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August 21, 2024 – Saddle Brook, NJ – In preparation for its 25th Anniversary Chefs Gala, Table to Table, NJ’s first and most successful food rescue organization, announced its all-star lineup of more than 25 of New Jersey’s best chefs who will craft their delicious, multi-course menus for guests tableside on September 25th at Edgewood Country Club in River Vale, NJ at 6pm. Presented by American Express, this year’s Chefs Gala welcomes Chef Jamie Knott as the 2024 Chefs Honoree, joining fellow Chefs Ryan DePersio and AJ Capella as the event Co-Chairs, and Chefs David Burke, Nicholas Gatti, and Peter X. Kelly, inductees into the Founder’s Table. This is a limited seat engagement, reserve your table today

“Our Chefs Gala will truly be a who’s who of more than 25 of New Jersey’s culinary masters,” said Heather Thompson, Executive Director, Table to Table. “This is not your typical fundraising dinner! It will be a unique and unforgettable event with delicious cuisine and expertly selected wine pairings…not to mention our exciting live auction, with every dollar raised supporting Table to Table’s mission to reduce food waste and relieve hunger in our communities. We cannot wait to have this outstanding talent together in one room,” Thompson concluded. 

Participating Chefs and Mixologists

Guiseppe Agostino, Verana

John Michael Beam, Afficionado Coffee Roasters

Kristi Taylor Beighley, Silk City Distillers

Luis Blasini-Sinchi, 7 Doors Down Ramen

Anthony Bucco, Landmark Hospitality

Brandon Campney, Stirling Tavern

Carlo Carbonaro & Robert Vicari, Bottagra

Thomas Ciszak, Brasserie Memere

Bianca Concepcion & Ben Del Coro, Fossil Farms

Mary Cumella & Logan Ramirez, Gioia Mia

Antonio De Ieso, Fiorentini

Lexi Dimeo, Stiir Mobile Bar Service

Leia Gaccione, South + Pine American Eatery

Felix Gonzalez, Viaggio

Alex Gorant, Axia Taverna

Matt Gregg, Barnegat Oyster Collective

Corey Heyer, Canoe Brook Country Club

Andrea Lekberg, Artist Baker

Christina Marcelli, Marcelli Formaggi

Halle Medici, Saddle River Inn

Frank Medina, Kitchen Step, Battello, Ember & Eagle

Christian Nicosia, Ghost Hawk Brewery

Sal Pisani, Jersey Artisan Co.

Hank Reed, Mazur Chocolates

Matt Rios, Gerard Bertrand Wines

Ehren Ryan, Common Lot, BYRD

Dean Schreefer, Echo Lake Country Club

Robert Sigona, Gelotti

Tom Silvestri, ORA

Melissa Stanard, the goods

Lawrence Talis, Blue Steel Pizza Co.

Joe Tartamella, Felina

Geoff Taylor, 130 Club

Bryan Tiedemann, Dirty Pelican

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, Saddle River Café Madame, and Kinjo—his latest masterpiece—Chef Knott warmly welcomes guests for 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 NJ nonprofits.   

Co-Chairpersons Chef Ryan DePersio and Chef AJ Capella    

Chefs Ryan DePersio and AJ Capella are the 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 the new additions to its Founder’s Table: Chef David Burke, Chef Nicholas Gatti, Chef Peter X. Kelly, Eva Megerle, and the Bernard and Geraldine Segal Foundation. 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: American Express (Presenting), American Airlines, Arca Restaurant and Lounge and Crestron (Grand), Inserra ShopRite Supermarkets and Summit Associates (Platinum); Takasago and Wegmans (Silver) and Peapack-Gladstone Bank (Bronze). 

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

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  

As Table to Table approaches its 25th anniversary, the New Jersey-based food rescue organization is preparing for its most ambitious event yet—the 2024 Chefs Gala. Scheduled for September 25th at the Edgewood Country Club in River Vale, NJ, this reimagined gala will bring together 25 of New Jersey’s finest chefs in an avant-garde culinary experience, celebrating the organization’s quarter-century of impact.

