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Category: Press Release

Media And News Press Releases About Table To Table

TRENTON, NJ – The Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette today announced the winners of the 26th annual Governor’s Environmental Excellence Awards, New Jersey’s premier awards program that recognizes outstanding environmental achievements, programs and projects across the state. The awards were presented during a ceremony at the Historic Masonic Temple in Trenton.

“On behalf of the Governor, DEP and the I-Bank are proud to honor all of this year’s awardees for their spirited dedication to protecting the environment we all share and the health of our communities,” Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette said. “Their passion and dedication serve as an inspiration to us all and exemplifies why New Jersey is a national leader in environmental protection.”

The annual awards are given to individuals, businesses, organizations and communities that make exceptional efforts to protect the environment and advance solutions across diverse environmental matters, including environmental justice, climate change, sustainability and education. Deputy Commissioner Kati Angarone and I-Bank Executive Director David Zimmer presented the awards.

Richard J. Sullivan Award

Named for New Jersey’s first Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Protection, the Richard J. Sullivan Award is given to a person who demonstrates exceptional leadership and outstanding accomplishments in safeguarding public health and protecting and enhancing the state’s environment and resources.

This year’s Sullivan Award was given to Joseph Seebode, Deputy District Engineer for the New York District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, who has dedicated more than 35 years to advancing coastal resilience, environmental restoration and sustainable water management.

Seebode’s leadership helped guide post-Hurricane Sandy recovery efforts and other major projects such as the deepening of the Port of New York and New Jersey. A lifelong steward of waterways, Seebode exemplifies collaboration, innovation, and dedication to making the region safer, more resilient, and environmentally sound.

2025 Governor’s Environmental Excellence Award Winners

James J. Florio Emerging Environmental Leader: Landon Hoberman

Landon Hoberman is the founder of the Student Environmental Ambassador (SEA) Program, a youth-led initiative empowering students to reduce plastic waste and promote civic engagement. Since 2023, SEA has reached more than 50,000 students with over 725 ambassadors across 14 states and three countries. Through initiatives like #reducebyrequest, SEA has prevented over 1.8 million single-use utensils from entering the environment, saved local restaurants more than $45,000, and inspired state legislation.

Climate Change Mitigation: Duke Farms

Duke Farms, a 2,700-acre center of the Doris Duke Foundation, is transforming its campus through its Natural Systems Energy Project to sharply reduce emissions and sequester carbon through reforestation and natural climate solutions. The project also includes a new solar energy system for powering the campus and aims to support an 80 percent reduction in emissions by 2030.

Climate Resilience: City of Newark Office of Sustainability, Resilience & Community Transformation

The City of Newark Office of Sustainability, Resilience & Community Transformation leads initiatives to enhance climate resilience, focusing on the disproportionate impacts of climate change on vulnerable communities. In the past year, the office expanded its “Beat the Heat” campaign and implemented urban cooling strategies including tree planting, pocket parks, and cool roof projects.

Environmental Justice: Montclair State University PSEG Institute for Sustainability Studies

The Montclair State University PSEG Institute for Sustainability Studies’ Green Teams Internship Program empowers diverse student teams to support communities facing disproportionate climate impacts. In 2025, ten teams partnered with nonprofits and municipalities—including Newark, Paterson, Montclair, and West Orange — to deliver projects that improved air and water quality, expanded tree canopies, strengthened food security, and advanced nature-based flood and heat resilience measures.

Healthy Communities: Association of New Jersey Environmental Commissions (ANJEC)

ANJEC empowers New Jersey communities to protect natural resources and promote healthy, resilient environments. In the past year, ANJEC advanced this work through the restoration of the Parvin-Tarkiln Watershed in Vineland, adding tree pits, rain gardens, and riparian buffers that enhance local water quality and stormwater management.

Healthy Ecosystems and Habitats: Hunters Helping the Hungry

Hunters Helping the Hungry is a nonprofit organization that connects deer hunters, inspected processors, and food banks to provide venison to families in need. The organization supports responsible deer management that restores forest health, protects biodiversity, and strengthens food security. Recently, partnerships with the New Jersey Department of Agriculture and New Jersey Farm Bureau eliminated processing fees and increased processor payments, boosting deer donations and meal distribution statewide.

Sustainability and Waste Reduction: Table to Table

Table to Table, New Jersey’s first and largest food rescue organization, delivers surplus fresh food to those in need. In the past year alone, the organization rescued more than 23 million pounds of food and expanded its data-driven network to reach the most food-insecure areas. Since its founding, Table to Table has prevented more than 240 million pounds of food waste and significantly reduced methane emissions.

