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Mayor Ras Baraka joined the United Community Corporation and the city’s Center for Hope to officially open the Hyatt Courts community refrigerator on Wednesday. The community refrigerator program aims to tackle food insecurity by installing six units across all of Newark’s five wards.

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United Community Corporation Delivered Food and Stocked the Refrigerator

Newark, NJ—July 17, 2024—Mayor Ras J. Baraka joined United Community Corporation (UCC) today to cut the ribbon to open the Hyatt Center of Hope’s community refrigerator. The Center of Hope is located at 11 Hawkins Court.

UCC partnered with the city and Table to Table to develop the refrigerator food service and made the first delivery to stock it immediately before the event today. Future deliveries will be made by Table to Table.

Attendees included the H.I.P.P. Afterschool Program, the Devils Youth Foundation, Yendor Arts, and more than 30 youth participating in the city’s summer camp program. The Hyatt Center of Hope is currently expanding to address the needs of senior citizens.

“A basic need of human beings is nourishment, both for the body and the soul,” said Mayor Baraka. “By providing this refrigerator and its contents 24/7 to the neighbors here in the East Ward, we meet both needs, as we feed and affirm the value of these residents to our citywide community. Newark is shrinking our food deserts neighborhood by neighborhood, and infusing these areas with healthful meal essentials to build strong, healthy individuals and families, and improve their quality of life.”

UCC is also providing additional staffing and resources for the center, which provides programs to 30 youth during the school year and 34 during the summer.

“With the installation of our seventh community refrigerator, UCC is taking a pivotal step in combating food insecurity in Newark,” said UCC Executive Director Craig Mainor. “Together, we are ensuring that Newark families have reliable access to fresh and nutritious food, reinforcing our commitment to supporting the well-being and resilience of our community. We are grateful for our partnerships with the Center of Hope, Table to Table and Newark Housing Authority to help bring healthy food directly to communities that need it most.”

The UCC Community Refrigerator program is tackling food insecurity head-on with units that are installed across each of Newark’s five wards. UCC YouthBuild students, under the guidance of a construction manager, design, build and install each of the community refrigerator structures. The refrigerators provide residents with around-the-clock access to staple goods such as milk, juice, cheese, fresh fruits and vegetables, all at no cost.

“As a food rescue nonprofit that has been working in New Jersey for 25 years, Table to Table is committed to keeping quality food out of landfills and ensuring that is reaches communities where it’s most needed,” said Table to Table Executive Director Heather Thompson. “Our goal is to get healthy food into neighborhoods as efficiently as possible, and we’re grateful to partner with the City of Newark and UCC on this wonderful initiative, to make sure this refrigerator remains stocked with fresh, nutritious items. We invite residents to volunteer with us to assist with the twice-weekly transports so we can keep our neighbors nourished.”

“I want to thank the Mayor and all those involved in making this day happen,” said East Ward Council Member Michael J. Silva. “It’s a great day for the City and a great day for the East Ward. As Council Member of the East Ward, it is important to make sure that my residents have a quality of life – a meaning a place to live, are safe, but also making sure they have food on the table. Many people are suffering in today’s society with the cost of housing and groceries. Putting a decent meal on the table for their families is sometimes impossible. But today is a prime example of how the City of Newark, with its seventh food refrigerator, is always putting its residents first.”

Food insecurity is an issue that reaches each of Newark’s five wards. In 2022, sections of each ward were designated as “food deserts” by the state Economic Development Authority. A food desert is defined as a region where people have limited access to healthy and affordable food.

“As a parent and a community leader who thrives on success, there is no worse feeling than trying to comfort or care for a child that’s hungry. Did you know that a child that’s hungry has a harder time trying to listen or learn? We are delighted to have this community refrigerator at the Hyatt Court Hope Center location, which encompasses unity, growth, love, compassion, and honor. I look forward to watching this program grow like flowers throughout the City of Newark and I take pride in knowing that children and families will be positively affected by it,” said Ms. Mincey.

