Table to Table’s Long-Time Executive Director, Ilene Isaacs, Announces Retirement

Board of Directors Names Nonprofit Veteran, Denise Andersen, in the Leadership Post

Hasbrouck Heights, NJ, October 7, 2022 –Gregory Mueller, Chairman of the Board for Table to Table, New Jersey’s first and most successful food rescue organization, announced that the nonprofit organization’s long-time Executive Director, Ilene Isaacs, will retire at the end of 2022, bringing a close to a remarkable career of 20+ years of service for the Northern NJ food rescue. In her place, Table to Table welcomes nonprofit veteran, Denise Andersen in the role of Executive Director.

“Table to Table has benefitted tremendously from two decades of Ilene’s expertise, leadership, and understanding of our food insecure communities. The staff, board and our partners feel extremely grateful for her countless contributions, most recently throughout these more turbulent times,” says Mueller. “We are excited to welcome Denise Andersen, whose prolific career in public, health-centric organizations truly compliments Table to Table’s mission of providing fresh, healthy food to those in need,” Mueller concludes.

During Ilene’s 20+ year tenure, she guided the organization in the rescue and delivery of over 295 million meals, She expanded Table to Table’s impact by increasing food deliveries from 2 million to 26 million meals annually while doubling the number of agencies served and increasing the number of food donors by 200%, much of this resulting from the development of the organization’s fresh produce markets, centralized distribution hubs and I-Rescue App program. Ilene leaves the organization in solid financial standing with 12 consecutive 4-star ratings from Charity Navigator, a recognition only 1% of charities have received. 

“It has been a privilege to serve as the leader of Table to Table, and I am extremely proud of the impact we’ve made to help feed our hungry Northern NJ neighbors,” says Isaacs. “The important work of Table to Table will forever resonate with me, and I’m excited about what lies ahead for this amazing organization,” concludes Isaacs.

Beginning in the new year, Isaacs will officially turn over the reins to the new Executive Director, Denise Andersen, who will work in partnership with the board of directors to lead, manage, and raise philanthropic funds for the organization. Prior to joining Table to Table,Denise led the Northeast Region of the National Kidney Foundation (NKF) overseeing offices in Connecticut, Greater NY, Pennsylvania, Upstate NY, and New England. Her role included talent management, income development, capacity building, volunteer engagement, corporate worksite engagement, and advocacy. Prior to that role, she worked at such highly regarded organizations as the American Diabetes Association, the American Cancer Society, the Muscular Dystrophy Association, and the American Red Cross in a range of roles in the areas of Leadership, Development, and Events.

“I couldn’t be happier to join Table to Table, and I feel especially connected to its mission having experienced food insecurity first-hand as a child,” says Andersen. “My personal understanding of the challenges faced by the communities we serve coupled with my professional experience working with health-focused organizations will help us evolve and further enhance the philanthropic connection between hunger, nutrition and health,” concluded Andersen.

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

About Table to Table

Table to Table (http://www.tabletotable.org), NJ’s first and most successful 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 Northeastern NJ. We bring rescued fresh, nutritious food to 200+ partner organizations including, social service organizations, pantries, shelters and 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 for nearly 39 million meals.