Category: Blog

Have you heard about #GivingTuesday yet? You will, it’s growing and it celebrates and encourages giving.

#GivingTuesday is a global social media campaign started in 2012 by the 92^nd Street Y, a New York City cultural and community center that has been supporting the values of service and giving back since 1874, in collaboration the United Nations Foundation and a worldwide collection of influencers in nonprofit, civic organizations, businesses and corporations. This international initiative came together to promote the idea that we have a great capacity to care for one another. This idea to connect diverse groups in a common purpose is in its fourth year.

In that time, #GivingTuesday has achieved impressive numbers:

• 30,000 partners in 68 countries
• An estimated 470% increase in online donations on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving over 4 years
• 7 MILLION twitter impressions
• 4 BILLION global impressions in print and online
• 40+ civic campaigns in US cities and communities – in which North Jersey is represented

#GivingTuesday messaging began on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr and the range of social media portals favored by Millennials. But increasingly, #GivingTuesday is being promoted in standard media, broadcast and print alike. Table to Table is working with a broad range of organizations in North Jersey to promote the campaign and highlight our needs. Look for our print ad in the December issue of 201 Magazine.

Our mission is to deliver fresh, perishable foods – meat, produce, dairy and prepared foods – to over 80 agencies that in turn provide meals, or the items needed to prepare them at home, to vulnerable children, single parent families, seniors, veterans and the working poor. Table to Table trucks pick up food from more than 200 donors throughout Bergen, Essex, Hudson and Passaic counties. The food our trucks redistribute comes from supermarkets, restaurants, catering facilities – any commercial food establishment that has excess food that is still good to eat but for some reason cannot be sold. So while feeding people, in many cases the only fresh food they receive, we are also helping our environment by limiting the waste it would create. We do this completely through the generosity of local businesses, foundations and individuals, and without government grants or funds. We rescue food free of charge for the donors and the agencies, and at the incredible cost to our organization of only 10 cents a meal.

Our trucks start and finish each day empty. They are the core of our operation and in order to add more donors and agencies we need them in peak working condition at all times. The workload is fierce for both the drivers and our trucks – out on the road all day, five days a week, through all weather, road conditions and traffic. If you live in the northeast, you know all about the traffic. Think about all that driving! Consider the cost of keeping your car on the road – the gas, insurance and the maintenance Equate that to a 20’ refrigerated truck, loaded to the gills, driving 8 hours a day. Here are some figures to keep just one truck on the road for a year:

$12,000 for fuel per year

$5,000 for 12 months of service calls

$2,500 for tire replacements

$500 to cover monthly insurance costs

And now…one of our beloved trucks needs replacing. The bill, $90,000. No leather seats.

Researching this blog, I was sitting with our Director of Recipient Relations & Community Affairs discussing #GivingTuesday when she received a call that one of the trucks had broken down. Coordinated chaos ensued to get the food redistributed. It was amazing to watch, but it also highlighted the dependency and need for these vehicles. Like most, okay all nonprofits, we accept donations for operations all year long and have a number of events and campaigns that support the organization. But the additional expense of replacing a truck is too great to absorb, making our aging fleet is a major concern.

Join us on December 1^st and celebrate #GivingTuesday by making a donation of any amount to help us #getbehindanewsetofwheels. All donations made on #GivingTuesday will go directly toward the purchase of a new refrigerated truck. So many will benefit and give thanks for your generosity.

From all our drivers, staff and volunteers – have a very Happy Holiday season.

November is the dawn of the holiday season with all the time-honored notions that make up so much of our traditions. One of the most endearing is the image of the family serving meals to the needy at a soup kitchen before giving blessings for their own abundant Thanksgiving meal. Perhaps dated but enduring, thousands of people request to serve at soup kitchens and shelters every year. But what is the bigger picture of volunteerism?

Volunteers are incredibly important to the function of all charities and nonprofit organizations. A strong, dedicated volunteer force allows them to operate at lower costs allowing more money to go directly to providing services. Volunteers are needed all year long, for many organizations more so than during the holidays. Volunteering is more than serving food; it’s fundraising, recruiting membership, helping with events, day to day operations, and so much more. Plus, it’s a core value for many of us – as American as apple pie and, well, Thanksgiving. Yet rates of volunteerism are down across the country and in particular in NJ.

The national averages for volunteerism statistics for 2014 sound impressive: 62.6 million volunteers provided 7.7 billion hours of service with the value of those services at $173 billion. But this is down 1.1% from 2013, not a considerable amount until compared to the past decade which has had steady rates up or down 0.5% per year.

Where does NJ rank in volunteerism? 45^th. A four rank drop from 2006 when the state was listed 41^st. The national volunteer rate average is 25.6%, NJ sits at 22.4% with 155 million volunteers at 206.3 million hours of service – or $46 billion of services contributed. As one of the most densely populated states with one of the highest per capita income rates, it’s hard to imagine that NJ ranks so low.

