Category: Announcements

Program Available to Schools in Bergen, Essex, Hudson, and Passaic Counties

Saddle Brook, NJ, December 5, 2023 –If you have visited a school lunchroom lately, you know the amount of food wasted can be staggering. Table to Table, New Jersey’s first food rescue organization, is on a mission to change this reality with its new initiative, I-Rescue Lunch, which encourages K-12 students to rescue, recycle and reduce food waste while feeding hungry neighbors. Through the use of the nonprofit’s app, Table to Table I-Rescue and key partnerships with school ambassadors, wholesome unopened food like applesauce, fruit, yogurt as well as prepared cafeteria entrees are placed in crates for pickup by Table to Table volunteers and delivered to partners such as shelters, group homes or soup kitchens. Learn more at www.tabletotable.org/foodrescue.

“We are always exploring innovative ways to provide our hungry New Jersey neighbors with nourishment, and school cafeterias—with their high levels of waste—seemed like a natural way to leverage our Table to Table I-Rescue app,” says Julie Kinner, Vice President of Operations, Table to Table. “Although this marks the official I-Rescue Lunch launch, Table to Table’s I-Rescue App launched in May 2021 and now serves as the backbone for this school cafeteria-focused program,” Kinner concluded.

As part of the soft launch of I-Rescue Lunch, Table to Table partnered with a team of middle schoolers at Newark Academy in Livingston six months ago. Overseen by their Science teacher, the students collect nutritious, prepared food from the school’s cafeteria, package it up and contact Table to Table to request a volunteer pick up. Schools can also choose to deliver the food themselves to one of Table to Table’s recipient partners.

“I am very proud of the Middle School Newark Academy Food Rescue Team! They saw a problem and took action,” says Debra Tavares, 6th Grade Team Leader & Advisor, Newark Academy Science Department. “Since the spring of 2023, every Friday, the students pack up dining hall food for Table to Table to deliver to their clients. The students are actively contributing to the school’s sustainability focus and contributing to the community in a positive way,” concludes Tavares.

The amount of food waste is school cafeterias is prevalent across the United States. According to a study conducted by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Kroger Company, an average of 39.2 pounds of food and approximately 28.7 cards of milk per student are wasted. And, at the same time, food insecurity continues to be something that plagues even wealthy states like New Jersey. In fact, nearly 1 in 5 NJ children do not know where their next meal is coming from.

To participate in the I-Rescue Lunch visit: https://tabletotable.org/irescuelunch.

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

Newark, NJ—November 20, 2023—Mayor Ras J. Baraka, HelloFresh, ShopRite of Newark, Table to Table, and Colavita distributed 3,600 complete Thanksgiving turkey dinners and additional food products to Newark residents today at Newark’s Training Recreation Education Center (TREC), located at 55 Ludlow Street. The distribution was free and open to the public via drive-through and walk-up.

“Thanksgiving is particularly meaningful in Newark because it is a city which unites to give,” said Mayor Baraka. “Today we hold our city’s Thanksgiving turkey giveaway and celebrate a remarkable milestone – 2 million meals distributed in partnership with HelloFresh through the ‘Meals with Meaning’ program. These wonderful accomplishments are born of a true collaboration where each partner gives and receives with generosity and joy.

“On behalf of the entire City, I extend our gratitude to HelloFresh, who jumped in at the beginning of the COVID pandemic to say, ‘We have food – help us get it to people,’ and they’ve done nothing but step up their commitment ever since. I want to thank Colavita, Table to Table, and WSL Produce House who supply the food and food products essential to our success. And I thank ShopRite of Newark for its deep, long-term dedication to the people of Newark and their nutritional needs. All these partners exemplify the true meaning of Thanksgiving and give us something extra special to be grateful for this year. I wish everyone in Newark a happy Thanksgiving with an awareness of our blessings and our solidarity,” he added.

The event also celebrated a donation milestone of 2 million meals for HelloFresh’s Meals with Meaning program, in partnership with the City. This outreach program began at the beginning of the COVID shutdown in April 2020, providing free meal kits to Newark residents facing food insecurity. The program continues to this day, with volunteers packing and distributing 1,300 boxes per week at locations rotating through the city’s five wards.

“We’re proud to partner with Mayor Baraka and the City of Newark to support local food-insecure families and alleviate the stress of getting access to nourishing meals this Thanksgiving,” said Uwe Voss, CEO of HelloFresh, North America. “Hunger remains a critical issue with more than 1 million individuals facing food insecurity in New Jersey alone. While we’re thrilled to reach our two million meals milestone, we recognize the need to continue providing meaningful assistance to the community and work together to combat food insecurity.”

