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June 10, 2024 – Saddle Brook, NJ – Imagine a Gala unlike any other, where celebrated chefs cook tableside, personally dedicated to crafting a delicious multi-course feast especially for you and your guests. On September 25th, Table to Table will host New Jersey’s culinary event of the year: the 2024 Chefs Gala, a reimagined experience celebrating 25 years of impact and featuring 25 of New Jersey’s best chefs! Table to Table’s Chefs Gala will be held at Edgewood Country Club in River Vale, NJ at 6 pm. Seats are limited, so reserve your table today

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

“We’re elated to celebrate our silver anniversary by putting a fresh new twist on a celebrated event,” said Heather Thompson, Executive Director, Table to Table. “What better way to celebrate 25 years of impact—reducing food waste and nourishing neighbors in need—than with an unparalleled culinary experience bringing together 25 of NJ’s best chefs, and Jamie Knott as our Chef Honoree,” Thompson concluded

Chef Honoree Jamie Knott 

On this milestone anniversary, we recognize one of New Jersey’s most inventive chef entrepreneurs, the avant-garde culinary master: Jamie Knott. His diverse experience across various culinary styles has established him as a leading figure in the industry. As the chef-owner of such notable restaurants as Saddle River Inn, Madame, and Kinjo—his latest masterpiece—Chef Knott warmly welcomes guests for a flavorful, unforgettable dining experience focused on locally sourced, fresh ingredients, reflecting Knott’s commitment to quality. Jamie’s portfolio of restaurants is consistently praised and acknowledged by media and influencers alike. Educated at the New York Restaurant School, his career has been marked by innovation and a deep understanding of the culinary world. Jamie is also deeply committed to giving back to the community through his involvement with Table to Table and several other New Jersey nonprofits.  

Co-Chairpersons Chef Ryan DePersio and Chef A.J. Capella 

Chefs Ryan DePersio and A.J. Capella have joined the event as Co-Chairs, lending their culinary expertise to make this year’s event an unforgettable experience. Ryan is the owner of Battello and Kitchen Step both in Jersey City as well as Ember and Eagle in Eatontown while AJ is the Executive Chef of Summit House in Summit. 

Founder’s Table Honorees 

At this year’s Chefs Gala, Table to Table will proudly welcome four new members to its Founder’s Table: Chef David Burke, Chef Nicholas Gatti, Chef Peter X. Kelly, and Eva Megerle. 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 25-year history. 

Sponsors for this year’s Table to Table’s Chefs Gala include: Crestron, Inserra ShopRite Supermarkets (Grand); Summit Associates (Platinum); Takasago (Silver), and Peapack-Gladstone Bank (Bronze).

For questions about the event, please contact Joey Mazza, Director of Events and Restaurant Partnerships, jmazza@tabletotable.org

25 years of Impact 

For 25 years, Table to Table, New Jersey’s first food rescue, has bridged the gap between food waste and food insecurity. The organization partners with supermarkets, distributors, restaurants, and others to rescue surplus, quality food, and delivers it directly to nonprofit community partners serving children and families, seniors, veterans, and other neighbors in need.  

What began in 1999 with one food rescue in a donated van, has flourished to become an efficient and impactful operation and a force for change that—to date—has resulted in the rescue and delivery of enough food for over 311 million healthy meals throughout northern New Jersey. To mark their milestone anniversary, the nonprofit has set a goal of rescuing/delivering enough fresh food for 25 million meals this year, via its fleet of 6 trucks and volunteer-based app, Table to Table I-Rescue. The 2024 Chefs Gala is poised to raise enough for 5 million meals. 

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), NJ’s first food rescue organization, 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 Northern NJ. We bring rescued fresh, nutritious food to 200+ partner organizations including social service organizations, pantries, shelters, fresh produce markets and centralized distribution hubs. Food is provided free of charge. Through this, we touch 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. Table to Table raises all its own funds annually, and last year delivered enough food to provide over 23 million meals. 

