Today we’d like to introduce you to Mike Bruno.
Hi Mike, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I became the Executive Director of the Human Needs Food Pantry in 2013 after I retired. I served in law enforcement for 30 years and was Chief of Police for 11 of those years. Public service has always been a part of my life so coming here was a natural transition for me.
Though my base of experience was dramatically different, I found running the food pantry to be a perfect fit for me. once I got settled in, I made numerous changes in the way the pantry operates. We have a small staff of eight employees and over 120 volunteers who are the lifeblood of the organization, doing everything from packing the bags, bread and produce, to string donated clothing and making food deliveries to homebound clients.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Frankly, it was very smooth from the start. As for obstacles, the only thing that stands out was that the building itself was very disorganized had some basic layout and maintenance issues. In my former life, organization and order were crucial so in short order everything was straightened out, cleaned up and organized properly taking for a much more efficient operation.
The staff and volunteers here are nothing short of amazing, hard working people who are fully committed to our mission of helping people in need.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
The Human Needs Food Pantry began over 44 years ago in a small church in Montclair helping a few families who attended services there. Over the years, it broke out as a 501c3 non-profit organization. We provide food & clothing to people struggling to make ends meet in these challenging times. At present, we are serving thousands of people throughout Essex County NJ and beyond. Essex County residents can come weekly, while out of county residents come monthly. For monthly clients, we also offer them listings of pantries and services in their own counties so they can get assistance closer to home.
Several things set us apart from similar organizations. We provide fresh fruit and vegetables and proteins like meat, chicken or fish depending on what I purchase each week, not just canned goods.
In addition to food and clothing, we try to fill many other “human needs” by providing things like diapers, wipes, personal items like soap, shampoo, feminine products, bath tissue & paper towels and more. We also provide pet food so people don’t have to choose between feeding themselves or their beloved pets.
While we can’t accommodate special diets, we provide nutritional supplements like Ensure & Glucerna for clients struggling with issues that require them (with a note from a physician. In addition, we periodically offer free vaccination clinics for Flu, Covid and more.
All of our staff and volunteers truly care about the thousands of people we serve, going above and beyond to help them, make them feel welcome and ensure that they are treated with dignity and respect.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.humanneedsfoodpantry.org
- Instagram: humanneedsfoodpantry
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/humanneedsfoodpantry
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/human-needs-food-pantry-montclair
- Twitter: @HNFPMontclair
