A weekly food distribution for those in need has been held at Saint Matthew AME Church in Orange for 41 straight weeks.
Officials say they will continue to do this as long as there is a need.
"We've been doing this for 41 weeks straight. And the need is still out there. People are still hurting," said Essex County Executive Joseph Divicenzo.
More than 500 people were expected to collect food at Thursday's distribution alone.