In addition to the 3,600 turkeys distributed, HelloFresh provided 3,600 side dish kits, a holiday recipe card, and an extra pasta and pesto dish. The event was also sponsored by Colavita, Table to Table, and WSL Produce House.

“For more than two decades, Table to Table has proudly served our hungry neighbors throughout the City of Newark by delivering millions of pounds of fresh, nutritious food donated by generous partners like HelloFresh,” said Julie Kinner, VP of Operations, Table to Table. “We are eternally grateful to work alongside such amazing partners as it truly represents a caring community taking action.”

“In addition to the 10,000 turkeys ShopRite Partners In Caring is donating this holiday season to regional food banks, the ShopRite of Newark will once again join Mayor Ras J. Baraka in providing holiday meals to local families,” said Neil Greenstein, owner and operator of the ShopRite of Newark. “The ShopRite of Newark is proud to donate hundreds of turkeys each year to the city to make sure that neighbors who are struggling can enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving meal. We are thankful to Mayor Baraka and his team and all the organizations that raise awareness about food insecurity and help fight hunger in our community.”

“This means the world…to come out here and celebrate with turkeys. It means so much to our neighborhood and community,” said Alia Clark, a turkey recipient. “A lot of people that will get these are homeless, or don’t have turkeys, or money to even buy turkeys. So, this is like a blessing to our community for you to come out and support us.”

HelloFresh aims to change the way people eat forever, inclusive of those facing food insecurity. Its social impact program focuses on reducing food waste and creating a more equitable food system for those in need. The program consists of their “Meals with Meaning” initiative, launched in 2020, as a response to the pandemic and elevated rates of food insecurity. Through Meals with Meaning, HelloFresh provides 40,000 free meal kits with wholesome, easy-to-follow recipes to people facing food insecurity every single week across the country. Each kit contains HelloFresh ingredients and step-by-step recipe cards to create home-cooked meals.

For photographs of the giveaway, click here.

Saddle Brook, NJ October 25, 2023 – Table to Table, New Jersey’s first food rescue organization, kicks off its annual Great Northern NJ Turkey Take with Table to Table I-Rescue, a holiday initiative allowing residents in Bergen, Essex, Hudson and Passaic Counties to personally donate and deliver a frozen turkey—or more—to local food pantries and group homes. Now through December 22, individuals, corporations, schools, and community groups can contact Table to Table to inform of us of your donation. Then, download the Table to Table I-Rescue app for the location near you where the turkey can be delivered. Or, if you’d like, volunteers will pick up your donation and deliver it for you.

Alternatively, if you would like to help, but are too busy to shop, you can make a donation to help Table to Table deliver more meals throughout the year to those in need. Table to Table I-Rescue–powered by Food Rescue Hero–is available on iOS and Google Play.

“As we celebrate our third year of The Great Northern NJ Turkey Take, we invite the community at large to join us in feeding our hungry neighbors, especially as Thanksgiving quickly approaches,” said Julie Kinner, Vice President of Operations, Table to Table. “Remember, you can donate that free turkey you’ve received from your local grocery store,” Kinner concluded.

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: msinopoli@tabletotable.org

Saddle Brook, NJ September 20, 2023 –Table to Table, NJ’s first food rescue organization, not only showcased a lineup of notable chefs at its Chefs Gala but also raised funds to provide enough fresh food for 3.5 million meals for hungry neighbors throughout Northern NJ. Presented by American Express, Table to Table’s Chefs Gala took place Wednesday, September 27^th at the Edgewood Country Club in River Vale and highlighted celebrated chefs who meticulously prepared their delicious selections, expertly paired with fine wines. This year’s Gala Honoree was chef, restaurateur, author, and community advocate, Melba Wilson. In addition to the exquisite multi-course meal, attendees placed their bids in the live auction featuring travel, food, and wine experiences. A silent auction, during the cocktail hour, was added this year. Every dollar raised helps deliver enough food for 10 meals to hungry neighbors.

This year’s participating chefs were: David Burke (David Burke Hospitality Management); Clifford Crooks (BLT Restaurant Group); Peter Kelly (Xaviers Restaurant Group); Bobbie Lloyd (Magnolia Bakery); David Lopez (Mil Gustos); Ardian Skenderi (Taverna Kyclades); Alex Tubero (Civetta Hospitality); Anthony Villanueva (Edgewood Country Club) and Melba Wilson (Melba’s Restaurant and Catering). Wines were coordinated by Carlo Russo’s Wine & Spirits World.

