Category: Announcements

Local Food Rescue Program Relies on Costly, Limited Rentals to Continue its Deliveries

Hasbrouck Heights, NJ, September 15, 2021 –Table to Table, New Jersey’s first and oldest food rescue program, resourcefully kicked into action to keep its food deliveries going after their entire fleet of delivery trucks were destroyed by Hurricane Ida. Support the recovery from damage sustained by Hurricane Ida by clicking here.

“Without our trucks, we cannot deliver food,” said Ilene Isaacs, Executive Director for Table to Table. “Hurricane Ida had an overwhelming impact on Table to Table. This devastation is affecting our organization far more than that experienced during Hurricane Sandy or even Covid,” Isaacs concluded.

The Table to Table team continues to work tirelessly to keep up and running, but limited trucking resources and exorbitant weekly truck rental costs and other unplanned expenses are constraining the organization. Through it all, the Northern NJ food rescue program will do what is needed to make its deliveries and feed the many neighbors in need who rely on them daily.

“We hope that you’ll help us continue delivering food, and please know that 100% of your donation will be used toward Hurricane Ida Relief,” said Isaacs. “Our trucks are lost. Hope is not,” Isaacs concluded.

About Table to Table

Table to Table, http://www.tabletotable.org, is a community-based, not-for-profit food rescue program that 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 Northeastern NJ. With a fleet of refrigerated trucks, perishable food is picked up from commercial donors and delivered to more than 250 recipient organizations. Recipient partners include soup kitchens, homeless shelters, older adult programs, daycare centers, programs for survivors of domestic violence, after-school programs, and pantries serving the working poor. Food is delivered on the day of donation and is provided free of charge. Table to Table raises all its own funds every year, and last year delivered enough food for 38 million meals.

Press Contact:

Maria Sinopoli, Director of Marketing

917-532-6148

msinopoli@tabletotable.org

 and Essential Food Industry Workers from Inserra Supermarkets & HelloFresh

at September 22, 2021  Virtual Chefs Gala

Guests Will Savor a 3-Course David Burke-Curated Meal

 and Participate in Charity Auction Hosted by Nicholas D. Lowry, from Antiques Roadshow

Hasbrouck Heights, NJ, August 25, 2021 – New Jersey’s ‘Who’s Who’ can join Table to Table, New Jersey’s first and oldest food rescue program, at its 2021 Virtual Chefs Gala on Wednesday, September 22 at 6:30 p.m. Honorees include internationally acclaimed celebrity Chef David Burke, a trustee and supporter of Table to Table since its inception more than 20 years ago. Also honored will be the essential workers of the food industry of Inserra Supermarkets and HelloFresh, who are critical in feeding our community. Presented by American Express, this exclusive, interactive experience features a delectable, 3-course meal curated by Chef David Burke and delivered to your door with special options for those out of the area. Plus, amazing travel, food, and wine packages will be featured during the high-end auction hosted by Nicholas D. Lowry, who’s seen on Antiques Roadshow. Special support is being provided by American Airlines, Crestron, Inserra Supermarkets and Summit Associates. Purchase tickets here today!

“This year, our Gala honors the extraordinarily talented Chef David Burke for the more than 20 years of unwavering support that he so graciously has provided to Table to Table in helping us live out our mission to rescue fresh food and deliver it to organizations that feed our hungry neighbors,” said Ilene Isaacs, Table to Table’s Executive Director. “We also salute the food industry’s numerous essential workers from Inserra Supermarkets and HelloFresh who tirelessly masked up, stocked shelves, served customers, and worked to feed our communities during the Pandemic.”

2021 Chef Gala Honoree David Burke

Fueled by passion, grit, and a knack for artful innovation, David Burke is one of the best known and most respected chefs in modern American cuisine. A leading pioneer in American cooking, Burke, a New Jersey native, is also recognized internationally for his revolutionary techniques, successful restaurant empire, and his many TV appearances. Additionally, his altruism is as extensive as his professional accomplishments, especially as it relates to Table to Table, where for upwards of 20 years David has been a devoted trustee of the Northern NJ food rescue program. David has graciously and generously contributed his time, support, and culinary expertise to increase the visibility of the organization and its mission. For this and so much more, Table to Table thanks you, Chef Burke!