Watershed Management and Water Resources: PolyGone Systems (in partnership with Atlantic County Utilities Authority)

PolyGone Systems, a Princeton University spinoff cleantech company, is pioneering technology to remove microplastics from waterways. In partnership with the Atlantic County Utilities Authority, PolyGone launched the world’s first municipal-scale microplastic removal pilot in 2024 and successfully captured millions of microplastic particles from wastewater.

Environmental Education: Erin Colfax, Unity Charter School

Erin Colfax is a Science Integrationist at Unity Charter School in Morristown and brings sustainability to life through hands-on, inquiry-based science education for grades K–8. Colfax engages students in real-world projects like water quality monitoring and biodiversity studies and led a project to transform the school’s lower field into a living classroom that deepens environmental literacy and stewardship.

About the Governor’s Environmental Excellence Awards

The Governor’s Environmental Excellence Awards has been New Jersey’s premier environmental awards program since 2000. The DEP, New Jersey Infrastructure Bank and the New Jersey Corporation for Advanced Technology sponsor the program.

A panel of judges evaluate nominations for their impact on the environment, actions to address the needs of New Jersey, leadership and innovation, and use of outreach and educational activities to make an impact in their community. To learn more about the program, visit dep.nj.gov/awards.

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About Table to Table

Table to Table (http://www.tabletotable.org) is New Jersey’s first and largest food rescue nonprofit, bridging the gap between food being wasted and people facing food insecurity. We work with food businesses of all types to rescue fresh, nutritious surplus food, and deliver it for free to 300+ social service organizations, pantries, shelters, community produce markets and centralized distribution hubs. Through our community partnerships, Table to Table reaches families, children, veterans, older adults, and others in need, improving food security, nutritional access, and better health. Since 1999 we have rescued more than 120,700 tons of nutritious food — enough for 241,400,846 million meals — and delivered it to our neighbors in need, while also saving over 544 metric tons of methane from impacting climate change by preventing food waste.

Table to Table is NJ"s first and most successful food rescue nonprofit organization.

November 12, 2025 – Saddle Brook, NJ – Table to Table, New Jersey’s first and largest food rescue organization, and the Bloomfield School District have joined forces to reduce food waste and feed those in need with the first ever district-wide food rescue partnership. As part of the collaboration, nourishing surplus meals and snacks from 10 school cafeterias are being rescued weekly by volunteers, and delivered to local community pantries through Table to Table’s I-Rescue App. To volunteer in picking up surplus food from the Bloomfield Schools and delivering it to local pantries, learn more here. 

“Nearly 3 billion pounds of food is wasted annually in New Jersey while almost 1.1 million people in our state, including 270,000 children, face hunger. Table to Table offers a solution that keeps good, nourishing food out of landfills, and ensures it reaches the dinner tables of families, senior citizens, and other folks facing food insecurity,” said Heather Thompson, Executive Director, Table to Table. “We work with food businesses of all types and sizes, but it’s especially inspiring to see our schools and students stepping up to help in this way, especially as a Bloomfield resident and Franklin School parent myself. Through our collaboration with the District, we’ve already rescued enough food for over 7,000 meals since our launch last month – and those meals and snacks go right to our neighbors in need,” Thompson concluded.  

The participating Bloomfield Schools include Berkeley School; Bloomfield High School; Bloomfield Middle School; Brookdale School; Carteret School; Demarest School; Fairview School; Franklin School; Oak View School, and Watsessing School.   

“It is with great pride that the efforts of our Bloomfield Schools–in partnership with Table to Table–will not only help our local communities but also our planet,” said Salvatore Goncalves, Bloomfield Superintendent of Schools. “To be the first school in the district to accomplish this feat demonstrates true leadership,” Goncalves concluded.  

The Franklin School has leveraged this partnership with a comprehensive calendar of student engagement, focusing on food waste reduction and food insecurity literacy, including a lunchtime cafeteria ‘audit’ to better understand food waste in the school and beyond, a food drive to collect fresh produce for the community, and a series of interactive learning centers focused on educating and empowering students about food insecurity and reducing food waste. Additional plans for next year are being finalized. 

“I am incredibly proud of our Franklin School students, community, and faculty, especially our Kindergarten teachers, Michele Topolski and Janelle Acosta, who are the driving force behind our commitment to reducing food waste,” said Ms. Marianne Abbasso, Principal, Franklin Elementary School. “The positive impact that this partnership and the classroom activities will have on our community certainly reinforces the adage, that “all you really need to know… you learned in kindergarten,” concluded Principal Abbasso. 

