Top 5 Ways to Help Those Food Insecure this National Volunteer Week

The beloved poet, memoirist, and civil rights activist Maya Angelou once said: “I’ve learned that you shouldn’t go through life with a catcher’s mitt on both hands. You need to be able to throw something back.” Her altruistic words are never more fitting than they are in the days leading up to National Volunteer Week–Sunday, April 18 through Saturday, April 24.

Table to Table, New Jersey’s first & only dedicated food rescue program, invites you to join us in helping to feed people experiencing food insecurity in Northern New Jersey. Help out in any way you can. Read on for a list of our top favorite volunteer ideas.

Volunteer Some of Your Time

Table to Table is one of the most cost-effective organizations in the entire country because we rely on the generous time and services that we receive from our tireless volunteer network. If you have a special skill to offer or you’re simply interested in lending a hand, please complete our brief volunteer form.

Additionally, you will soon be able to deliver food directly to individuals in Bergen County struggling with access to food via the Table to Table Rescue App. It matches smaller commercial food donors with our network of Table to Table volunteers who pick up and deliver fresh, wholesome food to community-based agency partners, who can then identify local families in the greatest need. To learn more how you can help, email Andrea Ibarra.

Donate Your Lunch Money

Table to Table’s Bag a Lunch, Help a Bunch, a powerful grassroots initiative that asks individuals, employees in businesses, and students in schools to donate the equivalent of one day’s lunch money to help Table to Table fight hunger in our communities. For every dollar raised, Table to Table provides10 healthy meals. So, kick-start a Bag a Lunch, Help a Bunch campaign at your school or business. Contact Table to Table’s Director of Events, Shahna Sherwood, for questions or materials.

Hold Your Own Fundraiser

There are a slew of ways to fundraise, but try selecting something that you especially enjoy.  And, invite your friends and family to be a part of the activity. This way, you’re having fun and contributing to those in your community who need it most. Here are some ways you can help raise funds for Table to Table:

Host a benefit concert, bake sale, car wash, spin class or donate a percentage of a designated night’s profits from the fundraiser of your choice.

Designate Table to Table as the beneficiary of suggested donations for your next birthday or celebration.

Consider donating a portion of the proceeds of your business or organization’s annual event that generates funds.

To learn more, contact Table to Table’s Chief Development Officer, Eda Tekeoglu.

Donate Now

If time is an issue, consider a monetary donation by clicking here. With your generous contribution, you will be helping the more than 1 million people in New Jersey facing hunger daily. And, remember every dollar you donate to Table to Table provides enough fresh food for 10 healthy meals.

Support Table to Table by Attending a Fundraising Event

Throughout the year, Table to Table works with our generous Corporate Sponsors to create amazing engagements. From Table to Table’s Annual Golf Classic to The Chefs Gala, every dollar raised will go directly to help feed our hungry neighbors right here in Northern New Jersey. It’s a win/win. You’ll have fun and make a difference at the same time. Read more below about our upcoming events.

Thursday, May 13, 2021
Virtual Master Cooking Class with Celebrity Chef David Burke

Refine your cooking skills with guidance from world-renowned celebrity Chef David Burke, and create an extraordinary dish for all to enjoy! Learn tips and techniques as you follow his lead, fueled by his artful inspiration the entire way. Purchase Your Ticket Now!  Questions?  Reach out directly to Shahna Sherwood.

Tuesday, June 15, 2021
Table to Table’s 6th Annual Golf Classic at White Beeches Golf & Country Club

Take your best shot at fighting hunger, and join us for an amazing day of golf, abundant food and drink, entertainment, prizes, and more!  Purchase Your Golf Classic Ticket Today!  For questions, reach out directly to Shahna Sherwood.

Wednesday, September 22, 2021
Join Table to Table This Fall at The Chefs Gala

Now in our 22nd year, we can’t wait to present this culinary feast where top chefs and restaurateurs from NYC and NJ prepare a five-course menu just for Table to Table.  The evening will include a one-of-a-kind LIVE auction conducted by our favorite auctioneer, Nicholas Lowry (as seen on Antiques Roadshow) along with many other surprises to come.  Join us!

Oftentimes taking the first step is the hardest. In celebration of National Volunteer Week, commit today to not wearing two catcher’s mitts like Maya Angelou so perceptively voiced. The ideas above are only a few of the many ways that you can give of yourself. Make the first move toward being a part of the solution. Contact Table to Table now!