At this year’s Chef Gala, Table to Table proudly presented the Inaugural Members of The Founder’s Table to: American Express, American Airlines, Crestron, Inserra Supermarkets, Rudolf J. Mueller, Summit Associates, and Volvo Car USA.

To help Table to Table in their mission to eliminate food insecurity in Northern New Jersey, Donate Now! If you are interested in volunteering your time to pick up and deliver food, learn more and sign up here. And, if your organization would like to become a corporate partner, click here. 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/

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

Saddle Brook, NJ September 20, 2023 –Table to Table, NJ’s first food rescue organization, not only showcased a lineup of notable chefs at its Chefs Gala but also raised funds to provide enough fresh food for 3.5 million meals for hungry neighbors throughout Northern NJ. Presented by American Express, Table to Table’s Chefs Gala took place Wednesday, September 27^th at the Edgewood Country Club in River Vale and highlighted celebrated chefs who meticulously prepared their delicious selections, expertly paired with fine wines. This year’s Gala Honoree was chef, restaurateur, author, and community advocate, Melba Wilson. In addition to the exquisite multi-course meal, attendees placed their bids in the live auction featuring travel, food, and wine experiences. A silent auction, during the cocktail hour, was added this year. Every dollar raised helps deliver enough food for 10 meals to hungry neighbors.

This year’s participating chefs were: David Burke (David Burke Hospitality Management); Clifford Crooks (BLT Restaurant Group); Peter Kelly (Xaviers Restaurant Group); Bobbie Lloyd (Magnolia Bakery); David Lopez (Mil Gustos); Ardian Skenderi (Taverna Kyclades); Alex Tubero (Civetta Hospitality); Anthony Villanueva (Edgewood Country Club) and Melba Wilson (Melba’s Restaurant and Catering). Wines were coordinated by Carlo Russo’s Wine & Spirits World.

At this year’s Chef Gala, Table to Table proudly presented the Inaugural Members of The Founder’s Table to: American Express, American Airlines, Crestron, Inserra Supermarkets, Rudolf J. Mueller, Summit Associates, and Volvo Car USA.

To help Table to Table in their mission to eliminate food insecurity in Northern New Jersey, Donate Now! If you are interested in volunteering your time to pick up and deliver food, learn more and sign up here. And, if your organization would like to become a corporate partner, click here. 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/

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

Saddle Brook, NJ, June 14, 2023 –Table to Table, New Jersey’s first food rescue organization, welcomed area businesses and golf enthusiasts to its 8th Annual Golf Classic this week, raising enough funds to provide more than 1.4 million meals for hungry neighbors in Northern NJ. “We are so grateful to our supporters and sponsors who dusted off their clubs, polished their
swing, and joined us for a day filled with camaraderie, laughter, and a little friendly competition all to help alleviate hunger,” said Denise Andersen, Table to Table’s Executive Director. “With
this support, we can continue to reach deep into communities across Northern NJ to feed our hungry neighbors.”

This year’s Golf Classic, which attracted nearly 100 Northern NJ golfers, was presented by Inserra Supermarkets. Other sponsors included: David & Kathleen Hildes, Takasago, Volvo Cars, Berlin Media Relations, Columbia Bank Foundation, hikma., Mueller Law Group, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Wegmans, The Fillo Factory, among others. If you could not attend this year’s Golf Classic, but would like to help Table to Table in their 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 214 million meals and saved nearly 107,000 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 12 consecutive years. Learn more by visiting https://tabletotable.org/

Press Contact:

Maria Sinopoli, Director of Marketing
msinopoli@tabletotable.org

New Jersey’s Premier Culinary Event Takes Place Wednesday, September 27th

Saddle Brook, NJ April 25, 2023 –Table to Table, NJ’s first food rescue organization, proudly names chef, restaurateur, author, and community advocate, Melba Wilson as its 2023 Chefs Gala Honoree. The honor, which is awarded to a prominent chef based on their culinary excellence as well as support of our mission, is given at Table to Table’s Chefs Gala, the organization’s most anticipated and vital event of the year. Presented by American Express, Table to Table’s Chefs Gala takes place Wednesday, September 27^th at 6pm at the Edgewood Country Club in River Vale and highlights celebrated chefs who meticulously prepare their delicious selections, expertly paired with the finest wines. Every dollar raised helps deliver enough food for 10 meals to hungry neighbors. Reserve your seats or become a sponsor by clicking here!