According to statistics from The NJ Databank at Rutgers University, NJ seems prime to be at the top of the list for volunteerism with some of the toughest anti-corruption and ethics laws in the country. NJ received the highest grade in 6 of 14 fields on the corruption risk index (procurement, internal auditing, lobbying disclosure, pension fund management, ethics enforcement agencies, and redistricting) and is rated first in transparency and accountability for civic engagement.

Why, then, are volunteer rates in NJ so low? There are a number of factors to consider.

Unemployment rates in NJ have dropped this year to closely match the national average but, in 2013 and 2014, the rate was quite still quite high. New Jerseyans who are unemployed are less likely to volunteer. But the good news is that when they do, they volunteer at a higher number of hours; an average of 65 hours annually. Full-time employed Americans volunteer more and in NJ we put in 44 hours annually and the state average is 50 hours a year.

We all know NJ has some of the longest commute times in the nation and there is evidence that communities with long drives, train, and bus rides volunteer at lower rates. There just doesn’t feel like there’s enough time.

Finally, did you know there are 30,000 501(c)(3) organizations in NJ? Probably not, and that may be the biggest challenge to increasing volunteer rates – engagement and “brand” awareness. Having access to better information regarding the needs of nonprofits that meet the passions of potential volunteers could be the key to increased civic participation.

So why do you or don’t you participate in community service or civic engagement or volunteerism?

We’ve spent many an evening sitting around the table having that very discussion. The reasons are as varied and interesting as our volunteers. Some are in it for the feel good element, others are looking for ways to meet new like-minded people, and still others have time to give. All of our volunteers, to a member, participate because they are passionate about service and our mission. And thank goodness, because Table to Table operates primarily on the time, talents and treasures of our volunteer committee. Without them we would not have reached our goal of 14 million meals last year. We would not be able to put together the spectacular events that fund our programs and keep our trucks on the road. Nor would we be able to provide a meal for less than 10 cents.

Nonprofits are important to our economy and our community. They provide much needed services, improve life for residents, employ almost 10% of the population and enrich our society. As Muhammad Ali said: Service is the rent you pay for your room here on earth. Food for thought.

The holidays are upon us, Thanksgiving will be here in a blink, we’d like to take a step back and thank everyone who makes our service to our neighbors in need possible and ask anyone and everyone who would like to make a difference in the lives of others to join us in any way you can. All are welcome.

We’re into fall now and everything is pumpkin spiced and tied with a pink ribbon. Got us to thinking about how proper nutrition and managing Breast Cancer might work together. Turns out, pretty closely. There is a lot of research on foods that may aid in Breast Cancer prevention, support patients with the disease during treatment and, reduce the risk of recurrence. While food is neither the cause nor the cure for Breast Cancer, diet is thought to play a role in 30 – 40% of all cancers. Surprisingly, diet and physical activity are more significant than weight, not that obesity is absolved of responsibility here; studies have shown that women who gained weight after diagnosis had an increased risk of reoccurrence.

All that taken into consideration, a conversation about how nutrition can assist in lowering the risk of occurrence and reoccurrence of Breast Cancer is overdue. Research needs to continue but there are strong suggestions that physical activity, healthy weight and a healthy diet that is high in fiber, fruits and vegetables are important during and after treatment to reduce fatigue, build energy and maintain hydration as well as reduce the risk and/or prevent reoccurrence.

The research is showing that foods can boost immune systems, help control treatment side effects, aid in recovery after treatment, and some can make treatment more effective. While everyone should be checking with their doctor for the best prevention, treatment and care of breast cancer, below are 12 beneficial foods that should be considered.

Curcumin and Turmeric

These curry spices may have the ability to fight breast cancer tumors when used with certain drug therapies plus, they have anti-inflammatory properties. Generally, a supplement is needed for Curcumin and Turmeric to be effective for overall health.

Broccoli and Cruciferous Vegetables       

Broccoli has been shown in studies to block tumor growth, preventing the further spread of cancer. Other cruciferous vegetables like cabbage, kale, Brussel sprouts and cauliflower can have a similar effect, although to a lesser degree.

Garlic

There is evidence that garlic has an impact on cell cycling, the process in which normal cells convert to cancer cells. Allyl sulfide, also found in the onion family, is the component that helps with the regulating process. Most of the studies so far have been with supplements but adding garlic and onions daily might be a good idea. Your doctor should be consulted before adding any supplements as they can affect certain medications.

Apples

Indeed they do keep the doctor away. But don’t peel them. The anti-oxidant rich compounds and fiber needed for cancer prevention are found in the peel. Apples can also help fight the spread of cancer cells.

Pomegranates

The ancient Greeks were on to something. Pomegranates were the food of the Gods and although still in the early stages of research, they may contain a compound that fights cancer cell growth – especially that of estrogen-dependent cancers. Taken in the fruit or juice form, they also show promise in alleviating heart disease and prostate cancer.

Walnuts

Nutritional & Cancer Research Journal, reports the nutrients and Omega 3 Fatty Acids found in walnuts help to fight inflammation and may slow tumor growth.

