Category: Press Release

Saddle Brook, NJ September 19, 2023 –Table to Table, NJ’s first food rescue organization, will showcase a line up of notable chefs at this year’s Chefs Gala. 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 fine wines. This year’s Gala Honoree is chef, restaurateur, author, and community advocate, Melba Wilson. In addition to the exquisite multi-course meal, attendees can bid in live auction featuring travel, food, and wine experiences or a silent auction during the cocktail hour. Every dollar raised helps deliver enough food for 10 meals to hungry neighbors. Reserve your seats by clicking here!

Featured Chefs

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 will be coordinated by Carlo Russo’s Wine & Spirits World.

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

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 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

Table to Table Recognizes Cherry Hill Elementary School in River Edgewith the Award for Student Philanthropy for their support of Bag a Lunch, Help a Bunch Fundraiser

School Raises Enough Funds to Provide 52,860 Meals for Hungry NJ Neighbors

Hasbrouck Heights, NJ March 21, 2022 Table to Table, New Jersey’s first food rescue organization, recognizes the students at Cherry Hill Elementary School in River Edge, NJ with the 2021 Bernard and Geraldine Segal Foundation Award for Student Philanthropy in support of Table to Table’s ever-popular Bag a Lunch, Help a Bunch initiative, which invites participants to donate what they would spend on lunch for a day, week, month or more to help Table to Table feed those who need it most.

“Our hats go off to the amazing students at Cherry Hill Elementary School for raising enough funds to provide 52,860 meals to our hungry neighbors,” says Ilene Isaacs, Executive Director of Table to Table. “This is a true representation of student community leadership, and we’re thrilled to recognize their tremendous efforts with the 2021 Bernard and Geraldine Segal Foundation Award for Student Philanthropy,” Isaacs concluded.

Through the kindness of The Bernard and Geraldine Segal Foundation, a challenge grant of $30,000 among all Bag a Lunch, Help a Bunch participating schools in Northern NJ was established. Of the 41 schools that participated in 2021, Cherry Hill Elementary was the top fundraiser, raising enough to provide 52,680 meals. That number, along with the funds raised by the other schools, was generously doubled by the Bernard and Geraldine Segal Foundation.

“We are very proud of our students, faculty and administration for rallying behind Table to Table’s Bag a Lunch, Help a Bunch campaign to help eliminate food insecurity,” says Denise Heitman, Principal of Cherry Hill Elementary School.  “As a school, we have a long history of supporting those in need in our community, and it means so much to us to be acknowledged for our commitment,” Heitman concluded.

Bag a Lunch, Help a Bunch is made possible by generous sponsors including: Presenting Sponsor: Inserra Supermarkets; Platinum Sponsor: Becton, Dickinson and Company; Gold Sponsor: Takasago; Silver Sponsors: The Children’s Place, Eisai and Konica Minolta; and Bronze Sponsors: Aetna, Aspen Insurance, Freedom Bank, Hackensack Meridian Health, Movado and PNC Bank.

To help Table to Table in their mission to address 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 New Jersey’s first and only solely dedicated community-based 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, and programs for the working poor. Food is provided free of charge. Table to Table raises all its own funds every year, and this year will deliver enough food for 39 million meals.

Press Contact:

Maria Sinopoli, Director of Marketing

917-532-6148

msinopoli@tabletotable.org

(Hasbrouck Heights, NJ   February 2, 2022) – 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 12th 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, we upgraded our methodology for rating each charity’s’ financial health with CN 2.1. These enhancements further substantiates the financial health of our 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 & 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 our donors trust that we’re using their donations wisely to accomplish our mission of rescuing and delivering fresh, nutritious food for our hungry northern New Jersey neighbors in need,” said Ilene Isaacs, Executive Director of Table to Table.  “Our 4-star Charity Navigator rating demonstrates to our supporters our good governance and financial accountability.”

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., 07452.

 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/

Hasbrouck Heights, NJ  November 29, 2021 – Table to Table today announced it has been awarded a Major Grant in the amount of $15K from The Provident Bank Foundation to support Table to Table’s Community Fresh Food Rescue Program, which serves those in need throughout northern NJ.

Table to Table was selected to receive the grant based on its goal to help those who are hungry eat healthier, be healthier and enabling them to apply meager funds to other critical needs.

“Although NJ is one of the wealthiest states in the country, 1 in every 4 residents do not earn enough to afford the basic necessities of food and housing,” says Ilene Isaacs, Executive Director of Table to Table. “Thanks to the generosity of funders like The Provident Bank Foundation, Table to Table can rescue more meals to feed even more of our hungry neighbors,” Isaacs concluded.

Hunger existed before the pandemic, but it has been exacerbated and brought to the forefront by the pandemic.  Previously, minimally impacted communities are now supporting long lines of those in need–many for the first time.  Overall, food insecurity in the 4 counties that Table to Table serves has increased from 40-62% 2019 vs 2020 and is even more startling for children, increasing 66-147%.

“We are pleased to help further valuable initiatives put forth by local organizations who are working every day to strengthen the lives of residents in our communities,” said Samantha Plotino, Executive Director, The Provident Bank Foundation. “We will continue to provide support to these important organizations that have identified an immediate need in the community and for the individuals they serve.”

About Table to Table

Table to Table is New Jersey’s first food rescue organization. Committed to feeding our hungry neighbors, Table to Table rescues and delivers healthy, fresh and perishable food from grocery stores, food distributors and restaurants, and in doing so, helps the 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 227 million meals and saved 74,000 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 11 consecutive years. Learn more by visiting https://tabletotable.org/

About The Provident Bank Foundation

The Provident Bank Foundation was established in 2003 by Provident Bank to enhance the quality of life in the region through support of not-for-profit groups, institutions, schools and other 501(c)(3) organizations that provide services in communities served by the Bank. Since inception, the Foundation has granted more than $27 million to not-for-profit organizations and institutions working toward stronger communities. For more information, visit www.theprovidentbankfoundation.org or call (862) 260-3990.