Table to Table, New Jersey’s first food rescue organization, has been at the forefront of addressing food insecurity and food waste in the state. Since its inception in 1999, the organization has rescued and delivered enough food or over 311 million healthy meals throughout northern New Jersey.

“Table to Table is dedicated to collecting fresh and perishable food that would otherwise be wasted and delivering it to organizations serving people experiencing hunger in Bergen, Hudson, Essex, and Passaic counties,” noted Heather Thompson, Table to Table’s Executive Director. “Our mission is to provide nutritious food to those in need, free of charge, ensuring good nutrition is accessible to families, children, veterans, and older adults.”

Thompson’s rich background in non-profit work, focusing on food insecurity and poverty, has been instrumental in driving the organization’s mission forward. “I started my career at City Meals on Wheels in New York, ensuring homebound elderly people received the nourishment they needed. Joining Table to Table felt like coming home for me, as I live in Essex County and have always been passionate about addressing food insecurity.”

The upcoming Chefs Gala on September 25th is set to be a unique event, where celebrated chefs will cook tableside, crafting a delicious multi-course feast for guests. This year’s event is particularly special as it marks Table to Table’s 25th anniversary. “We’re elated to celebrate our silver anniversary by putting a fresh new twist on a celebrated event. What better way to celebrate 25 years of impact—reducing food waste and nourishing neighbors in need—than with an un-paralleled culinary experience bringing together 25 of NJ’s best chefs, and Jamie Knott as our Chef Honoree.”

The 2024 Chef Honoree, Jamie Knott, is renowned for his innovative culinary skills and commitment to quality. As the chef-owner of notable restaurants such as Saddle River Inn, Madame, and Kinjo, Knott’s dedication to locally sourced, fresh ingredients aligns perfectly with Table to Table’s mission. “Jamie Knott’s diverse experience and deep under-standing of the culinary world make him a leading figure in the industry,” Thompson added. “His commitment to giving back to the community through his involvement with Table to Table and other nonprofits is truly commendable.”

The event will also feature Co-Chairpersons Chef Ryan DePersio and Chef A.J. Capella, who bring their culinary expertise to ensure an unforgettable experience for all attendees. DePersio, the owner of Battello and Kitchen Step, and Capella, the executive chef of Summit House, are excited to contribute to the success of this year’s gala.

As Table to Table celebrates its 25th anniversary, the organization has set an ambitious goal to rescue and deliver enough food for 25 million meals this year. This target reflects the organization’s unwavering commitment to com-bating hunger and food waste. “Our goal this year is to rescue and deliver enough food for 25 million meals.”

“It’s an ambitious target, but it’s achievable. Each dollar donated helps us rescue and deliver 10 meals. These funds fuel our operations, keep our trucks on the road, and enable us to conduct outreach to bring in more food donors and volunteers,” Thompson said.

Table to Table’s success relies heavily on the support of volunteers and food donors. The organization’s I-Rescue App has made it easier than ever for individuals to get involved in food rescues. “The Table to Table I-Rescue App allows volunteers to see available food rescues based on their location or schedule. You can download the app, sign up as a volunteer, and start rescuing food. It’s a simple process that can take as little as 45 minutes to an hour, and it guides you through every step.”

Restaurants and food services interested in becoming food donors are encouraged to join the mission. The onboarding process is straightforward, and the Table to Table team is dedicated to making it easy for new donors. “We welcome new food donors, especially those with fresh, perishable foods like produce, protein, dairy, and prepared meals,” Thompson concluded. “Our team will work directly with them to set up the donation process, ensuring it’s easy and efficient.”

Courtesy of Total Food Service magazine

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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!

This unique personal dining experience in the setting 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.

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 InnMadame, 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.

Chefs Ryan DePersio and A.J. Cappella 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. 

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.  

