Jersey Bites – Table to Table: Help Make a Difference

Having finally seen Spider-Man: No Way Home, I can confirm that the saying, “not all heroes wear capes,” is true. Not once during the movie did I see Peter Parker’s alter ego swinging around town with a cape waving in the wind. Still, I think the saying is probably meant to be taken less literally than that.

It’s true, real heroes don’t need to be seven-foot-tall gods or wear metal cuffs to ward off enemies. They can be individuals just like you and me. And now, thanks to New Jersey’s first food rescue charity, founded in 1999, Table to Table, it’s never been easier to “be a hero.”

The organization’s I-Rescue app, recently expanded its reach. It now connects volunteers in Bergen, Essex, Hudson, and Passaic Counties to recipient agencies such as food pantries and shelters that feed communities in need. Developed through a partnership between Table to Table, Bergen County and the Russell Berrie Foundation, the app first launched about a year ago.

Who, What, Where

Table to Table has helped feed economically disadvantaged families throughout Essex, Hudson, Bergen, and Passaic Counties. What started out as a group of passionate volunteers with a donated van in 1999, has progressed into something quite magnificent.

Today, Table to Table has a fleet of seven refrigerated trucks that pick up fresh food from over 200 donor restaurants and grocery stores. To date, they have delivered over 227 million meals through their network of centralized distribution hubs in Newark, Bayonne, Jersey City, and Paterson.

How Can I Help?

Somewhere on your phone, maybe between your Instagram and Uber apps, you can download Table to Table’s I-Rescue app and immediately start making a difference. It’s easy to register as a volunteer and begin claiming rescued food at designated times that fit your schedule. And just like that, your comic book origin will begin.

“Our I-Rescue app has rescued and delivered more than 129,000 pounds of fresh food to hungry New Jerseyans,” said Julie Kinner, VP of operations. Kinner stresses that this form of volunteering requires minimal direct contact, which helps to reduce Covid fears.

If you don’t have a vehicle, you can still offer support. You can hold your own fundraiser or donate your time at a future event. And you can always donate financially or become a food donor. 

Upcoming Fundraising Events

Follow Table to Table’s Instagram and Facebook to stay up to date on important upcoming events. Mark your calendar for the following events in particular:

Monday, June 13, 2022
7th Annual Golf Classic
Knickerbocker Country Club
Tenafly, NJ
Details linked here.

Wednesday, September 21, 2022
Chef’s Gala
Edgewood Country Club
Rivervale, NJ
Details linked here.

Remember, anyone can be a hero! And that includes you.

Credit: https://jerseybites.com/2022/05/table-to-table-help-make-a-difference/