back-to-top
x
close

Tag: food-insecure

Chef David Burke, a longtime Table to Table supporter and trustee emeritus who served on our Board of Directors for many years, will be inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame.

The Hall of Fame called Burke a “renowned restaurateur and culinary innovator” in its induction announcement. Burke said he was proud to be named an inductee.

“This is a really big deal for me,” Burke said in an announcement posted to his Instagram page. “As a proud Jersey boy, few things have ever pleased me more than this Hall of Fame honor. It’s humbling to be included amongst the incredible range of intellect, talent, and skills that are positioned New Jersey on the world’s stage as the source of an extraordinary degree of innovation.”

Table to Table honored Burke during our 2021 Chefs Gala for “more than 20 years of unwavering support that he so graciously has provided in helping us live out our mission to rescue fresh food and deliver it to organizations that feed our hungry neighbors.”

Burke is one of the best known and most respected chefs in modern American cuisine. He is a pioneer in American cooking and has been recognized internationally for his revolutionary techniques and for building a successful restaurant empire.

Burke will be inducted into the Hall of Fame’s Enterprise category. Other inductees into that category include: Lawrence R. Inserra Jr., chairman and CEO of Inserra Supermarkets Inc., another longtime Table to Table supporter, Frank Bisignanno, CEO and chairman of the board of Fiserv and the current commissioner of the U.S. Social Security Administration, Zygmunt “Zygi” Wilf, co-owner of the NFL’s Minnesota Vikings.

The 17 inductees will be honored at the 17th Annual New Jersey Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Nov. 21 at The Arena at American Dream in East Rutherford.

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. 

Related

More students are working to end hunger and reduce food waste.

Students at Godwin and Highland Elementary schools in Midland Park were honored with the Bernard and Geraldine Segal Foundation Award for Student Philanthropy in support of our Bag Lunch, Help a Bunch initiative.

Bag a Lunch participants bring a bagged lunch to school for a day, a week, or more and donate what they would have spent on lunch to help us reduce food waste and help 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.”

Through the kindness of the foundation, a challenge grant of $30,000 among all Bag a Lunch, Help a Bunch participating schools in Northern New Jersey was established. Of the dozens of schools that participated this 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 New Jersey. That number, along with funds raised by the other schools, was generously doubled by the Bernard and Geraldine Segal Foundation. 

Schools like yours can join us in our mission to reduce food waste and relieve hunger in New Jersey! We offer several school-focused programs, including:

Click here for more information about our school-based initiatives.

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. 

Related

Every little bit counts.

Second-graders at Anna C. Scott Elementary School in Leonia held a fresh produce drive for Table to Table recently. One by one students packed fresh apples, oranges, bananas, strawberries, avocadoes, and other produce into boxes.

Slowly, the boxes filled up and by the end of the event, the students had donated hundreds of pounds of produce. Students also drew inspirational messages on the boxes urging people to donate more fruit and vegetables when they can.

A Table to Table volunteer brought the food to the Parent Teacher Association of the Fairmount School in Hackensack, where they distributed it.

It was the second time students at Anna C. Scott Elementary School hosted a produce drive for Table to Table.

Students from Anna C. Scott Elementary School in Leonia donated hundreds of pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables to Table to Table recently

Schools like yours can join us in our mission to reduce food waste and relieve hunger in New Jersey! We offer several school-focused programs, including:

Click here for more information about our school-based initiatives.

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. 