Table to Table is New Jersey’s first and largest food rescue nonprofit, bridging the gap between food being wasted and people facing food insecurity. We bring rescued fresh, nutritious food to over 300 community partners, including social service organizations, pantries, shelters, fresh produce markets and centralized distribution hubs. Food is provided free of charge. Through this, Table to Table touches a diversity of those in need, including families, children, veterans, and older adults, making good nutrition accessible while serving as a stimulus for other longer-term benefits. Since 1999 we have rescued more than 120,700 tons of nutritious food—enough for 241,400,846 million meals—and delivered it to our neighbors in need, saving over 544 metric tons of methane from impacting the environment. 

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Related:

Over 370 staff members partnered with New Jersey food rescue program to support local hunger relief efforts

Basking Ridge, NJ – Affinity Federal Credit Union (“Affinity”) hosted its fourth annual Impact Day by partnering Table to Table, New Jersey’s first and largest food rescue organization, to provide nearly 5,000 meals to local families in need. Over 370 Affinity employees took part in the event at the credit union’s headquarters in Basking Ridge on Columbus Day/Indigenous People’s Day, October 14, when branches were closed. Employees made meals including sandwiches, snacks, water and wrote words of inspiration for recipients. The meals were distributed to 16 community non-profits across the northern half of New Jersey that work directly with individuals and families in need.

“This collective effort by Affinity’s employees across our footprint, from Lawrenceville, New Jersey to New Haven, Connecticut and everywhere in between hits at the core of our mission of people helping people,” said Kevin Brauer, CEO and President of Affinity Federal Credit Union. “The feeling of giving back to our communities is like no other. I’m proud of our work to tackle food insecurity and support some of those most impacted.”

The event marked the largest single-day volunteer initiative in the history of Table to Table, which has partnered with community service groups across North Jersey since its inception in 1999. Table to Table collects fresh, nutritious food that would otherwise go to waste from farms, distributors, stores, restaurants and more, and delivers it for free directly to organizations that feed the hungry.

“We are incredibly overjoyed by the collaboration, enthusiasm, and commitment of Affinity’s volunteers to give back to our communities in need,” said Heather Thompson, Executive Director of Table to Table. “This effort not only provides nourishment to thousands of struggling neighbors, but also it provides hope. We are grateful to Affinity for making an event of this scale a successful reality.”

“This year’s Impact Day demonstrates how powerful we can be when we work together toward a shared goal,” said Kelly Watts, Executive Director of the Affinity Foundation. “By partnering with Table to Table, our team made a tangible difference for thousands of our neighbors, reinforcing our belief that financial wellbeing begins with basic security and support.”

About Affinity Federal Credit Union

Affinity Federal Credit Union is a full-service financial institution, member-owned and community-focused, with a mission to nurture your financial wellbeing. With 20 branches across the tri-state area, Affinity is the largest credit union headquartered in the state of New Jersey, proudly ranking in the top 2% of all credit unions in terms of asset size1. The Affinity difference is about people helping people on a deeper level and understanding what YOU need to make your unique dreams a reality. For more information, please visit www.affinityfcu.com.

About Table to Table

Table to Table (http://www.tabletotable.org) is New Jersey’s first and largest food rescue nonprofit, bridging the gap between food being wasted and people facing food insecurity. We work with food businesses of all types to rescue fresh, nutritious surplus food, and deliver it for free to 300+ social service organizations, pantries, shelters, community produce markets and centralized distribution hubs. Through our community partnerships, Table to Table reaches families, children, veterans, older adults, and others in need, improving food security, nutritional access, and better health. Since 1999 we have rescued more than 120,700 tons of nutritious food — enough for 241,400,846 million meals — and delivered it to our neighbors in need, while also saving over 544 metric tons of methane from impacting climate change by preventing food waste.

Click here to view a gallery of photos from the event.

Personal, Multi-Course Dining Extravaganza, Featuring 25+ Notable Chefs, Takes Over  Edgewood Country Club on October 9th

September 4, 2025 – Saddle Brook, NJ – On Wednesday, October 9th, Table to Table, New Jersey’s first and largest food rescue organization, will welcome to its Chefs Gala more than 25 notable chefs who will personally serve their signature multi-course menus tableside for guests. Shining in the spotlight will be this year’s honoree, Christian Petroni, the charismatic Italian American chef, restaurateur, and author. Table to Table’s Chefs Gala will be held at Edgewood Country Club in River Vale, NJ on October 9th at 5:30 p.m. Seats are limited, so reserve your table today!