Press Contact:

Maria Sinopoli, Director of Marketing

917-532-6148

msinopoli@tabletotable.org

Hasbrouck Heights, NJ November 9, 2021 – Table to Table, New Jersey’s first food rescue organization today, debuts The Great Bergen County Turkey Take from Table to Table I-Rescue, a Thanksgiving initiative allowing Bergen County residents to personally donate and deliver a turkey to local food pantries and group homes in Bergen County. Now through November 23rd, residents can download the I-Rescue app, powered by Food Rescue Hero (Available on iOS and Google Play ) and visit here for more details. Or, simply make a donation to help Table to Table deliver more meals throughout the year to those in need.

“At this time of year, many of us have access to a free turkey from our local grocery store; so, why not put it in the hands of a neighbor in need?” said Ilene Isaacs, Executive Director of Table to Table. “Join us for The Great Bergen County Turkey Take, and you’ll be donating and volunteering at the same time to make Thanksgiving special for someone who might not otherwise enjoy the holiday,” Isaacs concluded.

About Table to Table

Table to Table is New Jersey’s first food rescue organization. Committed to feeding our hungry neighbors, Table to Table rescues and delivers healthy, fresh and perishable food from grocery stores, food distributors and restaurants, and in doing so, helps the 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 227 million meals and saved 74,000 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 11 consecutive years. Learn more by visiting https://tabletotable.org/

Press Contact:

Maria Sinopoli, Director of Marketing
917-532-6148
msinopoli@tabletotable.org

Table to Table Launches Annual Bag a Lunch, Help a Bunch

Hasbrouck Heights, NJ October 14, 2021 – Table to Table, New Jersey’s first and solely dedicated community-based food rescue program, kicks off its ever-popular Bag a Lunch, Help a Bunch. This grassroots initiative invites individuals, employees in corporations and students in schools to donate what they would spend on lunch for a day, week, month or more to help Table to Table feed those who need it most. Donate Now!

“Many are unaware that 1 in every 4 NJ residents do not earn enough to afford the basic necessities of food and housing,” says Ilene Isaacs, Executive Director of Table to Table. “Bag a Lunch, Help a Bunch is an easy way for individuals, schools and companies to be a part of the solution by donating what they would spend on lunch to help our hungry neighbors,” Isaacs concluded.

Individuals, employees at corporations and students in schools can energize their social networks to host a Bag a Lunch event. Fun competitions among different classes in schools or departments within a corporation, can inspire and engage participants. Also, involvement from different positions in an organization can help bolster the Bag a Lunch, Help a Bunch event.  For instance, schools that involve the principal, PTA, faculty or parent community to support the challenge tend to create a powerful event. And, the team captain can help publicize the event via the school’s website, social media, and invite the Mayor to help kickoff or culminate the activity.

“As a community we have the ability to be a part of the solution to the problem of hunger plaguing so many of our neighbors,” says Isaacs.  “And, from now until December 3, you, your company…and even your child’s school can double your impact with our generous matches,” concludes Isaacs.

For individual donations, the first $15,000 raised will be matched by a former Table to Table trustee! And for donations coming from school teams, any donations raised will be matched up to $30K. The school in Northern NJ that raises the most will receive The Bag a Lunch, Help a Bunch Bernard and Geraldine Segal Foundation Award for Student Philanthropy, which will be promoted through social media and publicity. Hurry, the match deadline is December 3, 2021. To get started on your Bag a Lunch, Help a Bunch event, simply register here, or contact Shahna Sherwood.

Bag a Lunch, Help a Bunch is made possible by generous sponsors including: Presenting Sponsor: Inserra Supermarkets; Platinum Sponsor: Becton, Dickinson and Company; Gold Sponsor: Takasago; Silver Sponsors: The Children’s Place, Eisai and Konica Minolta; and Bronze Sponsors: Aetna, Aspen Insurance, Freedom Bank, Hackensack Meridian Health, Movado and PNC Bank.

To help Table to Table in their mission to address 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 New Jersey’s first and only solely dedicated community-based 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, and programs for the working poor. Food is provided free of charge. Table to Table raises all its own funds every year, and this year will deliver enough food for 39 million meals.

Press Contact:

Maria Sinopoli, Director of Marketing

917-532-6148

msinopoli@tabletotable.org

Hasbrouck Heights, NJ, September 23, 2021 –Table to Table, New Jersey’s first and oldest food rescue program, raised enough funds to provide 2.5 million meals for its hungry neighbors in Northern NJ. The organization’s 2021 Virtual Chefs Gala was held on Wednesday, September 22, 2021 and welcomed New Jersey’s business and philanthropic leaders.

“The generosity of our supporters never ceases to amaze me, and—as a result—we’re thrilled to be able to rescue 2.5 million meals for those who need it most,” said Ilene Isaacs, Table to Table’s Executive Director. “We are also so grateful for our many sponsors who made our Virtual Chefs Gala not only possible but also a tremendous success!”

This year’s gala honored internationally acclaimed celebrity Chef David Burke, a trustee and supporter of Table to Table since its inception more than 20 years ago. Also honored were 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 featured a delectable, 3-course meal curated by Chef David Burke and delivered to participants’ home. Plus, amazing travel, food, and wine packages were 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.

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.