The initiative expanded since UCC’s first refrigerator was installed at 106 Ann Street in the city’s East Ward. In addition to the recent launch of the community refrigerator at Hyatt Court, the agency currently operates units in Newark outside Fulton Street Emergency Shelter at 31 Fulton Street, The Village Housing Complex at 332 South 8th Street, La Casa de Don Pedro at its 39 Broadway location, in the Shani Baraka Women’s Center, and at 1916 Springfield Avenue, in Maplewood.

UCC’s community refrigerator program is made possible through the support of various partners including the Devils Youth Foundation, the Office of Faith-Based Initiatives, Wellpoint, the Community FoodBank of New Jersey, MEND, Investors Bank, and the Presbytery of Northeast New Jersey.

Alongside this effort, UCC hosts routine distribution events in the city. Fresh groceries and boxed foods are a staple at any event, while providing other outreach resources.

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June 10, 2024 – Saddle Brook, NJ – Imagine a Gala unlike any other, where celebrated chefs cook tableside, personally dedicated to crafting a delicious multi-course feast especially for you and your guests. On September 25th, Table to Table will host New Jersey’s culinary event of the year: the 2024 Chefs Gala, a reimagined experience celebrating 25 years of impact and featuring 25 of New Jersey’s best chefs! Table to Table’s Chefs Gala will be held at Edgewood Country Club in River Vale, NJ at 6 pm. Seats are limited, so reserve your table today

This unique personal dining experience in the settling of an elegant Gala offers unforgettable cuisine, impeccable wine pairings, an exciting live auction, and so much more—all in support of Table to Table’s Silver Anniversary and our mission to rescue food, reduce waste, and relieve hunger in our communities.   

“We’re elated to celebrate our silver anniversary by putting a fresh new twist on a celebrated event,” said Heather Thompson, Executive Director, Table to Table. “What better way to celebrate 25 years of impact—reducing food waste and nourishing neighbors in need—than with an unparalleled culinary experience bringing together 25 of NJ’s best chefs, and Jamie Knott as our Chef Honoree,” Thompson concluded

Chef Honoree Jamie Knott 

On this milestone anniversary, we recognize one of New Jersey’s most inventive chef entrepreneurs, the avant-garde culinary master: Jamie Knott. His diverse experience across various culinary styles has established him as a leading figure in the industry. As the chef-owner of such notable restaurants as Saddle River Inn, Madame, and Kinjo—his latest masterpiece—Chef Knott warmly welcomes guests for a flavorful, unforgettable dining experience focused on locally sourced, fresh ingredients, reflecting Knott’s commitment to quality. Jamie’s portfolio of restaurants is consistently praised and acknowledged by media and influencers alike. Educated at the New York Restaurant School, his career has been marked by innovation and a deep understanding of the culinary world. Jamie is also deeply committed to giving back to the community through his involvement with Table to Table and several other New Jersey nonprofits.  

Co-Chairpersons Chef Ryan DePersio and Chef A.J. Capella 

Chefs Ryan DePersio and A.J. Capella have joined the event as Co-Chairs, lending their culinary expertise to make this year’s event an unforgettable experience. Ryan is the owner of Battello and Kitchen Step both in Jersey City as well as Ember and Eagle in Eatontown while AJ is the Executive Chef of Summit House in Summit. 

Founder’s Table Honorees 

At this year’s Chefs Gala, Table to Table will proudly welcome four new members to its Founder’s Table: Chef David Burke, Chef Nicholas Gatti, Chef Peter X. Kelly, and Eva Megerle. The Founder’s Table was established in 2023 by Table to Table’s Founder Claire Insalata Poulos to recognize individuals, companies and foundations that have provided extraordinary support to the nonprofit over its 25-year history. 

Sponsors for this year’s Table to Table’s Chefs Gala include: Crestron, Inserra ShopRite Supermarkets (Grand); Summit Associates (Platinum); Takasago (Silver), and Peapack-Gladstone Bank (Bronze).