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

“We are delighted to welcome Christian Petroni as our Honoree at this year’s Chefs Gala,” said Heather Thompson, executive director, Table to Table. “Not only is Chris’ passion for food, family, and community infectious; he is also strongly aligned with Table to Table’s food rescue mission and has a deep commitment to nourishing our neighbors in need,” Thompson concluded.

Table to Table is honoring Chef Christian Petroni at our 2025 Chefs Gala

Chef Honoree Christian Petroni

From the age of six, all Christian ever wanted to do was to become a chef. Born and raised in the Bronx, NY, he spent his early years in the kitchen under the tutelage of Andy Pforzheimer and the Barteca Group until opening his own wood-fire Italian restaurant, Fortina. He opened five more successful restaurants in just eight years, becoming one of New York’s authorities on Italian cuisine and the art of red sauce. Christian hit the national stage, winning Next Food Network Star season 14 and became an instant fan favorite through his charm and infectious positivity. He became a recurring guest judge on Food Network shows that include: Chopped, Beat Bobby Flay, Guy’s Grocery Games, Diners Drive Ins, and Dives, and Tournament of Champions. Christian founded Gabagool Media, a multi-media and consulting company specializing in content creation, apparel, and providing guidance for chefs and small businesses worldwide. Christian’s first cookbook, Parm to Table, hits shelves Sept. 23, 2025. At his core, Christian loves to connect with people through food and lives to make them feel like family.

Co-Chairpersons Chefs Jamie Knott and Ryan DePersio

Chef Jamie Knott is owner of Saddle River Inn, Saddle River Cafe, Cellar 335, and Madame. He is also a Table to Table Trustee. Chef Ryan De Persio is the Chef/Partner of Battello, Kitchen Step, Ember & Eagle, and TillingHouse. Both are long-time supporters of Table to Table’s food rescue mission.

2025 Chef Gala Participants

John Michael Beam – Aficionado Coffee Roasters

Brandon Campney – Sterling Tavern

AJ Capella – Summit House

Bianca Concepcion and Jeff Galan – Fossil Farms

Michael Cosenza – Mike’s Pasta Shoppe

Mary Cumella and Logan Ramirez – Gioia Mia

Ryan DePersio – Battello, Kitchen Step, Ember & Eagle, and TillingHouse

David Felton – Morris Proper

Leia Gaccione – The Saint Clair

Felix Gonzalez – Viaggio Ristorante

Melany Gonzalez – Saddle River Inn

Alex Gorant – Axia Taverna

Bryan Gregg – Blue Morel

Dan Lipow – Foraged Feast

Lulu’s Truck

Christina Marcelli – Marcelli Formaggi

Off The Hook Seafood

Sal Pisani – Jersey Artisan Co.

Tim Quinlan – Ava’s Kitchen

Andrew Riccatelli – Bacarosa

Dean Schreefer – Echo Lake Country Club

Robert Sigona – Gelotti

Tom Silvestri – Ora

Melissa Stanard – The Goods

Lawrence Talis – The Committed Pig

Joe Tartamella – Canoe Brook Country Club

Geoff Taylor – The 130 Club

Christina Vene – Cakes of Wrath

Wine pairings provided by Chuck Russo’s Wine and Spirit World

Breweries, Wineries, and Distilleries

Frankie Medina – JCR Hospitality, Battello, Kitchen Step, Ember & Eagle, and Tillinghouse

Dirty Pelican

Don Julio

Ghost Hawk Brewery

Sangri

Silk City Distillers

Tito’s

Wilson Daniels Wines

At this year’s Chefs Gala, Table to Table will proudly welcome five new members to its Founder’s Table: Edgar Brieva, James P. Bush, Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation, Jamie Milkman, and Gerard Woods.

The Founder’s Table was established in 2023 by Table to Table’s Founder Claire Insalata Poulos to recognize individuals, companies, and foundations that have provided extraordinary support to the nonprofit over its 26-year history.

Sponsors for this year’s Table to Table’s Chefs Gala include: American Express (Presenting); Crestron (Grand); Arca Restaurant and Lounge, David and Kathleen Hildes, Inserra ShopRite Supermarkets, and Summit Associates (Platinum); Restoration Technologies Inc. (Gold); Takasago and Tito’s Homemade Vodka (Silver); Charles Schwab (Bronze) and The YMCA Meadowlands (Bronze).