Fish

Salmon, tuna, mackerel and sea bass are high in Omega 3 Fatty Acids and fish oils. These have been found not only to be great for skin, hair and nails as we age but, they are essential to cancer prevention. Fish is also a great source of lean protein and a good substitute for red and processed meat, something that is strongly recommended against in an anti-cancer diet. Ideally, additional fish oil supplements should be taken daily.

Flaxseed

Not flaxseed oil but the actual seed, ground or milled, is the best form to incorporate into your daily cancer prevention diet. Milled flaxseed has lignans and they may decrease cancer growth. Flaxseed is easily added to salads, muffins, oatmeal, and sauces.

Orange Fruits and Vegetables

Orange colored fruits and vegetables like carrots, cantaloupe, and butternut squash are rich in Vitamin A and Carotenoids. Orange foods are the benchmark but yellow, red and dark green vegetables host 600 different types of carotenoids. Women with higher levels of carotenoids seem to be at lower risk for Breast Cancer.

Berries, Plums and Peaches

Blueberries, blackberries, strawberries and raspberries aid in Breast Cancer prevention. Blueberries may even enhance the effect of tamoxifen, often prescribed as a Breast Cancer treatment. Research at Texas A&M found that plums and peaches have levels of anti-oxidants that rival those found in blueberries. They have 2 types of polyphenols that kill Breast Cancer cells while leaving healthy cells intact.

Parsley

Apigemin found in parsley (and celery) can inhibit cancer cell growth and has been shown to boost resistance to cancer in labs. Add several pinches to food daily.

Beans

Fiber intake helps lower Breast Cancer risk, truly, the more you eat the more the risk decreases. Research found for every 10 grams of fiber added daily, Breast Cancer risk decreased by 7%. That’s just one half to one cup of beans a day. Consider fiber sources like barley, lentils, peas, artichokes and dates.

In New Jersey, Breast Cancer accounts for 15% of all cancer cases (men and women, all types) and 7.7% of all cancer deaths. Bergen County is among the four counties with the highest rate above state average for incidents of cancer. Hudson, Passaic and Essex are among the four with the lowest below average incidents. However, no one in NJ should be too complacent as the state ranks higher than the national average.

Women in the low-income communities serviced by Table to Table face multiple challenges when confronted with the prevention and treatment of Breast Cancer. Access to proper medical screening and care is often limited, as is the information needed to construct the type of nutritional plan needed to prevent and manage the disease. Resources to provide information are scarce and even when existing, these women are living in food deserts where the most nutritional foods are not readily available due to location and high cost.

Delivering fresh nutritious foods that are essential to cancer prevention and treatment is just another good reason to support food rescue. When communities depend on their wives, mothers, aunts and sisters to raise and care for them, it behooves us to help these women stay healthy. More needs to be done at all levels of care but, at Table to Table we work daily to provide fresh, nutritious food to the most vulnerable neighbors. These cancer fighting foods are something we should all be adding to our diet to stay healthy and available to our families. By supporting Table to Table you help provide them to everyone in our community. Here’s to a happy and healthy October for all.

We live in a world where there seems to be a food related cure for anything that ails you. We juice, diet, exercise and debate the finer points of kale versus Swiss chard and which protein powders to supplement with – vegetable or whey? Since many of us grew up in a food secure environment where there were a variety of nutritious and healthy food choices, we developed healthy immune systems, physical stamina and advanced cognitive abilities. So if we didn’t want to eat our broccoli, we could have green beans instead. But we’re now several generations into a growing segment of the population that is being raised in a food insecure environment – and the cost to good health is great.

Low income families with reduced access to nutritious food face related higher health care costs, both short and long term. Poor diet leads to lower rates of physical, mental and social growth, leaving many children in low income homes unable to realize their full potential. According to research by Children’s HealthWatch, children suffer negative health and developmental effects even when the inadequate access to nutritious food occurs at a low level, meaning every bit of good food goes a long way.

Children who struggle with hunger are more likely to be sick often and recover more slowly than those who are food secure. They are hospitalized with greater frequency, up to 31% more often than food secure children, with the cost of each pediatric hospitalization totaling approximately $12,000. As previously discussed, not only are these children prone to obesity and challenges in school but also to more headaches, stomach aches, colds, ear infections and fatigue at greater rates than food secure kids. Children and teens in food insecure homes are at higher risk for eating disorders, menstrual irregularities, physical injuries, and delayed or early onset puberty.

Additionally, children and adolescents in low income homes are more likely to be affected by some very adult diseases and illnesses. Beyond obesity, heart disease and type 2 diabetes – all 30 times greater in the last 30 years for children – strokes, high blood pressure and osteoarthritis are commonly being diagnosed. In the long term these kids are at greater risk for cancers like breast, lung, esophageal, stomach, prostate, gall bladder, pancreas, colon, endometrium, kidney, thyroid, ovary and cervix as well as Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and melanoma. Many of these carry with them a burden that lasts a lifetime.

In a 2007 Journal of the American Dietetic Association study, a regular breakfast was found to directly improve physical and academic performance in adolescents. And the Journal of Current Nutrition and Food Science, also in 2007, found that breakfast could solve the problem of inadequate nutrition for millions of children.