For questions about the event, please contact Joey Mazza, Director of Events and Restaurant Partnerships, jmazza@tabletotable.org

25 years of Impact 

For 25 years, Table to Table, New Jersey’s first food rescue, has bridged the gap between food waste and food insecurity. The organization partners with supermarkets, distributors, restaurants, and others to rescue surplus, quality food, and delivers it directly to nonprofit community partners serving children and families, seniors, veterans, and other neighbors in need.  

What began in 1999 with one food rescue in a donated van, has flourished to become an efficient and impactful operation and a force for change that—to date—has resulted in the rescue and delivery of enough food for over 311 million healthy meals throughout northern New Jersey. To mark their milestone anniversary, the nonprofit has set a goal of rescuing/delivering enough fresh food for 25 million meals this year, via its fleet of 6 trucks and volunteer-based app, Table to Table I-Rescue. The 2024 Chefs Gala is poised to raise enough for 5 million meals. 

To help Table to Table in their mission to reduce food waste and address food insecurity in New Jersey, you can make a donation today – every dollar you contribute provides resources for the organization to rescue and deliver food for 10 healthy meals. For more information on Table to Table, visit www.tabletotable.org

About Table to Table 

Table to Table (http://www.tabletotable.org), NJ’s first food rescue organization, collects fresh and perishable food which would otherwise be wasted and delivers it to organizations that serve people experiencing hunger in Bergen, Hudson, Essex, and Passaic counties in Northern NJ. We bring rescued fresh, nutritious food to 200+ partner organizations including social service organizations, pantries, shelters, fresh produce markets and centralized distribution hubs. Food is provided free of charge. Through this, we touch a diversity of those in need, including families, children, veterans, and older adults, making good nutrition accessible while serving as a stimulus for other longer-term benefits. Table to Table raises all its own funds annually, and last year delivered enough food to provide over 23 million meals. 

Press Contact

Maria Sinopoli, Director of Marketing Communications 

msinopoli@tabletotable.org 

Funding Will Help New Jersey’s First Food Rescue Organization Reduce Food Waste And Deliver Non-Perishable Items to Communities in Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Morris and Passaic Counties

Saddle Brook, NJ (June 25, 2024) – Table to Table, a local non-profit organization dedicated to reducing food waste and feeding food-insecure neighbors, has received a $50,000 grant from Bank of America (BofA).

The grant will help Table to Table continue work to provide fresh, nourishing food for children and families, seniors, veterans, people with disabilities, and people facing financial difficulties. Increasing food and nutrition access will support better health for thousands of people while improving economic mobility in northern New Jersey. For 25 years, Table to Table’s work has positively impacted the individuals and families who receive food through partner organizations. Table to Table supports health and wellness through ongoing access to fresh produce, protein, dairy, and other healthy staples that are expensive and not readily available through more traditional food distributions.

“Enough food for more than 3 billion meals is wasted annually in our state, while nearly 1 million people face food insecurity,” says Heather Thompson, Executive Director, Table to Table. “BofA’s generous support and continued investment strengthens our mission, allowing us to get more fresh, nutritious food to those who truly need it and—in the process—ensuring that quality food doesn’t end up in landfills. We are incredibly grateful,” Thompson concluded.

The grant is part of Bank of America’s philanthropic giving efforts in local communities. Awardees were selected for their commitment to improving the lives of individuals and families, including health and jobs.

“Working with Table to Table to increase food security and nutrition access for the residents of Northern New Jersey is part of our commitment to promoting positive change throughout the state,” said Alberto Garofalo, President of Bank of America New Jersey. “Their work isn’t just about sustenance, it is about delivering fresh and nutritious food that would otherwise be wasted. Investing in Table to Table demonstrates our role as a catalyst in strengthening our communities.”

Table to Table

Founded in 1999, Table to Table is New Jersey’s first and largest food rescue nonprofit. What began with one food rescue in a donated van, has flourished to become an efficient and impactful operation and a force for change that—to date—has resulted in the rescue and delivery of enough food for over 311 million healthy meals throughout northern New Jersey. To mark their milestone 25th anniversary, the nonprofit has set a goal of rescuing/delivering enough fresh food for 25 million meals this year, via its fleet of 6 trucks and volunteer-based app, Table to Table I-Rescue. Visit Table to Table’s “Drive for 25” for 25 fun, easy and actionable ways to celebrate and drive impact!