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

About Table to Table

Table to Table (http://www.tabletotable.org) is New Jersey’s first and largest food rescue nonprofit, bridging the gap between food being wasted and people facing food insecurity. We work with food businesses of all types to rescue fresh, nutritious surplus food, and deliver it for free to 300+ social service organizations, pantries, shelters, community produce markets and centralized distribution hubs. Through our community partnerships, Table to Table reaches families, children, veterans, older adults, and others in need, improving food security, nutritional access, and better health. Since 1999 we have rescued more than 120,700 tons of nutritious food—enough for 241,400,846 million meals—and delivered it to our neighbors in need, while also saving over 544 metric tons of methane from impacting climate change by preventing food waste.

Press Contact:

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

August 4, 2025 – Saddle Brook, NJ – The Partners for Health Foundation has awarded Table to Table, New Jersey’s first and largest food rescue nonprofit, a generous $50,000 grant in support of its 26-year-old mission to reduce food waste and feed individuals and families facing food insecurity throughout northern New Jersey. Table to Table was one of 12 organizations that received grants from the foundation to support direct services and general operations to address health inequities throughout northern Essex County.

“We are incredibly grateful for this generous grant, which supports Table to Table’s mission to keep quality food out of landfills, and provide nourishment to children, families, seniors and veterans who worry about getting their next meal,” said Heather Thompson, executive director, Table to Table. “We are eager to expand our food donor, community partner, and volunteer networks in northern Essex County, allowing us to rescue and deliver more healthy, perishable food that helps improve the lives and health of residents throughout northern Essex County.” Thompson concluded.

“We’re proud to stand alongside nonprofits like Table to Table that make a real difference every day — expanding access to the resources people need to thrive,” said Pam Scott, Executive Director, Partners for Health Foundation. “We look forward to a productive and meaningful partnership,” Scott concluded.

Reliable access to free, nutritious food plays a critical role in individual, family, and community health. It lowers risk of obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and other chronic diseases that are more prevalent among individuals facing food insecurity; and healthy food access supports stronger academic/work performance and relieves stress for families facing financial constraints.  Unfortunately, the healthiest foods are often the most expensive, and many traditional pantries primarily offer only shelf-stable items, making it difficult for people relying on these distributions to sustain a healthy diet. Table to Table helps bridge this gap by delivering fresh food, a majority of which is fresh vegetables, fruit, and dairy.

About Table to Table 

Table to Table (http://www.tabletotable.org) is New Jersey’s first and largest food rescue nonprofit, bridging the gap between food being wasted and people facing food insecurity. We bring rescued fresh, nutritious food to 303 community partners, including social service organizations, pantries, shelters, fresh produce markets and centralized distribution hubs. Food is provided free of charge. Through this, Table to Table touches a diversity of those in need, including families, children, veterans, and older adults, making good nutrition accessible while serving as a stimulus for other longer-term benefits. Since 1999 we have rescued more than 120,700 tons of nutritious food—enough for 241,400,846 million meals—and delivered it to our neighbors in need, saving over 544 metric tons of methane saved.

Press Contact: 

Maria Sinopoli, Director of Marketing Communications 

msinopoli@tabletotable.org 

Funds Raised Help Reduce Food Waste and Deliver Enough Food for More Than 23,000 Meals to Food Insecure Neighbors

Saddle Brook, NJ  June 20, 2025 — Table to Table, New Jersey’s first food rescue organization, salutes the students at Godwin and Highland Elementary Schools in Midland Park, NJ with the 2024-2025 Bernard and Geraldine Segal Foundation Award for Student Philanthropy in support of Table to Table’s Bag a Lunch, Help a Bunch initiative, which invites participants to bring a bagged lunch to school for a day, a week, or more, and donate what they would have spent on lunch to help Table to Table reduce food waste and feed those who need it most.   

“What an impressive team! The students of Godwin and Highland Elementary Schools have stepped up as true community champions,” said Heather Thompson, Executive Director of Table to Table. “Thanks to their incredible support of Bag a Lunch, Help a Bunch, we’ll be able to rescue food for more than 23,000 meals—reducing food waste and bringing nourishment to thousands of our New Jersey neighbors. Their leadership is a powerful reminder that the future is in great hands. We’re proud to honor them with the 2024-2025 Bernard and Geraldine Segal Foundation Award for Student Philanthropy,” Thompson concluded. 