Press Contact

Maria Sinopoli, Director of Marketing Communications 

msinopoli@tabletotable.org 

Funding Will Help New Jersey’s First Food Rescue Organization Reduce Food Waste And Deliver Non-Perishable Items to Communities in Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Morris and Passaic Counties

Saddle Brook, NJ (June 25, 2024) – Table to Table, a local non-profit organization dedicated to reducing food waste and feeding food-insecure neighbors, has received a $50,000 grant from Bank of America (BofA).

The grant will help Table to Table continue work to provide fresh, nourishing food for children and families, seniors, veterans, people with disabilities, and people facing financial difficulties. Increasing food and nutrition access will support better health for thousands of people while improving economic mobility in northern New Jersey. For 25 years, Table to Table’s work has positively impacted the individuals and families who receive food through partner organizations. Table to Table supports health and wellness through ongoing access to fresh produce, protein, dairy, and other healthy staples that are expensive and not readily available through more traditional food distributions.

“Enough food for more than 3 billion meals is wasted annually in our state, while nearly 1 million people face food insecurity,” says Heather Thompson, Executive Director, Table to Table. “BofA’s generous support and continued investment strengthens our mission, allowing us to get more fresh, nutritious food to those who truly need it and—in the process—ensuring that quality food doesn’t end up in landfills. We are incredibly grateful,” Thompson concluded.

The grant is part of Bank of America’s philanthropic giving efforts in local communities. Awardees were selected for their commitment to improving the lives of individuals and families, including health and jobs.

“Working with Table to Table to increase food security and nutrition access for the residents of Northern New Jersey is part of our commitment to promoting positive change throughout the state,” said Alberto Garofalo, President of Bank of America New Jersey. “Their work isn’t just about sustenance, it is about delivering fresh and nutritious food that would otherwise be wasted. Investing in Table to Table demonstrates our role as a catalyst in strengthening our communities.”

Table to Table

Founded in 1999, Table to Table is New Jersey’s first and largest food rescue nonprofit. What began with one food rescue in a donated van, has flourished to become an efficient and impactful operation and a force for change that—to date—has resulted in the rescue and delivery of enough food for over 311 million healthy meals throughout northern New Jersey. To mark their milestone 25th anniversary, the nonprofit has set a goal of rescuing/delivering enough fresh food for 25 million meals this year, via its fleet of 6 trucks and volunteer-based app, Table to Table I-Rescue. Visit Table to Table’s “Drive for 25” for 25 fun, easy and actionable ways to celebrate and drive impact!

Bank of America

Bank of America is one of the world’s leading financial institutions, serving individual consumers, small and middle-market businesses and large corporations with a full range of banking, investing, asset management and other financial and risk management products and services. The company provides unmatched convenience in the United States, serving approximately 69 million consumer and small business clients with approximately 3,800 retail financial centers, approximately 15,000 ATMs (automated teller machines) and award-winning digital banking with approximately 57 million verified digital users. Bank of America is a global leader in wealth management, corporate and investment banking and trading across a broad range of asset classes, serving corporations, governments, institutions and individuals around the world. Bank of America offers industry-leading support to approximately 4 million small business households through a suite of innovative, easy-to-use online products and services. The company serves clients through operations across the United States, its territories and more than 35 countries. Bank of America Corporation stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: BAC).

Reporters may contact:

Maria Sinopoli

Director of Marketing Communications

msinopoli@tabletotable.org

Funding Will Help the Nonprofit Expand its Food Rescue Efforts into Morris County

June 6, 2024 – Saddle Brook, NJTable to Table, New Jersey’s first food rescue organization, is the proud recipient of a $100,000 grant from Impact 100 Garden State for its program, Food Rescue Heroes: Bridging the Gap Between Food Waste & Food Insecurity. The generous funding will allow the food rescue nonprofit, which celebrates its 25th anniversary, to expand its mission of rescuing food, reducing waste, and relieving hunger into Morris County, adding to its existing footprint of Bergen, Essex, Hudson, and Passaic counties. Food rescue efforts for this grant will be supported by Table to Table I-Rescue, the nonprofit’s popular volunteer-based app. To volunteer, download Table to Table I-Rescue, click here.