Bank of America

Bank of America is one of the world’s leading financial institutions, serving individual consumers, small and middle-market businesses and large corporations with a full range of banking, investing, asset management and other financial and risk management products and services. The company provides unmatched convenience in the United States, serving approximately 69 million consumer and small business clients with approximately 3,800 retail financial centers, approximately 15,000 ATMs (automated teller machines) and award-winning digital banking with approximately 57 million verified digital users. Bank of America is a global leader in wealth management, corporate and investment banking and trading across a broad range of asset classes, serving corporations, governments, institutions and individuals around the world. Bank of America offers industry-leading support to approximately 4 million small business households through a suite of innovative, easy-to-use online products and services. The company serves clients through operations across the United States, its territories and more than 35 countries. Bank of America Corporation stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: BAC).

Reporters may contact:

Maria Sinopoli

Director of Marketing Communications

msinopoli@tabletotable.org

Funding Will Help the Nonprofit Expand its Food Rescue Efforts into Morris County

June 6, 2024 – Saddle Brook, NJTable to Table, New Jersey’s first food rescue organization, is the proud recipient of a $100,000 grant from Impact 100 Garden State for its program, Food Rescue Heroes: Bridging the Gap Between Food Waste & Food Insecurity. The generous funding will allow the food rescue nonprofit, which celebrates its 25th anniversary, to expand its mission of rescuing food, reducing waste, and relieving hunger into Morris County, adding to its existing footprint of Bergen, Essex, Hudson, and Passaic counties. Food rescue efforts for this grant will be supported by Table to Table I-Rescue, the nonprofit’s popular volunteer-based app. To volunteer, download Table to Table I-Rescue, click here.

“We are over the moon with excited and incredibly grateful to the altruism of Impact 100 Garden State for choosing to make this investment in Table to Table’s mission,” said Heather Thompson, Executive Director, Table to Table. “We are eager to spread our wings into Morris County with our Table to Table I-Rescue App, and we welcome local Morris County volunteers,” Thompson concluded.

Impact 100 Garden State, an all-women, all-volunteer organization, pools member contributions to make high-impact grants. The group has donated more than $3.5 million to area nonprofits since it began grant-giving in 2013. This year a record membership of 408 women allowed Impact100 Garden State to give four $100,000 grants for the first time.

For 25 years, Table to Table, New Jersey’s first food rescue, has bridged the gap for local neighbors in need by reducing food waste, sustaining those who are struggling, and contributing to their better health outcomes. We recognize the vital role that fresh food plays in nourishing not only the body, but also the spirit and mind.

What began in 1999 with one food rescue in a donated van, has flourished to become an efficient and impactful operation and a force for change that—to date—has resulted in the rescue and delivery of enough food for over 311 million healthy meals throughout northern New Jersey. To mark this milestone, the nonprofit has set a goal of rescuing/delivering enough fresh food for 25 million meals this year, via its fleet of 6 trucks and volunteer-based app, Table to Table I-Rescue. Visit Table to Table’s “Drive for 25” for 25 fun, easy and actionable ways to celebrate and drive impact!

To help Table to Table in their mission to reduce food waste and address food insecurity in New Jersey, you can make a donation today – every dollar you contribute provides resources for the organization to rescue and deliver food for 10 healthy meals. For more information on Table to Table, visit www.tabletotable.org.

About Table to Table

Table to Table (http://www.tabletotable.org), NJ’s first food rescue organization, collects fresh and perishable food which would otherwise be wasted and delivers it to organizations that serve people experiencing hunger in Bergen, Hudson, Essex, and Passaic counties in Northern NJ. We bring rescued fresh, nutritious food to 200+ partner organizations including social service organizations, pantries, shelters, fresh produce markets and centralized distribution hubs. Food is provided free of charge. Through this, we touch a diversity of those in need, including families, children, veterans, and older adults, making good nutrition accessible while serving as a stimulus for other longer-term benefits. Table to Table raises all its own funds annually, and last year delivered enough food to provide over 23 million meals.