Through the kindness of The Bernard and Geraldine Segal Foundation, a challenge grant of $30,000 among all Bag a Lunch, Help a Bunch participating schools in Northern NJ was established. Of the dozens of schools that participated in the 2024-2025 school year, Godwin and Highland Elementary Schools were the top fundraisers. The funds raised will rescue and deliver enough food for 23,000 healthy meals for those in need throughout Northern NJ. That number, along with funds raised by the other schools, was generously doubled by the Bernard and Geraldine Segal Foundation. 

“On behalf of Godwin and Highland Elementary Schools, we are honored to be the recipient of the 2024-2025 Bernard and Geraldine Segal Foundation Award for Student Philanthropy in support of Table to Table’s Bag a Lunch, Help a Bunch,” said Danielle Bache, Principal of Godwin Elementary School. “We always encourage our students to make a difference in their communities, so we were more than thrilled to hear that our efforts provided enough food for 23,000 meals. I am so proud of these students,” Bache concluded.   

Schools have been key partners in our efforts to end food waste and end hunger for more than 25 years, engaging the next generation of Food Rescue Heroes to take action. Our School Partnerships webpage outlines all the ways schools and students can get involved. Participating schools can make a big impact and can use these activities to earn points through the Sustainable Jersey Schools Certification Program. As an added bonus, our school partners will receive an exclusive Digital Educational Toolkit with grade-specific (Pre-K-8th Grade) lesson plans, activities and videos to help students learn about food waste and food donations.

Bag a Lunch, Help a Bunch is made possible by generous sponsors including, Presenting Sponsor: Inserra Supermarkets; Gold Sponsors: Eisai USA Foundation, Kearny Bank, and Benjamin Moore; Silver Sponsors: BAE Systems, Cross River Bank, Hikma, Macy’s/Bloomingdales, Takasago, and The Children’s Place; Bronze Sponsors: DoorDash, Freedom Bank, Peapack-Gladstone Bank, and PNC Bank.

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

About Table to Table 

Table to Table is New Jersey’s first and largest food rescue nonprofit, bridging the gap between food being wasted and people facing food insecurity. We work with food businesses of all types to rescued fresh, nutritious surplus food, and deliver it for free to 300+ social service organizations, pantries, shelters, community produce markets and centralized distribution hubs. Through our community partnerships, Table to Table reaches families, children, veterans, older adults, and others in need, improving food security, nutritional access, and better health. Since 1999 we have rescued more than 120,700 tons of nutritious food—enough for 241,400,846 million meals—and delivered it to our neighbors in need, while also saving over 544 metric tons of methane from impacting climate change by preventing food waste. 

Contact: 

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

April 9, 2025 – Saddle Brook, NJ – The Morris County Chamber of Commerce has recognized Table to Table’s I-Rescue App with a 2025 Award for Nonprofit Excellence for Innovative Program. Less than six months since its launch into Morris County, I-Rescue – an innovative app that empowers volunteers to pick up and deliver food donations using their own vehicles, has already facilitated the rescue of more than 80,000 pounds of nutritious surplus food from local grocery stores, farmers markets and restaurants, and redirected it to pantries, shelters and other community agencies throughout Morris County. 

As New Jersey’s first and largest food rescue nonprofit, Table to Table mobilizes a fleet of refrigerated trucks, alongside hundreds of volunteers, to rescue over 20 million pounds of food each year and ensure it reaches neighbors facing food insecurity.

The expansion of I-Rescue into Morris County last fall was made possible by a generous grant from Impact 100 Garden State.

“We have been so warmly received throughout Morris County and we and could not be prouder of this recognition from The Morris County Chamber of Commerce,” said Heather Thompson, Executive Director, Table to Table. “We are especially grateful to our generous food donors, tireless volunteers, and community partners, as well as the members of Impact 100 Garden State. Every box of fresh produce, every tray of nutritious food, makes a real difference for someone who wasn’t sure where their next meal would come from. Together, we are bridging the gap between food waste and food insecurity,” Thompson concluded.


How does Table to Table I-Rescue Work?
Table to Table I-Rescue App, powered by Food Rescue Hero, allows volunteers to easily rescue surplus fresh and prepared food from local supermarkets, restaurants, and corporate cafeterias and deliver it to our neighbors facing food insecurity in about an hour. To learn more and download I-Rescue, go to https://tabletotable.org/i-rescue/.


