GED and take the next step toward your future?

We’ve partnered with Anchor House, Inc. to offer a FREE GED & Workforce Training Program designed to help you build the skills, confidence, and education you need to reach your goals. 🎓 A GED can open the door to new opportunities – and we’re here to help you get there!

Ready to get started? 📞 Call (609) 570-3124 for more information and to enroll.

Anchor House is partnering with Street Friends to offer a FREE GED & Workforce Training Program for eligible Mercer County residents ages 16–24.

If you're ready to earn your GED, build career skills, and prepare for employment, this opportunity is for you!

📞 Call (609) 570-3124 to learn more and enroll.

08/20/2026

Access to fresh, nutritious food is essential to a healthy life. That's why, when we moved into our warehouse nearly three years ago, we invested in state-of-the-art cold storage to better serve .

With the ability to safely store and distribute refrigerated items like dairy products and proteins, we’re helping our pantry partners provide families with more nutritious food options and expanding access to healthy meals across our community. 🍖🥦

Learn more about how we’re working to combat food insecurity in our neighborhoods: https://bit.ly/4ekhAs6

08/19/2026

We kicked off August by celebrating the end of a summer filled with growth, exploration, learning, new friendships, and lasting memories! Through Summer Bridge 2026, more than 300 Community School and Preschool students had access to academic instruction and engaging enrichment opportunities designed to keep them learning, growing, and connected throughout the summer – and help prevent the “summer slide.”

The Summer Showcase was one to remember. Students celebrated their growth in math, literacy, and social-emotional learning while proudly sharing the projects and skills they developed throughout the summer. 😎💙 From short film premieres and an incredible drumline performance to front-row seats at a student fashion show, the showcase was a true celebration of everything our students accomplished.

We couldn’t be prouder of the creativity, confidence, and growth our students showed all summer long. Read more about Summer Bridge and the Summer Showcase in The Trentonian: https://mercerstreetfriends.org/summer-bridge-program-featured-in-the-trentonian/

08/18/2026

Never miss an opportunity to support our mission of nourishing minds and bodies and empowering families and communities. 💙🤝

Visit our website and click “sign up for information” to join: https://bit.ly/3XH55A3