Related
Students from Anna C. Scott Elementary School in Leonia donated hundreds of pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables to Table to Table recently
Students from Anna C. Scott Elementary School in Leonia donated hundreds of pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables to Table to Table recently
Students from Anna C. Scott Elementary School in Leonia donated hundreds of pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables to Table to Table recently
Students from Anna C. Scott Elementary School in Leonia donated hundreds of pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables to Table to Table recently
Students from Anna C. Scott Elementary School in Leonia donated hundreds of pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables to Table to Table recently
Students from Anna C. Scott Elementary School in Leonia donated hundreds of pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables to Table to Table recently
Students from Anna C. Scott Elementary School in Leonia donated hundreds of pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables to Table to Table recently
Students from Anna C. Scott Elementary School in Leonia donated hundreds of pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables to Table to Table recently
Students from Anna C. Scott Elementary School in Leonia donated hundreds of pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables to Table to Table recently
Students from Anna C. Scott Elementary School in Leonia donated hundreds of pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables to Table to Table recently
Students from Anna C. Scott Elementary School in Leonia donated hundreds of pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables to Table to Table recently
Students from Anna C. Scott Elementary School in Leonia donated hundreds of pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables to Table to Table recently
Students from Anna C. Scott Elementary School in Leonia donated hundreds of pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables to Table to Table recently
Table to Table's Volunteer Coordinator Stephanie Conley-Webb speaks to students at Anna C. Scott Elementary School in Leonia. Students from Anna C. Scott Elementary School in Leonia donated hundreds of pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables to Table to Table recently
Students from Anna C. Scott Elementary School in Leonia donated hundreds of pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables to Table to Table recently
Students from Anna C. Scott Elementary School in Leonia donated hundreds of pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables to Table to Table recently
Students from Anna C. Scott Elementary School in Leonia donated hundreds of pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables to Table to Table recently
Students from Anna C. Scott Elementary School in Leonia donated hundreds of pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables to Table to Table recently
Students from Anna C. Scott Elementary School in Leonia donated hundreds of pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables to Table to Table recently
Students from Anna C. Scott Elementary School in Leonia donated hundreds of pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables to Table to Table recently
Students from Anna C. Scott Elementary School in Leonia donated hundreds of pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables to Table to Table recently

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

The New Jersey Food Democracy Collaborative has compiled a list of farmers markets across New Jersey that are authorized to accept state SNAP and EBT benefits. Currently, less than 1/10th of 1% of SNAP benefits are redeemed at Farmers Markets, the FDC stated.

Table to Table regularly delivers rescued and donated food to area markets in Newark that serve their communities, but do not accept SNAP/EBT benefits.

  • Bessie Green Community Fresh Produce Market
  • ICC Cortland Street-Fresh Produce Market
  • Senior Market (Grace West, Villa Victoria)

The Farmers Markets accepting SNAP/EBT benefits located in Table to Table’s service area of Bergen, Passaic, Hudson, and Essex counties are:

Bergen County:

Essex County:

  • Ironbound Community Farmers Market/Down Bottom Farms, 371 Ferry St., Newark; Tuesdays, 2 – 7 pm
  • Montclair Community Farms, 1088 Orange Road, Montclair; Mondays, June 17 – Oct. 28, 10 am – noon and 12:30 – 2 pm
  • The Beth Greenhouse Farmers Market, 201 Lyons Ave., Newark; Thursdays, June – November, 11 am – 3 pm
  • Steam Urban Artisan Farmers Market, 179 Broadway, Newark
  • South Orange Downtown Farmers Market, 12 Sloan St., South Orange; Wednesdays until Oct. 30, 2 – 7 pm

Hudson County:

  • Historic Downtown Farmers Market, Grove Street South Path Plaza, Jersey City; Mondays and Thursdays, 3 – 7 pm
  • Riverview Farmers Market, 1 Bowers St., Jersey City; Sundays 10 am – 2 pm until Nov. 24

Passaic County:

  • City Green Farm Eco-Center, 171 Grove St., Clifton; Fridays 10 am – 2 pm and Wednesdays 3 – 6 pm until Nov. 15
  • Little Falls Farmers Market, Municipal Building, 225 Main St., Little Falls; Sundays 9 am – 2 pm until Oct. 27

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 homes and make a positive impact on the planet. Every little bit of effort — no matter how small — leads to change.  

Related:

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

June 6, 2024 – Saddle Brook, NJ – Table 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, NJ – Table 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

Never underestimate the power of kids and the force for good they can be.