About Table to Table
Table to Table (http://www.tabletotable.org) is New Jersey’s first and largest food rescue nonprofit, bridging the gap between food being wasted and people facing food insecurity. We bring rescued fresh, nutritious food to 303 community partners, including social service organizations, pantries, shelters, fresh produce markets and centralized distribution hubs. Food is provided free of charge. Through this, Table to Table touches a diversity of those in need, including families, children, veterans, and older adults, making good nutrition accessible while serving as a stimulus for other longer-term benefits. Since 1999 we have kept more than 120,700 tons of nutritious, edible food out of landfills—enough for 241,400,846 million meals—and delivered it to our neighbors in need, saving over 544 metric tons of methane from impacting climate change in the process.

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

March 26, 2025 – Saddle Brook, NJ – Table to Table, New Jersey’s first and largest food rescue nonprofit, received a generous $25,000 grant from Avolta’s Journey for Good Foundation in support of its more than 25-year-old mission to reduce food waste and feed individuals and families facing food insecurity throughout northern New Jersey.

Journey For Good Foundation is the philanthropic arm in North America for Avolta, a leading global travel retail and food & beverage player. In the Summer of 2024, Table to Table launched an official partnership with Avolta to begin rescuing a range of food, including ‘grab and go’ sandwiches, salads, and snacks from numerous HMSHost and Hudson locations within Newark Liberty International Airport. This surplus, donated food is then delivered directly to pantries and social service organizations in Newark and surrounding communities, ensuring it reaches those who need it most while it is still fresh.

“Thank you, Journey For Good Foundation – we are incredibly grateful for your partnership. Through your support, Table to Table can keep more quality food out of landfills, and nourish even more children, families, seniors and veterans who struggle to put healthy meals on the table,” said Heather Thompson, Executive Director, Table to Table. “In fact, this incredible gift will provide resources for us to rescue and deliver enough food for approximately 250,000 nutritious meals.” Thompson concluded.

“On behalf of Journey For Good Foundation, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to the thousands of passengers who, through their generosity, have made it possible for us to give back to communities across northern New Jersey,” said Journey For Good Foundation Director Jordan Silverman. “We are deeply humbled to support Table to Table’s work reducing food waste and ensuring that nutritious food reaches our neighbors who need it most.”

About Table to Table 

Table to Table (http://www.tabletotable.org) is New Jersey’s first and largest food rescue nonprofit, bridging the gap between food being wasted and people facing food insecurity. We bring rescued fresh, nutritious food to 303 community partners, including social service organizations, pantries, shelters, fresh produce markets and centralized distribution hubs. Food is provided free of charge. Through this, Table to Table touches a diversity of those in need, including families, children, veterans, and older adults, making good nutrition accessible while serving as a stimulus for other longer-term benefits. Since 1999 we have rescued more than 120,700 tons of nutritious food—enough for 241,400,846 million meals—and delivered it to our neighbors in need, saving over 544 metric tons of methane saved.

About Journey For Good Foundation

Journey For Good Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) charity whose mission is to fight poverty in the local community with food, shelter, education, and workforce development. Prior to 2024, Journey For Good Foundation, Inc. operated as HMSHost Foundation, Inc. Journey For Good Foundation is a charitable arm of Avolta in North America and was established to unite and build upon HMSHost Foundation, Hudson, and Dufry’s charitable giving efforts. Charitable work carried out by Journey For Good Foundation is done based on pillars of giving:

·        Relieve hunger and promote nutritional wellness through food related initiatives;

·        Combat homelessness through access to safe housing, furnishings, clothing, and stable employment;

·        Encourage the next generation through access to education and training;

·        Provide opportunity for financial stability through hospitality industry training and placement;

·        Honor our veterans and their families by supporting programs that meet their needs for food, shelter, medical care, and job training and placement.

Visit https://journeyforgood.org/ for more information.

Related:

  • Table to Table, NJ’s First and Largest Food Rescue, Makes History by Partnering with HMSHost and Hudson at Newark Airport Stores to Pick Up Food Surplus

15th Annual Fashion Show to Feature Gourmet Food, Silent and Live Auction, and Runway Show

Saddle Brook, N.J. – February 26, 2025 – Behind the Seams, an annual high-energy fashion show, will benefit Table to Table, a community-based food rescue program, and take place at Bottagra Restaurant in Hawthorne on Wednesday, May 14 from 5:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. This year marks the 15th annual Behind the Seams which attracts over 300 guests each year. Proceeds from Behind the Seams will help Table to Table continue its mission of collecting fresh, nutritious, perishable food that would otherwise be wasted and delivering it free to organizations serving the hungry in Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Morris, and Passaic counties.