Press Contact:

Maria Sinopoli, Director of Marketing Communications

msinopoli@tabletotable.org

Mark Dinglasan of the NJ Office of the Food Security Advocate Keynoted the Conference

May 23, 2024 – Saddle Brook, NJTable to Table, New Jersey’s first food rescue, hosted its first-ever Partners in Good Health Conference at the Lodi campus of Felician University. The food rescue nonprofit, which celebrates its 25th anniversary, welcomed community partners from across northern New Jersey for a day of networking and learning, featuring subject matter experts from top health organizations along with community leaders, imparting critical insights about nutrition, health, and well-being. Mark Dinglasan, Director of the New Jersey Office of the Food Security Advocate, provided the keynote address. For information, click here.

“Creating Table to Table’s Partners in Good Health Conference – an opportunity to bring our community partners together in one space – has long been a dream of ours, and it’s fitting that it took place in our 25th anniversary year,” said Heather Thompson, Executive Director, Table to Table. “The event has allowed us to learn from local experts, and from each other, as we explore the critical connection between food and health. By sharing best practices across our network, we can strengthen our support system to create better health for our neighbors,” Thompson concluded.

Topics featured during the Conference included: County Support & Services, Heart & Mind Wellness, and Innovative Programs, featuring a cross-county panel. Speakers represented such notable organizations such as the American Heart Association, Diabetes Foundation, the United Way of Greater Newark, and the Bergen County Office of Food Security.  A complete list can be found here.

“I applaud Table to Table for holding its first-ever Partners in Good Health Conference. Multi-sector partnerships that focus on combatting hunger as a public health and economic mobility issue are crucial to food security work,” said Mark Dinglasan, Director of the New Jersey Office of the Food Security Advocate. “This event showcases not only Table to Table’s ability to participate in such partnerships, but also to build, nurture and sustain them. I look forward to continuing to support and witness the organization’s growth and evolution under Heather Thompson,” Dinglasan concluded.

Sponsors for Table to Table’s Partners in Good Health Conference included: Felician University, Horizon, Dorfman Abrams Music Accountants & Advisors, ShopRite Inserra Supermarkets Inc., Jersey Mike’s (Bloomfield & West Orange), and Premium Digital Office Solutions.

For 25 years, Table to Table, New Jersey’s first food rescue, has bridged the gap for local neighbors in need by reducing food waste, sustaining those who are struggling, and contributing to their better health outcomes. We recognize the vital role that fresh food plays in nourishing not only the body, but also the spirit and mind.

To help Table to Table in their mission to reduce food waste and address food insecurity in New Jersey, you can make a donation today – every dollar you contribute provides resources for the organization to rescue and deliver food for 10 healthy meals. For more information on Table to Table, visit www.tabletotable.org.

About Table to Table

What began in 1999 with one food rescue in a donated van, has flourished to become an efficient and impactful operation and a force for change that—to date—has resulted in the rescue and delivery of enough food for over 311 million healthy meals throughout northern New Jersey. To mark this milestone, the nonprofit has set a goal of rescuing/delivering enough fresh food for 25 million meals this year, via its fleet of 6 trucks and volunteer-based app, Table to Table I-Rescue. Visit Table to Table’s “Drive for 25” for 25 fun, easy and actionable ways to celebrate and drive impact!

Press Contact:

Maria Sinopoli, Director of Marketing Communications

msinopoli@tabletotable.org

Table to Table, NJ’s First Food Rescue, Celebrates 25 Years of Nourishing Communities, Reducing Food Waste, and Improving the Well Being of Food Insecure Neighbors

March 26, 2024 – Saddle Brook, NJTable to Table, New Jersey’s first food rescue, celebrates 25 years of nourishing communities, reducing food waste, and improving the well-being of food insecure neighbors. What began in 1999 with one food rescue in a donated van, has flourished to become an efficient and impactful operation and a force for change that—to date—has resulted in the rescue and delivery of enough food for over 311 million healthy meals throughout northern New Jersey. To mark this milestone, the nonprofit has set a goal of rescuing/delivering enough fresh food for 25 million meals this year, via its fleet of 6 trucks and volunteer-based app, Table to Table I-Rescue. Visit Table to Table’s “Drive for 25” for 25 fun, easy and actionable ways to celebrate and drive impact!