“We are over the moon with excited and incredibly grateful to the altruism of Impact 100 Garden State for choosing to make this investment in Table to Table’s mission,” said Heather Thompson, Executive Director, Table to Table. “We are eager to spread our wings into Morris County with our Table to Table I-Rescue App, and we welcome local Morris County volunteers,” Thompson concluded.

Impact 100 Garden State, an all-women, all-volunteer organization, pools member contributions to make high-impact grants. The group has donated more than $3.5 million to area nonprofits since it began grant-giving in 2013. This year a record membership of 408 women allowed Impact100 Garden State to give four $100,000 grants for the first time.

For 25 years, Table to Table, New Jersey’s first food rescue, has bridged the gap for local neighbors in need by reducing food waste, sustaining those who are struggling, and contributing to their better health outcomes. We recognize the vital role that fresh food plays in nourishing not only the body, but also the spirit and mind.

What began in 1999 with one food rescue in a donated van, has flourished to become an efficient and impactful operation and a force for change that—to date—has resulted in the rescue and delivery of enough food for over 311 million healthy meals throughout northern New Jersey. To mark this milestone, the nonprofit has set a goal of rescuing/delivering enough fresh food for 25 million meals this year, via its fleet of 6 trucks and volunteer-based app, Table to Table I-Rescue. Visit Table to Table’s “Drive for 25” for 25 fun, easy and actionable ways to celebrate and drive impact!

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), NJ’s first food rescue organization, 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 Northern NJ. We bring rescued fresh, nutritious food to 200+ partner organizations including social service organizations, pantries, shelters, fresh produce markets and centralized distribution hubs. Food is provided free of charge. Through this, we touch 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. Table to Table raises all its own funds annually, and last year delivered enough food to provide over 23 million meals.

Press Contact:

Maria Sinopoli, Director of Marketing Communications

msinopoli@tabletotable.org

Mark Dinglasan of the NJ Office of the Food Security Advocate Keynoted the Conference

May 23, 2024 – Saddle Brook, NJTable to Table, New Jersey’s first food rescue, hosted its first-ever Partners in Good Health Conference at the Lodi campus of Felician University. The food rescue nonprofit, which celebrates its 25th anniversary, welcomed community partners from across northern New Jersey for a day of networking and learning, featuring subject matter experts from top health organizations along with community leaders, imparting critical insights about nutrition, health, and well-being. Mark Dinglasan, Director of the New Jersey Office of the Food Security Advocate, provided the keynote address. For information, click here.

“Creating Table to Table’s Partners in Good Health Conference – an opportunity to bring our community partners together in one space – has long been a dream of ours, and it’s fitting that it took place in our 25th anniversary year,” said Heather Thompson, Executive Director, Table to Table. “The event has allowed us to learn from local experts, and from each other, as we explore the critical connection between food and health. By sharing best practices across our network, we can strengthen our support system to create better health for our neighbors,” Thompson concluded.

Topics featured during the Conference included: County Support & Services, Heart & Mind Wellness, and Innovative Programs, featuring a cross-county panel. Speakers represented such notable organizations such as the American Heart Association, Diabetes Foundation, the United Way of Greater Newark, and the Bergen County Office of Food Security.  A complete list can be found here.

“I applaud Table to Table for holding its first-ever Partners in Good Health Conference. Multi-sector partnerships that focus on combatting hunger as a public health and economic mobility issue are crucial to food security work,” said Mark Dinglasan, Director of the New Jersey Office of the Food Security Advocate. “This event showcases not only Table to Table’s ability to participate in such partnerships, but also to build, nurture and sustain them. I look forward to continuing to support and witness the organization’s growth and evolution under Heather Thompson,” Dinglasan concluded.

Sponsors for Table to Table’s Partners in Good Health Conference included: Felician University, Horizon, Dorfman Abrams Music Accountants & Advisors, ShopRite Inserra Supermarkets Inc., Jersey Mike’s (Bloomfield & West Orange), and Premium Digital Office Solutions.