“We are overjoyed to announce Melba Wilson as this year’s 2023 Chefs Gala Honoree,” says Denise Andersen, Executive Director of Table to Table. “Not only is Melba an extraordinary chef but also she is a tremendous advocate for food insecurity in communities of need,” concludes Andersen.

A sought-after event by foodies and philanthropists, the 2022 Chefs Gala sold out weeks before the event and in record numbers! It is truly an unforgettable evening of impeccable dining and altruism, benefiting our neighbors experiencing food insecurity. Plus, the live auction features extravagant travel, food, and wine experiences.

“I am honored to have been named Table to Table’s 2023 Chefs Gala Honoree as food insecurity is an issue that I am incredibly committed to,” said Chef Melba Wilson.

“Food is not a luxury, it is a necessity, therefore it is critical that we all do our part to help our neighbors in need,” concluded Wilson. 

About Table to Table’s 2023 Chefs Gala Honoree: Melba Wilson

Chef, restaurateur, author, and community activist, Melba Wilson is often referred to as the ‘Queen of Comfort Food.’ As one of the most successful African American women in the restaurant and catering businesses, Melba’s style, poise, and love of entertaining have made Melba’s Restaurant a New York landmark frequented by music, TV and movie stars, New York City’s elite, locals, and travelers from around the world. With countless accolades to her name, Melba finds time to play an active role in supporting causes that impact her community such as alleviating food insecurity.

To help Table to Table in their mission to eliminate food insecurity in Northern New Jersey, Donate Now! If you are interested in volunteering your time to pick up and deliver food, learn more and sign up here. And, if your organization would like to become a corporate partner, click here. 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 214 million meals and saved nearly 107,000 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 12 consecutive years. Learn more by visiting https://tabletotable.org/

Press Contact:

Maria Sinopoli–Director, Marketing Communications

msinopoli@tabletotable.org

Great prizes, fun contests and pure altruism intersect for Table to Table’s Virtual Walk on April 1-30^th, 2023

Hasbrouck Heights, NJ, March 30, 2023 –Table to Table, New Jersey’s first food rescue organization, is on a mission to raise enough funds to provide 1 million meals for our food insecure neighbors in Northern NJ, through its Table to Table Virtual Walk taking place April 1-30. Designed as a fun, flexible fundraising event, The Virtual Walk lets participants set the pace and pick their place. And, participants have the opportunity to win amazing prizes from Target, Athleta, DoorDash and more by entering the photo contest and using the hashtag #tabletotablewalk. To register or to become a sponsor, visit www.tabletotable.org/virtualwalk.

“Table to Table is grateful for the many Virtual Walk participants who will fundraise to help feed our hungry neighbors,” says Ilene Isaacs, Executive Director. “With Spring afoot, this is the perfect opportunity to get fit, win prizes and feed those in need one step at a time,” Isaacs concluded.

Why Participate in Table to Table’s Virtual Walk?

Food insecurity is something that plagues even wealthy states such as New Jersey. In fact, 1 in 9 NJ residents and nearly 1 in 5 NJ children do not know where their next meal is coming from. Help eliminate food insecurity, register to walk today.

What Contests and Prizes are being offered?

You’ll have a chance to win prizes by entering Table to Table’s Virtual Walk contests: including Top Fundraisers, Best Walking Partner, Best Group Theme and Most Scenic Walk.

We can’t wait to see where your walking shoes take you!  Use the hashtag #TabletoTableWalk to share your walk photos and tell us why you walk.  Any walkers using this hashtag will be entered to win a $50 Amazon gift card.  Prizes include gift cards from DoorDash, Target, Chipotle, Warby Parker, Athleta and more!

“With National Volunteer Week taking place on April 17 through April 23, Table to Table’s Virtual Walk is a great way for individuals and corporations to rally for a meaningful cause that impacts families, children, seniors, veterans and many others,” says Isaacs.

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 or email Eda Tekeoglu.

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 295 million meals and saved nearly 96,000 tons of potentially wasted food from landfills. And, through its I-Rescue app—powered by Food Rescue Hero—Table to Table has expanded its 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 12 consecutive years. Learn more by visiting https://tabletotable.org/

Press Contact:

Maria Sinopoli, Director of Marketing Communications

917-532-6148

msinopoli@tabletotable.org