“We’re incredibly proud of the impact we’ve made throughout our 25 years, ensuring healthy food does not go to waste and nourishing the hearts, minds and bodies of our neighbors in need” said Heather Thompson, Executive Director, Table to Table. “This all started two and a half decades ago thanks to the drive and dedication of our founder, Claire Insalata Poulos, and a small group of amazing individuals who stepped up to help. They saw good food being wasted, and they saw too many people who were struggling, and they were determined to do something about it. They started something that nobody else in New Jersey was doing at the time, and to this day we are still the largest fresh food rescue nonprofit in the State,” Thompson added.

“Every day, we continue to build on the strong foundation they created,” Thompson continued. “We are able to make a difference right here, right now in our own communities, thanks to their vision and to our donors, partners, and volunteers who make our work possible,” Thompson added. “As we celebrate this milestone and look to the future, we invite everyone to check out our “Drive for 25” to find 25 special ways you can support our mission–there’s something for everyone, and every action adds up to a huge impact,” Thompson concluded.

Table to Table’s “Drive for 25” was designed not only to provide a snapshot of the organization’s pivotal moments throughout the past 25 years, but also to offer a variety of 25 ways to celebrate this momentous time. You can choose to support Table to Table’s mission by learning how to reduce food waste in your home, volunteering, attending or hosting an event, getting your company or school involved, or even downloading an amazing playlist to inspire you as you drive to your next food rescue!

To help Table to Table in their mission to reduce food waste and address food insecurity in New Jersey, you can make a donation today – every dollar you contribute provides resources for the organization to rescue and deliver food for 10 healthy meals. For more information on Table to Table, visit www.tabletotable.org.

About Table to Table

Table to Table (http://www.tabletotable.org), NJ’s first food rescue organization, collects fresh and perishable food which would otherwise be wasted and delivers it to organizations that serve people experiencing hunger in Bergen, Hudson, Essex, and Passaic counties in Northern NJ. We bring rescued fresh, nutritious food to 200+ partner organizations including social service organizations, pantries, shelters, fresh produce markets and centralized distribution hubs. Food is provided free of charge. Through this, we touch a diversity of those in need, including families, children, veterans, and older adults, making good nutrition accessible while serving as a stimulus for other longer-term benefits. Table to Table raises all its own funds annually, and last year delivered enough food to provide over 23 million meals.

Press Contact:

Maria Sinopoli, Director of Marketing Communications

msinopoli@tabletotable.org

Funds Raised Help Reduce Food Waste and Deliver Enough Food for 14,600 Meals to Food Insecure Neighbors

Saddle River, NJ February 8, 2024 — Table to Table, New Jersey’s first food rescue organization, recognizes the students at Harrison Elementary School in Livingston, NJ with the 2023 Bernard and Geraldine Segal Foundation Award for Student Philanthropy in support of Table to Table’s Bag a Lunch, Help a Bunch initiative, which invites participants to donate what they would spend on lunch for a day, week, month or more to help Table to Table reduce food waste and feed those who need it most.

“The power harnessed by these Harrison Elementary students to be true community heroes – reducing food waste, while also feeding thousands of New Jersey neighbors facing food insecurity – is nothing short of incredible,” said Heather Thompson, Executive Director, Table to Table. “With this impressive level of community leadership, the future is truly bright. Table to Table is thrilled to recognize their tremendous efforts with the 2023 Bernard and Geraldine Segal Foundation Award for Student Philanthropy,” Thompson concluded.