2021 Chef Gala Honorees: Essential Workers of Inserra Supermarkets & HelloFresh

Dedicated, hard working, essential workers in the food industry from Inserra ShopRites and HelloFresh took care of generously feeding New Jersey during the pandemic. When most were staying home, the teams at Inserra ShopRites and HelloFresh made sure that our community was fed. To all of those countless essential workers who went the extra mile, Table to Table salutes you!

“During the height of the pandemic, which was especially devastating for people experiencing food insecurity, Table to Table provided 38 million meals in Northern New Jersey,” added Isaacs. “And, through the continued support and generosity of our sponsors and Chefs Gala attendees, we hope to feed even more of our neighbors,” Isaacs concluded.

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. For more information on Table to Table, visit us at www.tabletotable.org.

About Table to Table

Table to Table, http://www.tabletotable.org, is a community-based, not-for-profit food rescue program that 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 Northeastern NJ. With a fleet of refrigerated trucks, perishable food is picked up from commercial donors and delivered to more than 250 recipient organizations. Recipient partners include soup kitchens, homeless shelters, older adult programs, day care centers, programs for survivors of domestic violence, after-school programs, and pantries serving the working poor. Food is delivered on the day of donation and is provided free of charge. Table to Table raises all its own funds every year, and last year delivered enough food for 38 million meals.

Debuting in Bergen County, the Table to Table I-Rescue App Facilitates Smaller Commercial Donations to Often Overlooked Community Partners

Table to Table, New Jersey’s first & only dedicated food rescue program, again makes history with the launch of its Table to Table I-Rescue App, initially offered exclusively in Bergen County.  Powered by the developer Food Rescue Hero, the app not only responds to the 10% increase in food insecurity witnessed by county residents since the start of the pandemic, but also prevents food wastage, benefiting the environment.

Download it today – IOS or Google Play

“During this pandemic, which has been especially devastating for people experiencing food insecurity, Table to Table has provided 39 million meals in Northern New Jersey through our larger commercial food donations,” said Ilene Isaacs, Table to Table’s Executive Director. “With the launch of the Table to Table I-Rescue App, we can feed more residents in need by leveraging smaller, commercial donations like those from restaurants, country clubs, and farmers markets which cannot efficiently be picked up by a truck so might otherwise go to waste. This food can then go to smaller agencies, such as group homes, that often get overlooked,” Isaacs concluded.

The Table to Table I-Rescue App matches smaller commercial food donors with a network of tireless 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. The list of agencies the app will benefit is growing.

“We are grateful to Bergen County and The Russell Berrie Foundation for funding that has enabled this program to launch in Bergen County,” said Julie Kinner, Director of Recipient Relations and Community Affairs. “With the help of our dedicated partners and volunteers, we’re hopeful to launch in additional counties in Northern New Jersey, where we can continue to make a meaningful impact in our community,” concluded Julie.

To help Table to Table in their mission to eliminate food insecurity in Northern New Jersey, Donate Now!  To learn more about donating food that is prepared in a commercial kitchen, please email Andrea Ibarra.  If you are interested in volunteering your time to pick and deliver food, learn more and sign up here.  And, if your organization would like to become a Corporate Partner, click here or email Eda Tekeoglu. For more information on Table to Table, visit us at www.tabletotable.org.

About Food Rescue Hero

Focusing on the logistical challenges of retail food recovery, Food Rescue Hero addresses problems through technology-coordinated, community-powered networks. Through the app, volunteer drivers are alerted when surplus food is available to be picked up near them. Since its launch in 2016, the app has redirected more than 11 million pounds of perfectly good food from landfills to the people who need it. Food Rescue Hero is based in Pittsburgh and now measurably impacts food insecurity in Cleveland, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Northern Virginia, Los Angeles, and Vancouver, B.C. In support of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals 2, 12 and 13, its goal is to scale food recovery in 100 cities by 2030.