“Behind the Seams is one of my favorite nights of the year because it brings together a group of people who are passionate about giving back to their local communities and they create an energy and excitement that’s unparalleled,” said Joey Mazza, Director of Special Events and Restaurant Partnerships for Table to Table. “We look forward to a night of fine dining, entertainment, and fashion that will allow Table to Table feed our neighbors.”

Since Table to Table was established in 1999, it has:

  • Rescued 120,700 tons of nutritious food
  • Rescued and delivered enough food for 241,400,846 meals
  • Saved 544 metric tons of methane

Behind the Seams will consist of a lavish cocktail hour, gourmet food and beverage stations, silent and live auctions, and a tented runway show featuring 2025 spring and summer styles by two clothing boutiques with long-standing roots in New Jersey. Male styles will be presented by Sal Lauretta for Men, a men’s shop in Midland Park that specializes in fine made-to-measure and designer menswear. Boutique 811, a women’s fashion boutique in Franklin Lakes that offers unique styles plus personal styling services, will showcase seasonal trends for women.

Tickets for Behind the Seams 2025 are currently on sale. To purchase a ticket, reserve a table, or secure a sponsorship, visit: https://tabletotable.org/fashionshow/

About Table to Table
Table to Table (http://www.tabletotable.org) is New Jersey’s first and largest food rescue nonprofit, bridging the gap between food being wasted and people facing food insecurity. We bring rescued fresh, nutritious food to 303 partner organizations including social service organizations, pantries, shelters, fresh produce markets and centralized distribution hubs. Food is provided free of charge. Through this, Table to Table touches a diversity of those in need, including families, children, veterans, and older adults, making good nutrition accessible while serving as a stimulus for other longer-term benefits. Since 1999 we have rescued more than 120,700 tons of nutritious food—enough for more than 241 million meals—and delivered it to our neighbors in need, saving over 544 metric tons from being released into the environment. 

Photos available upon request

Nutritious Food From Newark Airport Will Nourish NJ Neighbors in Need and Reduce Food Waste 

December 17, 2024 – Saddle Brook, NJ – Table to Table, New Jersey’s first and largest food rescue nonprofit, has for the first time in its 25-year history added an airport to its food donor roster. Table to Table is rescuing a range of food, including ‘grab and go’ sandwiches, salads, and snacks from numerous HMSHost and Hudson locations within Newark Liberty International Airport.  

“With three billion meals wasted annually in New Jersey and one million residents experiencing food insecurity, Table to Table is truly grateful to have food donors like HMSHost and Hudson stores at Newark Liberty International Airport joining us to relieve hunger and reduce food waste,” said Heather Thompson, Executive Director, Table to Table. “Next time you walk through Newark Airport and notice all the fresh food at these retailers and restaurants—know that every week, all that extra food is being safely picked up and delivered to people who need it,” Thompson concluded. 

Table to Table’s partnership with HMSHost and Hudson—part of leading global travel experience player Avolta, which operates travel convenience, specialty retail, duty-free, and food and beverage locations in travel venues in 73 countries—soft-launched in late summer. Currently, Table to Table rescues food from nine HMSHost dining venues in Terminal B and seven Hudson retail locations in Terminals A and B. Plans are in place to grow the program with additional dining venues in Newark Airport’s Terminal C in the coming months. 

“Across our more than 2,000 travel retail and food and beverage locations in North America, there is a tremendous opportunity to have a positive impact in the communities we serve. We are proud to partner with Table to Table at Newark Liberty International Airport to help ensure that less food ends up in landfills and more of it finds a way to the tables of those who need it. We look forward to growing this program to fight food insecurity throughout New Jersey,” said Jordi Martin-Consuegra, Chief Operating Officer, North America, Avolta. 

About Table to Table   

Table to Table (http://www.tabletotable.org) is New Jersey’s first and largest food rescue nonprofit, bridging the gap between food being wasted and people facing food insecurity. We bring rescued fresh, nutritious food to 270+ partner organizations including social service organizations, pantries, shelters, fresh produce markets and centralized distribution hubs. Food is provided free of charge. Through this, Table to Table touches a diversity of those in need, including families, children, veterans, and older adults, making good nutrition accessible while serving as a stimulus for other longer-term benefits. Since 1999 we have rescued more than 109,000 tons of nutritious food—enough for over 311 million meals—and delivered it to our neighbors in need, saving over 72,000 tons of CO2eq from being released into the environment.  

Press Contact:   

Maria Sinopoli, Director of Marketing Communications   

msinopoli@tabletotable.org  

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