Yet despite the importance of nutritious food to the health and well-being of children and teenagers, caregivers are typically forced into the difficult position of rationing the quality and quantity of the food made available to them. Similarly, triggered by the erratic availability of food, families are forced into cycling between food deprivation and overeating, which can lead to metabolic changes.

Eighty-five percent of low income families want to prepare healthy meals at home. Fifty percent are able to do so most days, but cite the cost of nutritious groceries as the number one obstacle they face in doing so on a regular basis. School food programs, SNAP and private agencies can help bridge the gap facing today’s low income kids. The federal government has instituted (since 2008) the Healthy Food Financing Initiative to  provide funding to develop and equip grocery stores, small retailers, corner stores, and farmers markets that sell healthy food in underserved areas.

Currently, at Table to Table, we are running a Mobile Produce Market in the Ironbound section of Newark, NJ in partnership with the Ironbound Community Center (ICC). Rescued produce from HelloFresh is picked up by Table to Table each Thursday and volunteers from the ICC and the community assemble bags of fresh fruits and vegetables each week for families in need of nutritious options. Along with beautiful fresh produce, residents are given recipe tips and cooking suggestions. The Market began in April and we are now providing food weekly for upwards of 400 families. It is a successful example of how business and community not-for-profits are working together to address the lack of nutritious food available for our neighbors in need. The access to regular healthy meals is a basic step to reducing the cycle of illness that children and teenagers in food insecure communities face and gives them an opportunity to achieve more, learn more and earn more as adults.

How important is a good meal? It turns out, pretty darn important. Especially for a growing human. Poor nutrition during developmental stages of life not only affects the health of children but also can extend far into adulthood. Childhood hunger and food insecurity is an educational problem with a particular set of concerns beginning at birth and continuing through adolescence and involves 20% of American children. Insufficient nutrients lower mental performance and the impact is seen in infants and toddlers, who are two thirds more at risk than school-age children for permanent developmental delays.

Proper nutrition for infants and toddlers is critical for brain development; chronic undernourishment harms cognitive development during a very short window of time when growth is most rapid – to the extent that it can alter the fundamental neurological structure of the brain and the central nervous system. Children Healthwatch research ties iron-deficiency anemia to food insecurity. Further, deficiencies in nutrients such as choline, folic acid, zinc and iodine can impair cognitive and motor development, and these effects are often irreversible. These micronutrients have been linked specifically to early brain function. Similarly, there is growing evidence that DHA, an essential fatty acid, is a key component of the intensive production of synapses that makes the first years of life a critical period of learning and development. The stress of food insecurity on developing infants and toddlers can physically alter brain structures that control memory and psychosocial function.

Once children reach school age the impact of food insecurity and poor nutrition is devastating, not just to school performance but to the opportunities available to these children in the long-term. And this devastation is far-reaching, as the impact ripples out to affect all of us as a society. The simple fact is, hungry children do more poorly in school and have lower academic achievement because they are not well prepared for school, cannot concentrate, and lack the brain structures that are needed to develop complex school skills and later job skills.

Hungry children have more social and behavioral problems, have less energy for complex social interactions, and cannot adapt as effectively to environmental stresses. The negative effects of hunger and food insecurity on children are:

• Greater absenteeism and tardiness.
• Impaired ability to concentrate and perform well in school.
• Higher levels of behavioral problems and more aggression and anxiety.
• Higher levels of hyper-activity.
• Decreased IQs, poor problem solving, recall, memory and verbal function.
• Lower math and reading scores.
• Impaired social skills.

The news gets worse for teenagers who remain food insecure. A study of food-insufficient teenagers found that they scored lower on academic achievement tests and were also more likely to have to repeat a grade or be suspended than food-sufficient teenagers. Food insecure teens are more likely to have difficulties getting along with others. Teenagers who do not finish high school face poorer health, unemployment and lower earnings. Research shows a relationship between academic achievement and economic mobility, reflecting a direct correlation between higher earnings and higher levels of education. When adolescents graduate high school it is a doorway to higher education and greater earning opportunities and financial stability. Not only do food insecure teens graduate at lower rates, setting the stage for a lifetime of lower financial stability, but research finds it also leads to a host of health related disabilities.

The good news: A 2007 Journal of American Dietetic Association study found regular breakfast consumption is linked to improved physical and academic performance in adolescence.

When breakfast is served to children of all ages the following occurs:

• Increase in academic achievement, particularly math scores.
• Attendance improves, less likely to be tardy. 1.5 increased days of attendance.
• Fewer behavioral and psychological problems.
• Increased attentiveness.
• Better problem solving, recall, memory, verbal function, and creativity.
• IQ increases.

Whether through school or at home, having access to nutritious meals at all times of the day is critical to childhood development and gives our nation’s children the best opportunity for a fulfilled life. 21 million children and adolescents are eligible for free or reduced price breakfast but only 12% receive it even though they qualify. Expanding participation and availability is worth the effort. Here we’ve primarily focused on the costs to education and development for food insecure kids and how important nutrition is for them to have the best chances for economic security. There is another side of the story that tells of the significant health costs of poor nutrition for children. We’ll address that next month, as the full picture brings home the impact food insecurity and poor nutrition has on our society as a whole.