Courtesy of Montclair Patch

Related:

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!

This unique personal dining experience in the setting 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.

On this milestone anniversary, we recognize one of New Jersey’s most inventive chef entrepreneurs, the avant-garde culinary master: Chef 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 flavorful, unforgettable dining experiences focused on locally sourced, fresh ingredients, reflecting his commitment to quality.

Jamie is deeply committed to serving those in need in New Jersey, and is a long-time supporter of Table to Table.

At this year’s Chef Gala, Table to Table will proudly welcome Chef David Burke and three others to its Founder’s Table, which was established in 2023 to honor those who have provided extraordinary support to the nonprofit over its 25-year history.

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 A.J. is the executive chef of Summit House in Summit.

Courtesy of: allevents.com

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!

This unique personal dining experience in the setting 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.

On this milestone anniversary, we recognize one of New Jersey’s most inventive chef entrepreneurs, the avant-garde culinary master: Chef Jamie Knott. 

As the chef-owner of such notable restaurants as Saddle River InnMadame, and Kinjo—his latest masterpiece—Chef Knott warmly welcomes guests for flavorful, unforgettable dining experiences focused on locally sourced, fresh ingredients, reflecting his commitment to quality.

Jamie is deeply committed to serving those in need in New Jersey, and is a long-time supporter of Table to Table.

Chefs Ryan DePersio and A.J. Cappella 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 A.J. is the executive chef of Summit House in Summit. 

Date: September 25, 2024 6:00 PM-10:00 PM

Location: Edgewood Country Club | River Vale

Admission: Individual tickets cost $650

Courtesy of edible Jersey

Avant-Garde Culinary Master Jamie Knott is Named 2024 Chef Honoree

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 6pm. 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 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 AJ Cappella 

Chefs Ryan DePersio and AJ Cappella 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 

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. 

Courtesy of Paramus Post

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Essex County Nonprofit Opens Its 7th ‘Community Refrigerator’ To The Public

The free Essex County community refrigerators are located in an area that includes large patches of “food deserts.”

Courtesy of West Orange, Patch

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Mayor Ras Baraka joined the United Community Corporation and the city’s Center for Hope to officially open the Hyatt Courts community refrigerator on Wednesday. The community refrigerator program aims to tackle food insecurity by installing six units across all of Newark’s five wards.

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Brittney Portes from the Montclair State University Community Garden appears on this episode of Table Talk.

In the newest episode of “Table Talk,” we talk about ugly food and go behind the scenes with Brittney Portes from the Montclair State University Community Garden to explore the vibrant world of sustainability, the intriguing concept of ugly food, and the rich diversity of fruits and vegetables cultivated right on campus.

Discover how this thriving garden is more than just a place for plants—it’s a hub for fostering community, promoting environmental stewardship, and challenging conventional beauty standards in produce.

For more Table Talk episodes, visit our YouTube channel.

As New Jersey’s first and largest food rescue, our mission is to reduce food waste and provide nourishment to our food-insecure neighbors throughout North Jersey. We rescue millions of pounds of fresh food annually that would otherwise be wasted and deliver it to partner organizations who support the nearly 1 million people in our area who need it most.

Together, we can reduce food waste in our home and make a positive impact on the planet. Every little bit of effort—no matter how small–leads to change.  

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United Community Corporation Delivered Food and Stocked the Refrigerator

Newark, NJ—July 17, 2024—Mayor Ras J. Baraka joined United Community Corporation (UCC) today to cut the ribbon to open the Hyatt Center of Hope’s community refrigerator. The Center of Hope is located at 11 Hawkins Court.

UCC partnered with the city and Table to Table to develop the refrigerator food service and made the first delivery to stock it immediately before the event today. Future deliveries will be made by Table to Table.

Attendees included the H.I.P.P. Afterschool Program, the Devils Youth Foundation, Yendor Arts, and more than 30 youth participating in the city’s summer camp program. The Hyatt Center of Hope is currently expanding to address the needs of senior citizens.