About Table to Table

Table to Table, https://tabletotable.org, is a community-based, not-for-profit, food rescue program that 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 Northeastern NJ. With a fleet of refrigerated trucks, perishable food is picked up from commercial donors and delivered to more than 250 recipient organizations. Recipient partners include soup kitchens, homeless shelters, older adult programs, day care centers, programs for survivors of domestic violence, after-school programs and pantries serving the working poor. Food is delivered on the day of donation and is provided free of charge. Table to Table raises all its own funds every year, and last year delivered enough food for 38 million meals.  www.tabletotable.org

Press Contact:

Emily Force, Director of Marketing

201.951.9798

eforce@tabletotable.org

Hasbrouck Heights, NJ, May 11, 2021 – Table to Table’s strong financial health and commitment to accountability and transparency have earned it a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, America’s largest independent charity evaluator. This is the 11^th consecutive time that Table to Table has earned this top distinction.

Since 2002, using objective analysis, Charity Navigator has awarded only the most fiscally responsible organizations a 4-star rating. In 2011, Charity Navigator added 17 metrics, focused on governance and ethical practices as well as measures of openness to its ratings methodology. These Accountability & Transparency metrics, which account for 50 percent of a charity’s overall rating, reveal which charities operate in accordance with industry best practices and whether they are open with their donors and stakeholders. On June 1, 2016, the methodology for rating each charity’s’ financial health with CN 2.1 was updated. These enhancements further substantiate the financial health of the four-star charities.

“Table to Table’s exceptional 4-star rating sets it apart from its peers and demonstrates its trustworthiness to the public,” according to Michael Thatcher, President and CEO of Charity Navigator. “Only a quarter of charities rated by Charity Navigator receive the distinction of our 4-star rating. This adds Table to Table to a preeminent group of charities working to overcome our world’s most pressing challenges. Based on its 4-star rating, people can trust that their donations are going to a financially responsible and ethical charity when they decide to support Table to Table.”

“It’s important that our donors trust in our stewardship of their donations to accomplish our mission of rescuing fresh and perishable food to benefit the people experiencing hunger in Bergen, Hudson, Essex and Passaic counties in NJ,” said Table to Table’s Executive Director Ilene Isaacs. “Our 4-star Charity Navigator rating demonstrates to our supporters our good governance and financial accountability,” Isaacs concluded.

Table to Table’s rating and other information about charitable giving are available free of charge on www.charitynavigator.org.  More-detailed information about Table to Table’s rating is available to Charity Navigator site visitors who become registered users, another free service.

About Charity Navigator

Charity Navigator, www.charitynavigator.org, is the largest charity evaluator in America and its website attracts more visitors than all other charity rating groups combined. The organization helps guide intelligent giving by evaluating the Financial Health and Accountability & Transparency of more than 8,000 charities. Charity Navigator accepts no advertising or donations from the organizations it evaluates, ensuring unbiased evaluations, nor does it charge the public for this trusted data. As a result, Charity Navigator, a 501 (c) (3) public charity itself, depends on support from individuals, corporations and foundations that believe it provides a much-needed service to America’s charitable givers. Charity Navigator, can be reached directly by telephone at (201) 818-1288, or by mail at 139 Harristown Road, Suite 101, Glen Rock, N.J.,

About Table to Table

Table to Table, https://tabletotable.org, is a community-based, not-for-profit, food rescue program that 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 Northeastern NJ. With a fleet of refrigerated trucks, perishable food is picked up from commercial donors and delivered to more than 250 recipient organizations. Recipient partners include soup kitchens, homeless shelters, older adult programs, day care centers, programs for survivors of domestic violence, after-school programs and pantries serving the working poor. Food is delivered on the day of donation and is provided free of charge. Table to Table raises all its own funds every year, and last year delivered enough food for 38 million meals.