Rescuing wasted food in the US can directly contribute to more access to more food for more people. Donation and delivery of excess food by organizations like Table to Table helps ease the burden of government assistance, allowing parents to give their kids the best chance to have healthy lives and financial success and to break the cycle of food insecurity and poverty.

Every week, in underserved communities in Newark and Paterson, extraordinary things are happening! The streets are filled with mothers and grandmothers, veterans and senior adults, families living in apartments and those who are homeless – all receiving bags of beautiful fresh produce for their loved ones and/or themselves. Launched initially in the Ironbound section of Newark in April 2014 and since then helping additional neighborhoods in need, our network of fresh produce markets is having a huge impact on the health and well-being of our vulnerable neighbors in northern NJ. On some days, the aroma of a particularly sweet piece of fruit floats throughout the streets as people simply cannot wait to get home to enjoy their treats.

With funding from the Healthcare Foundation of NJ, Impact 100 Garden State, Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation, Knight Family Charitable Foundation and others, exceptional fresh produce from local distributors and supermarkets is made available, at no-cost, to approximately 2,000 people. ‘Shoppers’ receive the benefits of a diet rich with fresh fruits and vegetables for themselves and their families, along with a huge serving of reassurance and hope.

Because for so many the produce being received is unfamiliar or has been forgotten over the years of absence from their meals, nutrition education is provided along with cooking suggestions and tips when receiving this exquisite bounty. And nothing is better than hearing about the carrots that were turned into carrot muffins, or heads of Boston lettuce transformed to a healthier tortilla substitute! Kudos to the dieticians from Inserra Supermarkets and the culinary team from Passaic County Community College for their innovative ideas.

An added benefit to the weekly market is the sense of community that has developed among the recipients. Along with shared cooking ideas, random acts of kindness occur weekly, such as residents carrying a bag of produce home for a sick neighbor who couldn’t make it to the market that day.

The success of the markets is directly attributable to the wonderful community partners who conduct outreach, handle the logistics and organize each week’s shopping experience. Friday markets are held at Bessie Green Community at 510 Broad Street and at the Family Success Center at 29 Cortland Street, both in Newark. On Tuesdays, markets are available at Hilltop Haven Family Shelter at 36-38 Circle Avenue in Paterson and for seniors, beginning the end of August, at 1060 Broad Street in Newark

There are many ways to get involved in this transformative program. For information contact Julie – jkinner@tabletotable.org

We’ve all heard the stat…40% of food in the US is wasted. Thrown away. Trashed. We posted here last month many of the ways food is wasted in grocery stores and food service but, consider this statistic; of that 40%, 61% occurs in the home. For a family of 4 that amounts to $114-$119 per month in out of pocket costs. Our shopping habits, storage methods, over-buying, portion size, and unwitting lack of knowledge about spoilage and what happens when we throw away our leftovers are generating ripple effects of waste through precious resources, driving up the costs of everything from food to water to gas. An average of 23 pounds of food per month, per person, is thrown away – a 50% increase from 1970. A recent study by the National Institute of Health found that a quarter of the food squandered would provide 3 meals per day for 43 million people.

Food budgets are one of the smallest pieces of our spending pie so there is little incentive to shop with greater thought toward food waste versus the cost. However, the impact of reducing our food waste at home is significant enough to make it worth the effort. Consider not only the costs, but also the environmental effects. Landfills are largely filled with food waste, which converts to methane gas that is 25% more powerful than carbon dioxide, making it far more powerful at depleting the ozone layer. Every ton of food wasted results in 3.8 tons of greenhouse gas emissions. A UK report estimates if food scraps were removed from landfills it would be the equivalent of removing 1/5 of cars and their emission from the roads. In processing New York City’s waste alone, garbage trucks make 250,000 trips throughout the city and the same number of long haul trips out of state to landfills. The average truck, with its frequent stops and idling, gets around 3 MPG.

Growing, packaging and transporting enough food to feed us and satisfy our need for abundance reduces resources like land, fertilizer, water, gas, paper and plastic. Think take-out, to-go, leftovers, displays, the need for perfection in shape, color and size, and you get an idea of the impact waste has on our food sources.