“A basic need of human beings is nourishment, both for the body and the soul,” said Mayor Baraka. “By providing this refrigerator and its contents 24/7 to the neighbors here in the East Ward, we meet both needs, as we feed and affirm the value of these residents to our citywide community. Newark is shrinking our food deserts neighborhood by neighborhood, and infusing these areas with healthful meal essentials to build strong, healthy individuals and families, and improve their quality of life.”

UCC is also providing additional staffing and resources for the center, which provides programs to 30 youth during the school year and 34 during the summer.

“With the installation of our seventh community refrigerator, UCC is taking a pivotal step in combating food insecurity in Newark,” said UCC Executive Director Craig Mainor. “Together, we are ensuring that Newark families have reliable access to fresh and nutritious food, reinforcing our commitment to supporting the well-being and resilience of our community. We are grateful for our partnerships with the Center of Hope, Table to Table and Newark Housing Authority to help bring healthy food directly to communities that need it most.”

The UCC Community Refrigerator program is tackling food insecurity head-on with units that are installed across each of Newark’s five wards. UCC YouthBuild students, under the guidance of a construction manager, design, build and install each of the community refrigerator structures. The refrigerators provide residents with around-the-clock access to staple goods such as milk, juice, cheese, fresh fruits and vegetables, all at no cost.

“As a food rescue nonprofit that has been working in New Jersey for 25 years, Table to Table is committed to keeping quality food out of landfills and ensuring that is reaches communities where it’s most needed,” said Table to Table Executive Director Heather Thompson. “Our goal is to get healthy food into neighborhoods as efficiently as possible, and we’re grateful to partner with the City of Newark and UCC on this wonderful initiative, to make sure this refrigerator remains stocked with fresh, nutritious items. We invite residents to volunteer with us to assist with the twice-weekly transports so we can keep our neighbors nourished.”

“I want to thank the Mayor and all those involved in making this day happen,” said East Ward Council Member Michael J. Silva. “It’s a great day for the City and a great day for the East Ward. As Council Member of the East Ward, it is important to make sure that my residents have a quality of life – a meaning a place to live, are safe, but also making sure they have food on the table. Many people are suffering in today’s society with the cost of housing and groceries. Putting a decent meal on the table for their families is sometimes impossible. But today is a prime example of how the City of Newark, with its seventh food refrigerator, is always putting its residents first.”

Food insecurity is an issue that reaches each of Newark’s five wards. In 2022, sections of each ward were designated as “food deserts” by the state Economic Development Authority. A food desert is defined as a region where people have limited access to healthy and affordable food.

“As a parent and a community leader who thrives on success, there is no worse feeling than trying to comfort or care for a child that’s hungry. Did you know that a child that’s hungry has a harder time trying to listen or learn? We are delighted to have this community refrigerator at the Hyatt Court Hope Center location, which encompasses unity, growth, love, compassion, and honor. I look forward to watching this program grow like flowers throughout the City of Newark and I take pride in knowing that children and families will be positively affected by it,” said Ms. Mincey.

The initiative expanded since UCC’s first refrigerator was installed at 106 Ann Street in the city’s East Ward. In addition to the recent launch of the community refrigerator at Hyatt Court, the agency currently operates units in Newark outside Fulton Street Emergency Shelter at 31 Fulton Street, The Village Housing Complex at 332 South 8th Street, La Casa de Don Pedro at its 39 Broadway location, in the Shani Baraka Women’s Center, and at 1916 Springfield Avenue, in Maplewood.

UCC’s community refrigerator program is made possible through the support of various partners including the Devils Youth Foundation, the Office of Faith-Based Initiatives, Wellpoint, the Community FoodBank of New Jersey, MEND, Investors Bank, and the Presbytery of Northeast New Jersey.

Alongside this effort, UCC hosts routine distribution events in the city. Fresh groceries and boxed foods are a staple at any event, while providing other outreach resources.

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