Press Contact:

Emily Force, Director of Marketing

201.951.9798

eforce@tabletotable.org

Englewood Cliffs, N.J. – June 25, 2014 – Table to Table announced today that it has been awarded 4-star status by Charity Navigator, the country’s largest independent evaluator of charities. This marks the fourth consecutive year that Table to Table has achieved Charity Navigator’s highest rating, which reflects the Englewood Cliffs, NJ-based food rescue program’s “sound fiscal management and commitment to accountability and transparency,” noted Ken Berger, president and CEO of Charity Navigator. “Only 7% of the charities we rate have received at least four consecutive 4-star evaluations, indicating that Table to Table outperforms most other charities in America.” Table to Table continues to deliver meals at an average cost of just 10 cents per meal and, since its inception, it has relied solely on fundraising efforts, taking no federal or other government funding.

Claire Insalata Poulos, President and Founder said “Our program is extraordinarily efficient. We have no storage or warehouse and our trucks begin and end each day empty. This enables us to minimize our expenses and maximize our cost effectiveness while allowing our hungry neighbors to eat wholesome, nutritious food that very same day.” Ilene Isaacs, Executive Director added, “At Table to Table, at least 98 cents of every dollar goes directly to the operation of our vehicles and the delivery of food, an important variable to Charity Navigator when determining our financial health. Even more important is the fact that this year we plan to deliver enough food for over 13 million meals, again at the cost of just 10 cents per meal.”

About Table to Table

Table to Table, a 501c3 non-profit, is the first and only food rescue program in Northeast New Jersey solely dedicated to redistributing prepared and perishable foods to not-for-profit organizations that feed hungry people in Bergen, Passaic, Hudson and Essex counties since 1999. Prepared and perishable foods including meat, dairy, produce, and a small amount of baked goods are picked up in refrigerated trucks from more than 200 restaurants, supermarkets or food businesses in the four counties. Food that would otherwise be wasted is delivered to more than 80 community organizations (including soup kitchens, after-school programs, homeless shelters and homes for low-income elderly) on the day of donation, avoiding the need for warehousing and keeping Table To Table’s costs limited to the operation of the vehicles. Table to Table delivered enough food for more than 11 million meals last year – all without receiving any federal assistance. Visit us at www.tabletotable.org.

Press Contact

Emily Force, Marketing Director
(201) 951-9798
eforce@tabletotable.org

Fall 2013 proved to be an extraordinary season for Table to Table’s 8th annual “Bag a Lunch, Help a  Bunch” campaign.  The one day initiative, which encourages businesses, schools and individuals in the community to donate the money they would normally spend on lunch to help feed their hungry neighbors, exceeded all previous year records by 50%.  Corporate support of the program was led by Presenting Sponsor, Inserra ShopRite Supermarkets and Grand Sponsors Becton Dickinson The Record and Honda of Tenafly. Over 2.5 million meals will be delivered as a result of the cooperative efforts of all who participated.

This year’s top five earning companies/schools were announced on Monday. They included The Medicines Company, Parsippany; Takasago International, Rockleigh; Paramus Catholic High School,  Paramus; Bogert School, Upper Saddle River and Hartz Mountain, Secaucus.

Each will have their logo displayed on a Table to Table truck and the winning team captains will be awarded a $150 gift certificate.  In a new twist this year, donors of $50 or more became eligible for a prize drawing for four VIP tickets to a current Broadway show. Sponsored by American Airlines, the prize went to Brian Healy of Ridgewood. Executive Director Ilene Isaacs noted, “Bag a Lunch has become a much anticipated and beloved program in our community, addressing the continuously growing needs of our hungry neighbors while rallying the community in friendly competition.” 

Ms. Isaacs continued, “each year we are inspired by the unique ways Bag a Lunch is embraced by those participating, each defining and promoting it in a way that will be most meaningful to their particular group.”  Among the many uplifting stories coming from the program this year was that of Saddle River middle school student Gabriella Raia, who spearheaded the initiative in three schools simultaneously, and produced her own video as a marketing tool to engage students and encourage participation.