Fortunately, there are a number of simple ways to have a dramatic impact on food waste right in your own home. Here are some thoughtful ideas to create a less wasteful food environment:

• Shop your refrigerator:
  • Take a quick inventory of what is already in your refrigerator before heading to the store or online to shop.
  • Leftovers and take-home food stay fresh longer than we anticipate, usually up to 3-4 days.
  • Ask about smaller portion sizes or share an order to reduce take-home food. This will not only save on food waste but saves on resources. If you take it home then throw out the food and the container, it’s a double waste whammy.
  • Keep in mind that sell-by and use-by dates on food are arbitrary. There are no federal guidelines, so that milk is probably okay for several days past the sell-by date.
• Plan Your Menus and Shop More Often:
  • Make a list and stick to it to help prevent that experiment from languishing on the shelf in the back until it’s a science project waiting for the trashcan.
  • Buy what you need for meals for just a few days at a time and shopping more often helps control over buying and waste.
  • Prepare what you need for the number of people being fed at any given meal. This will reduce the amount of leftovers lurking in the refrigerator.
  • Home delivery services are available in most areas, making it easier to find the time to shop more often right from your desk or laptop, even your smartphone.
• Avoid Bulk Purchases:
  • They’re tempting and a great deal if you will use it all prior to spoilage. If it can’t be used for multiple purposes like stocks, preserves, freezing, etc. then they will not save money and will contribute to the excess food in landfills.
• If the Food is Still Safe to Eat:
  • Use leftovers or food that is on the verge of “turning” for stocks, soups and stews.
  • Croutons can be made from stale bread and bagels.
  • Fruits that are ripe can be used for smoothies and jams.
  • As the popularity of juicing increases, ripe fruits and vegetables are perfect to use.
  • One of the newest trends in food this year is pickling, use ripened food and learn how to preserve them using vinegar and spices!
• Composting is Easy:
  • Small composting units are even available for indoors.
  • It creates a compound that has important nutrients for soil and saves on food waste and landfill refuge.
• Designate One Dinner Each Week as a “Use-it-Up” Meal:
  • Instead of cooking a new meal, look around in the cupboards and refrigerator for leftovers and food that might otherwise get overlooked but is on the verge of going bad.
  • Check cabinets and refrigerator doors for almost expired products and use them up.
  • Leftovers and to-go boxes can be reheated or used to create new dish.

As an experiment, keep a log for a week of food that is thrown away in the household. Then apply all or some of the tips above and log that week’s food waste. There should be a reduction in food waste without much effort. Imagine how this new awareness will flourish and contribute to solving what is a national crisis.

Table to Table is working daily with food purveyors and families to redistribute food that would otherwise be wasted to help feed our hungry neighbors. But every little bit that can be done on an individual basis helps in the battle to diminish food waste. Learn more about how we rescue food at https://tabletotable.org/.

#foodrescue #foodwaste #TabletoTable #compost #pickling #waste

Recent news that France will enforce a strict food rescue law that mandates all grocery stores donate unsold food to charity has caused quite a stir. According to The Guardian, the law will require:

• All grocery stores and supermarkets to donate excess food to a charity
• Large markets (4305 sf or larger) to sign formal agreements with non-profits by July 2016
• All food must be sent to charities and in “ready to use” condition
• Stores must discontinue the practice of destroying food, often done by pouring bleach in food bins.
• Food too unsafe to eat will be donated to farms for compost and animal feed

It is a zero tolerance measure that will include fines up to $83,000 US and possible jail time. Future measures will likely require schools to donate excess food, and education measures are expected for homes, schools and businesses. In February, France moved to have “best by” dates removed, as they are confusing to consumers and completely arbitrary and determined by the manufacturer.

The fact is in 2012, the European Union and the United Kingdom began looking at a number of ways to reduce food waste, setting a goal of decreasing it 50% by 2020. To date, the UK has implemented an extensive campaign to increase public awareness and has had quick gains. Avoidable household waste has been reduced 18% in just 5 years and 53 food retailers and brands having signed a resolution to reduce waste in their facilities all through education.

There’s been a call for a similar law here in the US since the announcement of France’s law. It’s good to know some states are already addressing food waste head on. California, Arizona, Oregon and Colorado all have laws allowing tax credits for companies that donate left over food to state food banks. A California Farm to Table program has saved 17 million pounds of potatoes since 2010. The EPA is rolling out a plan nationally, Food: Too Good to Waste, that is currently up and running in Seattle, Iowa City, Oakland, and Honolulu, to educate consumers on how to reduce waste.

While many organizations, companies and even state governments have taken it upon themselves to participate in food rescue and donation efforts to organizations like Table to Table, the truth is that an estimated 40% of the food in the US is wasted. The US produces enough food for every person on Earth to eat 2700 calories per day. Yet, worldwide 842 million people go to bed hungry, 14.3% of American households are food insecure (2013) and $165 billion of unused food is thrown away. More food takes up space in landfills than paper and plastic, 35 billion tons in 2012. If just 15% of that food was rescued it would feed 25 million Americans. Saving 30% of our food would nearly eliminate food insecurity all together.

As a top producer of food in the world, the US must address a number of food waste challenges. There are at least 8 spheres of inefficiency within our food supply chain, three of them; retail, food service and household make up 50-60%. While food waste in grocery stores and supermarkets make up about 10% of the total, their practices directly affect households in the food waste cycle. Consumer consumption is where 40-50% (some estimates are as high as 61%) of the losses in food come from annually. Americans waste, on average, $1600 per year per household (family of 4) on food in our refrigerators that is left to rot or is mistaken for rotten. The sell-by, best-by and use-by dates on foods as in the EU and UK, are created by the manufacturers and cause confusion for consumers. In the US the dates have no federal regulation other than to use a month and a day, the year as well if the food is frozen, when dating food. Stores will often get rid of items 2 to 3 days prior to a sell-by date just to avoid confusion, which contributes in a significant way to the waste numbers. It’s estimated that food retailers discard $2300 worth of perfectly good food daily. Of course, all that waste means higher food sales for the food industry so there is little incentive to make changes to how food is ordered.