Through the kindness of The Bernard and Geraldine Segal Foundation, a challenge grant of $30,000 among all Bag a Lunch, Help a Bunch participating schools in Northern NJ was established. Of the dozens of schools that participated in 2023, Harrison Elementary School was the top fundraiser. The funds they raised will rescue and deliver enough food for 14,600healthymeals for those in need throughout Northern NJ. That number, along with funds raised by the other schools, was generously doubled by the Bernard and Geraldine Segal Foundation.

“Preserving the environment and reducing food insecurity are two incredibly important issues to the students of Harrison Elementary and the reason we have been an ongoing supporter of Table to Table’s Bag a Lunch, Help a Bunch,” said Ms. Sara Calabrese, co-advisor for student council and a teacher at Harrison Elementary School.

“Our Student Council played a critical role in mobilizing the student body to support the program. The results are impressive, and we are all honored to be recognized for our efforts,” added Ms. Stephanie Siu, co-advisor for student council and teacher at Harrison Elementary School.

Bag a Lunch, Help a Bunch is made possible by generous sponsors includingPresenting Sponsors: BD andInserra Supermarkets; Gold Sponsor: Kearny Bank; Silver Sponsors: Aspen, Cross River Bank, Firmenich Charitable Foundation, Takasago and The Children’s Place; Bronze Sponsors: DoorDash, Freedom Bank, Movado, and PNC Bank.

To help Table to Table in their mission to reduce food waste and address food insecurity in New Jersey, Donate Now! For more information on Table to Table, visit us at www.tabletotable.org.

About Table to Table

Table to Table (http://www.tabletotable.org), NJ’s first food rescue organization, collects fresh and perishable food which would otherwise be wasted and delivers it to organizations that serve people experiencing hunger in Bergen, Hudson, Essex, and Passaic counties in Northern NJ. We bring rescued fresh, nutritious food to 200+ partner organizations including, social service organizations, pantries, shelters, fresh produce markets and centralized distribution hubs. Food is provided free of charge. Through this, we touch a diversity of those in need, including families, children, veterans, and older adults, making good nutrition accessible while serving as a stimulus for other longer-term benefits. Table to Table raises all its own funds annually, and last year delivered enough food to provide over 23 million meals.

Press Contact:

Maria Sinopoli, Director of Marketing Communications

917-532-6148 msinopoli@tabletotable.org

Saddle Brook, NJ, December 21, 2023 –Table to Table, New Jersey’s first food rescue organization, celebrates a major milestone of 2 million pounds of food delivered to hungry neighbors via its volunteer-based food rescue app, Table to Table I-Rescue. In just a little over two years, volunteers using the app have collected free, fresh, and donated food from restaurants and grocery stores and delivered that food to recipient agencies such as food pantries and shelters that feed communities in need throughout Bergen, Essex, Hudson, and Passaic Counties. Powered by Food Rescue Hero, the app is available on iOS and Google Play. To download Table to Table I-Rescue, volunteer, or learn more, visit: https://tabletotable.org/i-rescue/

“We are not only proud but grateful! Afterall, Table to Table I-Rescue has gone from just a kernel of an idea two years ago to being a major source for feeding our hungry New Jerseyans today,” says Julie Kinner, VP of Operations for Table to Table. “Because the app is intuitive and flexible, it is the trifecta of food insecurity tools. It is embraced by an amazing community of volunteers, generous food donors, and very appreciative recipient partners,” Kinner concluded.

How Does Table to Table I-Rescue Work?

Doing your part to feed hungry neighbors is easy, flexible, and can be done in about an hour. Simply download Table to Table I-Rescue app (available on IOS and Android) and claim a food rescue. Make sure notifications are on and check the app daily for available rescues. Pick up food within the designated time window and immediately deliver the food donation to a nearby group home or food pantry. Claim a food rescue today by clicking here or if you are a grocery store, food distributor or restaurant and would like to donate excess, fresh food click here.

To help Table to Table in their mission to eliminate food insecurity in Northern New Jersey, Donate Now. And, if your organization would like to become a corporate partner, click here.