The funds raised through Bag a Lunch could not come at a better time.  The organization is just a few weeks away from exceeding the projected 2013 goal of rescuing 11 million meals and this money will be used to directly support the food collection and delivery process.        

Table to Table is the only dedicated food rescue program in northeast New Jersey, serving over 70 hunger relief agencies throughout Bergen, Essex, Passaic and Hudson counties.  Table to Table receives no government funding and instead, relies solely on support from private and corporate donations. 

 For press inquiries: contact Brooke Perry at bhperry230@gmail.com   

All-New “Burger Blast,” Hosted by ABC Eyewitness News Team, Joins the Spring Line-Up

This spring, two renowned chefs lend their star power to Table to Table’s spring signature events. Thomas Keller of the iconic Michelin three-star restaurants French Laundry in Napa Valley and Per Se in New York City and Marc Forgione, 2010 winner of “The Next Iron Chef” and the youngest American-born chef to receive a coveted Michelin star in three consecutive years, will join the area’s most beloved restaurants for Table to Table’s premier food and wine events, the Chefs Gala and the all-new Burger Blast. The settings range from formal to informal, but they share common themes: imaginative food and interesting wines served by some of the area’s most beloved restaurateurs, including Kevin Kohler of Café Panache, David Burke of David Burke Townhouse and Peter Kelly of Xaviars at Piermont. The events support Northeast New Jersey’s first and only food rescue program.

“Table to Table has become one of the most essential services in our communities,” says Claire Insalata Poulos, founder of the food rescue organization. “Proceeds from these events will further our mission to collect prepared and perishable food that would otherwise be discarded and deliver it, free of charge, to organizations that serve the hungry in Bergen, Hudson, Passaic and Essex counties. This year, we will deliver enough food to serve more than twelve million meals. ”

On Thursday, May 2, the black-tie Chefs Gala at Alpine Country Club in Demarest welcomes celebrated chef, restaurateur and cookbook writer Thomas Keller as guest of honor. Keller’s award-winning Napa Valley restaurant The French Laundry spawned a restaurant empire that also includes Bouchon, Bouchon Bakery and ad hoc in Napa, CA; Per Se and Bouchon Bakery in New York City; and Bouchon and Bouchon Bakery in Las Vegas and Beverly Hills. The event showcases seven award-winning chefs and their signature dishes, including Kevin Kohler of Café Panache, David Burke of David Burke Townhouse, Ryan DePersio of Fascino, Ben Pollinger of Oceana, Sebastien Rouxel of Per Se and French Laundry, and Peter Kelly of Xaviars at Piermont,. The evening begins at 6:30 p.m. A Live Auction and musical entertainment by Mark Sganga are highlights. Tickets are $450 per person, $600 for VIP Patron tickets. VIP Patron tables of 10 are $6,000 and include priority seating, special recognition and a VIP gift bag.

On Wednesday, May 22, Chef Marc Forgione serves as guest of honor at Table to Table’s inaugural Burger Blast at Montammy Golf Club in Alpine. Winner of the Food Network’s “The Next Iron Chef” in 2010, Forgione is the youngest American-born chef to receive a coveted Michelin star in three consecutive years. His eponymous bistro in Tribeca and new steakhouse, American Cut, in Atlantic City, are testament to his skill and creativity. Hosted by ABC Eyewitness News’ Lori Stokes, Ken Rosato and Bill Evans, the event brings together 30 of the area’s best-loved restaurants, all serving something imaginative “between two buns.” Their dishes will be complemented by a selection of wines hand-selected by Chuck Russo of Carlo Russo’s Wine & Spirit World. Participating restaurants include The Capital Grille Paramus, River Palm Terrace, Varka Estiatorio, White Manna and Axia Taverna. The lively and informal evening begins at 6:30 p.m. and features a silent auction and live entertainment by Mark Sganga & Friends. Tickets are $300 per person and $350 for VIP Patron tickets. VIP Patron tables of 10 are $3,500 and include priority seating, special recognition and a VIP gift bag.