To be fair, sales aren’t the only driving force behind dating and discarding food arbitrarily. Creating a sense of unlimited abundance in the aisles, displays, and prepared foods counters meets the consumers’ demand that a store be well-stocked and provide the best of the best. In order to accomplish the appearance of abundance about 1 in 7 truckloads of perfectly good, perishable food is thrown away.

Then, there is the problem of abundance and the plate. Restaurants contribute to the food waste problem in similar ways to grocery stores in an effort to appear more lavish. Large plates and glassware need more food to make them look full, a phenomenon called the Delboeuf Illusion. To make the plate appealing, portion sizes are 2 to 8 times larger than the FDA or the USDA recommend. Pizza grew 70% in calories from 1982 to 2012; the Caesar Salad doubled in calories and the innocent chocolate chip cookie has quadrupled. These growths don’t just contribute to our waists but to our waste as well. Sadly, fuller plates lead to more leftovers as 17% goes uneaten, 55% of that is not taken home and instead thrown away.

Fast food isn’t any better. Freshness standards at fast food chains contribute largely to the waste seen in this category. McDonald’s standard for french fries is 7 minutes then they are thrown away, burgers can sit for only 20 minutes. Time limits like these contribute 10% of their total waste. In New York City, 29.4 tons of organic garbage is picked daily, the bulk of it is half full fast food containers.

We’ve always seen food donation and food rescue as a sensible solution here at Table to Table, so much so, we’ve been working at it for 15 years and over 90 million meals. Donating to food rescue programs will make a difference in turning the tide of food waste in this country. So much more can be done in the grocery store, restaurants and at home. Kudos to the French, the European Union, the UK and the many, many corporations and organizations that make reducing food waste a priority. With thought and planning we can save our environment while at the same time providing fresh and nutritious food for everyone.

Who doesn’t love chubby cheeks on a child? Just have to give them a loving squeeze. But when does cute and chubby become overweight and obese for a child and how does being food-insecure play into the issue?

For one thing, obesity is an epidemic our country is fighting and losing. When it comes to our children and teens, more than a third are overweight and one-fifth are obese. Not only are nearly 35% of adults in the US obese, but 21% of kids ages 6-19 are, as well. That’s a 30% increase in the obesity rate in just 30 years – up from 7% in 1980. Obesity is defined as having excess body fat, the result of “caloric imbalance” – too few calories expended for the amount of calories consumed – and is affected by various genetic, behavioral and environmental factors. Lower diet quality (i.e. fast food and sugary drinks) puts kids and teens at risk for obesity and some very adult diseases with the same healthcare costs and stresses on families and communities.

The list of diseases that are linked to childhood obesity is staggering and could be avoided either completely or until much later in life. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 70% of obese children are at risk for cardio vascular disease. The list below reflects other diseases formerly attributed only to adults that our children are now experiencing:

• High Cholesterol, High Blood Pressure
• Pre-diabetes, where blood glucose levels indicate a high risk for developing Type 2 Diabetes.
• Bone and Joint Disease, Osteoporosis
• Sleep Apnea
• Menstrual Irregularities
• Higher Risk of Injury
• Cancer, particularly breast, colon, thyroid, endometrial, pancreas, kidney, esophagus, ovary, melanomas and Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
• Poor Dental Health like more cavities and gum disease
• Iron Deficiency

For children entering adolescence, poor diet can lead to the following concerns that set a stage for physical and emotional health as adults.

• Delayed Puberty
• Nutrient Deficiencies and Dehydration
• High Instances of Social and Psychological Problems
• Stigmatization and Poor Self-Esteem
• Eating Disorders

Even when these adult diseases to not affect an obese child, they remain more likely to become sick, recover more slowly and will be hospitalized more often. There are higher incidents of headaches, stomach aches, colds, ear infections, and fatigue amongst food insecure children and teens. While overweight and obese, these kids are still malnourished and will be less likely to perform well in school or concentrate and, tend to exhibit more behavioral problems like aggression and anxiety. Being hungry and under- nourished makes it difficult to play “nicely” with others. But really, when you’re hungry, who can?

There are a number of studies that look at childhood food insecurity and obesity and the way, despite being contrary to intuitive thinking, the two coexist. There is strong evidence that food-security, quality of diet and access to fresh nutritious food are paramount to the growth and well-being of kids. We need an outcry against the food industry that, according to the CDC, spends $1.6 billion marketing sugary, low nutrient, high fat foods and beverages to kids. The reason? The lower cost of production equals big profits for processed food manufacturers. On average, children are exposed to 5,500 unhealthy food commercials in one year. Conversely, only 100 marketing messages for healthy foods are made in that same timeframe. Research shows that this impacts food choices and diet. The fact is, “junk food” will not make you feel full, requiring more foods that are likely to be full of empty calories.