For 25 years, Table to Table, New Jersey’s first food rescue, has bridged the gap for local neighbors in need by reducing food waste, sustaining those who are struggling, and contributing to their better health outcomes. We recognize the vital role that fresh food plays in nourishing not only the body, but also the spirit and mind.

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

What began in 1999 with one food rescue in a donated van, has flourished to become an efficient and impactful operation and a force for change that—to date—has resulted in the rescue and delivery of enough food for over 311 million healthy meals throughout northern New Jersey. To mark this milestone, the nonprofit has set a goal of rescuing/delivering enough fresh food for 25 million meals this year, via its fleet of 6 trucks and volunteer-based app, Table to Table I-Rescue. Visit Table to Table’s “Drive for 25” for 25 fun, easy and actionable ways to celebrate and drive impact!

Press Contact:

Maria Sinopoli, Director of Marketing Communications

msinopoli@tabletotable.org

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 27th 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

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 27th 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

Funding will help feed more hungry neighbors through both existing and new, innovative approaches to food rescue

Saddle Brook, NJ, July 20, 2023– Table to Table, a local non-profit organization dedicated to rescuing fresh, healthy food and delivering it to those who need it most, has received a $75,000 grant from Bank of America (BofA).

The grant will help feed more hungry neighbors, while improving economic mobility in Northern New Jersey. Table to Table collects fresh and perishable food that would otherwise be wasted and delivers it, free of charge, to more than 200 partner organizations that serve hungry people in Bergen, Hudson, Essex, and Passaic Counties through a network of fresh produce markets and centralized distribution hubs.

“The tremendous support of Bank of America allows us to establish and grow innovative programs to feed even more hungry neighbors such as the Table to Table I-Rescue App, Grandparents Raising Grandchildren, and I-Rescue Lunch,” says Denise Andersen, Executive Director, Table to Table. “We appreciate BofA’s generous support and continued investment in our Northern NJ community.”

The grant is part of Bank of America’s philanthropic giving efforts in local communities. Awardees were selected for their commitment to addressing basic needs and workforce development for individuals and families.

“Since 1999, Table to Table has reached deep into communities in need to deliver fresh, heathy food to no/low-income families,” said Alberto Garofalo, president, Bank of America New Jersey. “We are excited to support them in their continued efforts to eliminate food insecurity,” Garofalo concluded.

Table to Table is New Jersey’s first food rescue organization. Committed to feeding our hungry neighbors in Northern NJ, Table to Table rescues and delivers healthy, fresh, and perishable food from grocery stores, food distributors and restaurants, and in doing so, nourishes the community while helping our environment. In partnership with hundreds of recipient organizations like food pantries, senior centers, and school programs–along with its powerful network of volunteers–Table to Table supports health and wellness for all. Since its inception in 1999, Table to Table has rescued and delivered the equivalent of more than 214 million meals and saved nearly 107,000 tons of potentially wasted food from landfills. And, through our Table to Table I-Rescue app—powered by Food Rescue Hero—we have expanded our distribution footprint to include donations that serve smaller donors and recipient organizations. Independently funded through grants and donations, Table to Table is proud of its Charity Navigator 4-Star Rating for 12 consecutive years. Learn more by visiting https://tabletotable.org/

Bank of America

Bank of America is one of the world’s leading financial institutions, serving individual consumers, small and middle-market businesses and large corporations with a full range of banking, investing, asset management and other financial and risk management products and services. The company provides unmatched convenience in the United States, serving approximately 68 million consumer and small business clients with approximately 3,900 retail financial centers, approximately 15,000 ATMs and award-winning digital banking with approximately 56 million verified digital users. Bank of America is a global leader in wealth management, corporate and investment banking and trading across a broad range of asset classes, serving corporations, governments, institutions and individuals around the world. Bank of America offers industry-leading support to approximately 3 million small business households through a suite of innovative, easy-to-use online products and services. The company serves clients through operations across the United States, its territories and more than 35 countries. Bank of America Corporation stock (NYSE: BAC) is listed on the New York Stock Exchange. ###

Reporters may 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/