Table to Table Spring Events are presented by American Express; Grand corporate sponsors are Inserra Supermarkets, BMW; The Shannon Rose Irish Pub and LiUNA! Platinum corporate sponsors are American Airlines, Hudson City Savings Bank, Neiman Marcus Paramus, The Record, Samsung Electronics, Summit Associates and Control Equity Group.

Table to Table is the only dedicated food rescue program in northeast New Jersey, serving more than 65 hunger relief agencies throughout Bergen, Passaic, Essex and Hudson counties. Table to Table receives no government funding and, instead, relies solely on support from private and corporate donations.

Tickets will be available online and by phone beginning April 1. For tickets, visit www.tabletotable.org or call (201) 444-5500.

For press inquiries, contact: Brooke Perry at bhperry230@gmail.com.

Rutherford, NJ, November 5, 2012 – Table to Table, Northeast New Jersey’s first and only non-profit food rescue program, and Gail Schoenberg Public Relations (GSPR), the New Jersey based food and beverage public relations firm, are urgently calling for food donations from restaurants and professional food establishments in Bergen, Passaic, Hudson and Essex counties after Hurricane Sandy. Prepared food, as well as perishable foods including fresh or frozen meat, dairy and produce – anything that is healthy and good to eat – from local restaurants, supermarkets and food businesses is urgently needed to supply those in need in these counties. In addition, delivery of food prepared specifically to aid victims of Hurricane Sandy can be coordinated seamlessly through Table to Table.

Operating five refrigerated vehicles, Table to Table’s dedicated drivers are on the road and ready to pick up excess food that is not being sold, but still of good quality, from food establishments in the four Northern New Jersey counties. Businesses that want to contribute can call 201-444-5500 or 201-887-7839 to schedule an immediate pick-up. The fresh food delivery is provided free of charge to nearly 70 non-profit agencies throughout the Northern New Jersey area, including homeless shelters, elder care facilities, drug rehab centers, homes for victims of domestic violence, HIV day centers, and pantries serving the working poor.

Ilene Isaacs, Executive Director of Table to Table said “As you can imagine, some of our regular food suppliers are flooded and without power currently and cannot provide all of the food that our recipient agencies rely upon and are now even more desperate to receive. Gail Schoenberg and her team reached out to us and generously offered to help us connect with those food businesses that are open and might be able to contribute so we can immediately help those without food after the hurricane.”

Gail Schoenberg principal of Gail Schoenberg PR stated, “We wanted to do something to help those in our own backyard after the storm and we knew of Table to Table and the valuable service they provide to our community so it seemed natural that we offer our services and connections to help Table to Table do what they do best during this horrible disaster.”

About Table to Table

Table to Table, a 501(c)(3) non-profit established in 1999 is the first and only food rescue program in Northeast New Jersey solely dedicated to redistributing prepared and perishable foods to not-for-profit organizations that feed hungry people in Bergen, Passaic, Hudson and Essex counties. Prepared and perishable foods including meat, dairy, produce, and a small amount of baked goods are picked-up in refrigerated trucks from restaurants, supermarkets or food businesses in the four counties. Food that would otherwise be wasted is delivered the day of donation, avoiding the need for warehousing and keeping Table To Table’s costs limited to the operation of the vehicles. Table to Table delivered enough food for more than nine million meals last year – all without receiving any federal assistance. Visit us at www.tabletotable.org.

About Gail Schoenberg Public Relations

Gail Schoenberg Public Relations is a boutique communications firm focused on the hospitality, restaurants, beverages and culinary products industries. Founded in 2005, the agency provides media relations, special event / launch oversight, social media, copywriting, restaurant marketing consultation and staffing referral. The firm specializes in restaurant and product launches as well as ongoing brand promotion. They have the ability to provide extended services including web design, music consultation, photography, graphic design and menu development. Visit us at www.gailpr.com.