More than 100 second-graders from Anna C. Scott Elementary School in Leonia donated 665 lbs. of fresh fruits and vegetables to Table to Table during a special assembly recently — enough food for dozens of individuals to enjoy.

The kids thought of Table to Table while developing a way of how they could have a positive impact on those around them. At first, they were just going to create posters about the need to donate food to a local nonprofit. But they realized they wanted to do more. They wanted to actually give something. They contacted Table to Table after researching local food-based nonprofits and connected with our mission of rescuing nutritious food to help feed our hungry neighbors.

“It became so much bigger than I anticipated it would. The students were amazing. I’m so proud of them,” said Vanessa Franceschini, a second grade teacher at the school.

Table to Table brought the produce to Never Alone Again Resource Center, a nonprofit domestic violence resource organization in Teaneck, where it was immediately distributed to community members.

“I’m so thankful for Table to Table because they are one of our main sources of fresh produce, vegetables and fruits, that our families can have right away,” said Theresa Johnston, CEO and Founder of Never Alone Again.

25 Million Pounds — And Counting

This rescue bring us closer to meeting this year’s goal of rescuing 25 million lbs. of nutritious food. For more information about Table to Table’s Drive for 25 initiative, visit https://tabletotable.org/drive-for-25/. Together, we can reduce food waste in our home and make a positive impact on the planet.

Related

Table Talk Episode 3 With Dr. Laurel Kearns

Q & A With Table to Table’s Julie Kinner

Dr. Laurel Kearns of Drew University in New Jersey appears on this episode of Table Talk.

For this episode of Table Talk, Table to Table’s Volunteer Manager Stephanie Conley-Webb interviewed Dr. Laurel Kearns of Drew University. Dr. Kearns is associate professor of sociology of religion and environmental studies at Drew.

“What we don’t think about is what happens to what doesn’t get eaten. A tremendous food waste is that we only want to buy perfect things so things that aren’t perfect, just a generation or two ago would have been gladly eaten don’t even make it to our stores,” Kearns said.

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.  

Related

Q & A With Table to Table’s Julie Kinner

Latest Blogs

Groups and individuals alike can help neighbors in need. Here are ways Bergenites can donate time, resources and supplies.

Remember when Mom used to scold you when you didn’t finish dinner? “There are starving kids who could’ve eaten that,” she’d remark after we tossed uneaten bread and veggies into the trash.

Mom’s message is partially behind the mission of global Stop Food Waste Day, April 24, a day that brings awareness of and promotes solutions to food waste. For example, did you know, 33 percent of all food produced globally is lost or wasted every single year? And just a quarter of the food wasted globally could be used to feed the 795 million undernourished people in the world, says Compass Group USA, which started Stop Food Waste Day in 2017.

Locally, nonprofit groups like Saddle Brook-based Table to Table has been doing its part to help combat food waste. As one of its many initiatives, the organization collects fresh, nutritious and perishable food — from restaurants, grocery stores and other businesses — that would otherwise be discarded and wasted. Volunteers then deliver the food for free to groups that serve residents in need throughout Bergen County and neighboring communities.

Individual Efforts Help Too.

It’s not just companies that can help feed hungry neighbors —individuals also can get involved. Celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2024, Table to Table recently launched its I-Rescue App, powered by Food Rescue Hero. The handy tech tool allows volunteers to help rescue and deliver fresh food to those facing food insecurity.

What are other ways you can help on Stop Food Waste Day (or any other day)? Table to Table has a checklist of 25 ways you can join the initiative. The list includes:

Those who want to and have the resources to help can also donate non-perishable items to Bergen County’s many food pantries and shelters. While giving usually happens around the end-of-year holidays, spring and summer are critical times because donations tend to drop off.

Credit: https://www.healthandlifemags.com/pitch-in-against-food-insecurity/

© 2025 TableToTable - All rights reserved. Table to Table is a 501(c)(3) organization, Tax ID 22-3646125

Privacy Policy