About Table to Table

Table to Table is New Jersey’s first food rescue organization. Committed to feeding our hungry neighbors in Northern NJ, Table to Table rescues and delivers healthy, fresh, and perishable food from grocery stores, food distributors and restaurants, and in doing so, nourishes the community while helping our environment. In partnership with hundreds of recipient organizations like food pantries, senior centers, and school programs–along with its powerful network of volunteers–Table to Table supports health and wellness for all. Since its inception in 1999, Table to Table has rescued and delivered the equivalent of more than 288 million meals and saved nearly 98,000 tons of potentially wasted food from landfills. And, through our Table to Table I-Rescue app—powered by Food Rescue Hero—we have expanded our distribution footprint to include donations that serve smaller donors and recipient organizations. Independently funded through grants and donations, Table to Table is proud of its Charity Navigator 4-Star Rating for 13 consecutive years. Learn more by visiting https://tabletotable.org/

Contact: Maria Sinopoli, Director of Marketing Communications: msinopoli@tabletotable.org

Saddle Brook, NJ, December 18, 2023 – The Board of Directors for Table to Table, New Jersey’s first food rescue organization, welcomes nonprofit veteran Heather Thompson as its new Executive Director. In this role, Heather will oversee all aspects of the organization, including strategic planning; development; supporter and partner engagement; revenue and grant management; operations; and community and government relations.

“We are excited to have Heather onboard as she brings to Table to Table more than two decades of experience of building community support to drive social change,” says Greg Mueller, Chairman of the Board, Table to Table. “She will be a tremendous asset and will be pivotal in amplifying our mission of providing fresh, healthy food to those in need,” Mueller concludes.

For nearly 25 years, Heather has worked for various not-for-profit organizations in New York and New Jersey to create growth strategies, build meaningful relationships with partners, donors, and volunteers, and support the needs of those under-represented within the community.

“The impact Table to Table has made in Northern New Jersey is nothing short of extraordinary,” says Heather Thompson, Executive Director, Table to Table. “I am incredibly excited about my new post and the opportunity to continue the growth of this important organization. At a time when more and more of our neighbors face food insecurity, and there is a growing focus on ending food waste in our country, the mission and work of Table to Table has never been more vital,” concludes Thompson.

Before signing on to Table to Table, Heather served as Chief Development Officer for Norwescap, a comprehensive anti-poverty nonprofit that reaches more than 30,000 people each year in Morris, Sussex, Hunterdon, Warren, and Somerset Counties. There she oversaw a wide array of programs that help people address both immediate and long-term needs, so they can move away from poverty and towards a more thriving future.

Prior to Norwescap, Heather’s career has included roles at Eva’s Village (Paterson), Park Avenue Armory (NYC), and Citymeals-on-Wheels (NYC). She has also provided pro-bono consulting support to multiple nonprofits in New York and New Jersey. Heather serves as President of the Board of Trustees for the Bloomfield Public Library and chairs the Nonprofit Roundtable for the Morris County Chamber of Commerce. She is a resident of Bloomfield, NJ, where she lives with her husband and son.

To help Table to Table in its mission to address food insecurity in Northern New Jersey, Donate Now! For more information on Table to Table, visit us at www.tabletotable.org.

About Table to Table

Table to Table is New Jersey’s first food rescue organization. Committed to feeding our hungry neighbors in Northern NJ, Table to Table rescues and delivers healthy, fresh, and perishable food from grocery stores, food distributors and restaurants, and in doing so, nourishes the community while helping our environment. In partnership with hundreds of recipient organizations like food pantries, senior centers, and school programs–along with its powerful network of volunteers–Table to Table supports health and wellness for all. Since its inception in 1999, Table to Table has rescued and delivered the equivalent of more than 288 million meals and saved nearly 98,000 tons of potentially wasted food from landfills. And, through our Table to Table I-Rescue app—powered by Food Rescue Hero—we have expanded our distribution footprint to include donations that serve smaller donors and recipient organizations. Independently funded through grants and donations, Table to Table is proud of its Charity Navigator 4-Star Rating for 13 consecutive years. Learn more by visiting https://tabletotable.org/

Press Contact: Maria Sinopoli, Director of Marketing Communications: msinopoli@tabletotable.org