Contact: Diane Biancamano /Gail Schoenberg Public Relations
917-751-1168 / diane@gailpr.com

Two celebrity chefs/restaurateurs/TV personalities will be guests of honor

March 2010 – This spring, two celebrity chefs – Emeril Lagasse and Ming Tsai – will join the area’s most beloved restaurants and restaurateurs for events designed to raise awareness and funding for Table to Table, Northeast New Jersey’s first and only food rescue program. Widely considered the area’s premier food and wine events, the Chefs Gala and Great Grill & Pig Out combine imaginative food and interesting wines in settings ranging from a formal black-tie gala with dinner and dancing to an informal outdoors party beneath tents.

“Table to Table has become one of the most essential services in our communities,” says Claire Insalata Poulos, founder of the food rescue organization. “Proceeds from the events will further our mission to collect prepared and perishable food that would otherwise be discarded and deliver it, free of charge, to organizations that serve the hungry in Bergen, Hudson, Passaic and Essex counties. This year, we will deliver enough food to serve more than six-and-a-half million meals. ”

On Thursday, April 29, Emeril Lagasse, star of Food Network’s Essence of Emeril and Emeril Live, will be the guest of honor at the Chefs Gala at Alpine Country Club. The black- tie event showcases award-winning chefs and their signature dishes, including David Burke of David Burke Townhouse, Peter Kelly of Xaviar’s at Piermont, David Pasternak of Esca, Fortunato Nicotra of Felidia and John Piliouras of Nisi Estiatorio. The evening begins at 6:30 p.m. at Alpine Country Club. A live auction and musical entertainment by Mark Sganga & Friends are highlights. Tickets are $350 per person, $290 of which is tax deductible.

On Wednesday, May 19, Emmy-awarding winning chef and restaurateur Ming Tsai, star of Ming’s Quest on the Fine Living Network, will be the guest of honor at the Great Grill & Pig Out at The Estate at Florentine Gardens in River Vale. The event brings together almost 30 of the area’s best-loved restaurants to present their specialties, complemented by an international selection of wines hand-selected by Chuck Russo of Wine & Spirit World. Participating restaurants include Campania, Park & Orchard, Morton’s The Steakhouse, Rosa Mexicano and River Palm Terrace. The lively and informal evening begins at 6:30 p.m. and features a silent auction and live entertainment by Mark Sganga & Friends. Tickets are $195 per person; $150 of which is tax deductible.
Table to Table Spring Events are presented by American Express; Platinum corporate sponsors are American Airlines, Bergen Jaguar, Control Services, Inserra Supermarkets, Neiman Marcus in Paramus, Samsung Electronics and Summit Associates.

Table to Table is the only dedicated food rescue program in northeast New Jersey, serving over 60 hunger relief agencies throughout Bergen, Passaic, Essex and Hudson counties. Table to Table receives no government funding and, instead, relies solely on support from private and corporate donations.

Tickets will be available online beginning March 15 and by phone beginning March 29, 2010. For tickets, visit www.tabletotable.org or call (201) 444-5500.

June 14, 2010 – Claire Insalata Poulos, Founder and President of Table to Table, northeast New Jersey’s only dedicated food rescue program, recently received the Russ Berrie Award for Making a Difference. The award honors uncommon acts on behalf of the common good, recognizing unusual heroism and community service by New Jersey residents.

Poulos was one of only 11 recipients from throughout the state and was selected for founding Table to Table and working as a full-time volunteer. She received the award at a ceremony and luncheon at Ramapo College of New Jersey on June 1, at which Former Governor Tom Kean was the keynote speaker and Steve Adubato was the Master of Ceremonies. The award was presented by Angelica Berrie, President of the Russell Berrie Foundation.

Table to Table is the only dedicated food rescue program in northeast New Jersey, serving over 60 hunger relief agencies throughout Bergen, Passaic, Essex and Hudson counties. Table to Table receives no government funding and, instead, relies solely on support from private and corporate donations.

For more information about Table to Table, visit www.tabletotable.org.

For more information,

contact: Brooke Perry – (201) 447-6795

bhperry230@verizon.net