By supporting organizations that supply healthy and nutritious food to families in low-income areas that cannot provide them for themselves, we can help curb food-insecurity and obesity in both children and adults. Helping our neighbors access fresh foods like fruits and vegetables, meats, and whole grains benefits everyone by reducing food waste, reducing food prices and reducing healthcare costs. Share your knowledge of how Table to Table rescues fresh, nutritious food that would otherwise be thrown away and delivers it to those who need it most…it’s an easy way to support our neighbors.

For more ways to help click here.

We’ve all thought it. “How can someone who is hungry or needy be overweight? Clearly, they’re eating something.”

It’s true, but these diametrically opposed concepts make more sense than you might think. It seems counter-intuitive yet some of the highest populations of overweight/obese individuals live in low-income communities.

Obesity rates among US adults are at 34.9% or 78.6 million citizens, 40-59 year olds have the highest rate of obesity at 39.5%. Medical costs for obesity, nation-wide, are $147 billion and obese adults have annual medical costs that are $1429 higher than normal weight adults annually. In New Jersey, the obesity rate was 23.7% in 2011, by 2030 it is projected to be 48%. Weight-related diseases will go up 10 times by 2030. NJ will see the highest increase in health related costs to 34.5% in that timeframe.

You want more numbers? They really make the point. Here you go…in NJ over the next 20 years there are projected to be:

971,383               new type 2 diabetes cases
2,087,173            new coronary heart disease and stroke cases
2,177,679            new hypertension cases
1,418,265            new arthritis/musculoskeletal disorder cases
308,039             new obesity related cancers (breast, colon, endometrial)

And while all Americans face similar challenges when it comes to health and lifestyle; we are all subject to the same influences of a sedentary lifestyle and over-sized food portions, victims of it really. So it’s easy to question what distinguishes this group of people. Low income individuals face a number of additional issues that create the link between food insecurity and obesity. In addition to the systemic issues below, those facing poverty often work longer hours and have multiple jobs, eat on the run and have less time for physical activity.

• Fewer Resources and Access to Nutritious Affordable Food.
  • Low income neighborhoods do not have full service grocery stores or even farmer’s markets where low cost fruits, vegetables, low fat dairy and whole grains are available for purchase.
  • When transportation is limited or non-existent, families are forced to purchase groceries at convenience stores or bodegas where nutritious options are limited, low quality and expensive.
  • Poverty and food insecurity are associated with lower food expenditures, low fruit and vegetable consumption and lower-quality diets due to the low cost of energy-dense foods (foods composed of refined grains, added sugar, and added fats) and may be reinforced by the palatability of sugar and fat that make up most of these foods. They just taste better than healthier options and are made that way intentionally.
• Cycles of Food Deprivation and Overeating
  • Skipping and stretching meals when food is scarce and overeating when food is available contributes to weight gain.
  • These cycles can lead to a preoccupation with food and cause metabolic changes that promote fat storage like yo-yo dieting.
  • Feast or famine among women is a direct predictor of obesity in children. The strongest and most consistent evidence of this connection is in low-income women.
• High Stress Living
  • Financial and emotional pressures of food insecurity, low wages, lack of healthcare, poor housing and transportation, community violence, along with so many other stresses, through research, have been shown to be linked to obesity particularly when the stress is chronic.
  • Sleep deprivation requires more calories to keep going, energy-dense foods provide that fullness and quick pick-up but the lack of nutritious food and physical activity keeps stress levels high.
• Higher Rates of Exposure to Obesity Inducing Products and Marketing
  • Low income households are exposed to more marketing and advertising for products like sugary drinks, fast food, television and video games that encourage less activity and unhealthy food options than any other demographic.

Illness like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, arthritis and cancer disproportionately burden those with limited resources, racial-ethnic minorities (except Asian-Americans) and the poor. These diseases are largely preventable by addressing the above issues, including the reduction of regular physical activity, also shown to be a result of lower-income neighborhoods.

Without access to healthy food options, managing weight and lifestyle become nearly impossible and the implications are life-threatening. By helping to provide more nutritious food options to lower-income individuals and families we have the opportunity to reverse these projections. Working to lower the BMI of New Jerseyans by just 5% would save in health care costs by 7.4% or $1,391,000,000 by 2030.

The decks are certainly stacked; Government agencies are struggling to find ways to assist the increasing need. This post is part one of two addressing obesity and food insecurity. Next month we’ll explore how children are affected by the phenomenon. Fortunately, organizations like Table to Table are introducing new ways to level the playing field and get fresh, nutritious foods into areas where they’re needed most. We will be sharing with you the details of our newest project, designed to directly bring much needed fresh produce into the neglected areas of Newark. Visit www.tabletotable.org to learn more about who we are, who we help and how we do it. Like us on Facebook for more information about our Newark project, spring events and ways you can help.