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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: Chef Jamie Knott. 

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.

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

Related:

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

Related:

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.

Related:

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.

Related:

Food insecurity is a significant problem that affects a large number of students worldwide on college campuses. Food insecurity is defined as the inability to consistently obtain enough reasonably priced, wholesome food. It can have a significantly impact a student’s health, academics, and general well-being.

Financial hardship is one of the main reasons why college students experience food insecurity. With housing, books, tuition, and other expenses on the rise, many students find it difficult to pay for meals, leaving little to nothing in their budgets. Additionally, providing for their dietary needs may be considerably more difficult for students from low-income families or those who are self-sufficient. Access to wholesome food is further complicated by the unpredictable schedules and time constraints that come with educational expectations, which frequently leave students with little time for work or meal preparation.

Food insecurity has profound impacts on college campuses. Physically, poor diet can result in obesity, chronic illnesses including diabetes and hypertension, malnutrition, and other health issues. Anxiety, sadness, and other psychological problems can be compounded by the stress of not knowing where their next meal will come from, which can have a negative emotional and mental impact on students. Furthermore, a student’s capacity to succeed in college and their academic achievement can both be negatively impacted by food insecurity. Students may find it challenging to concentrate in class, finish tasks, and perform well on tests as a result of cognitive function, memory, and concentration issues caused by hunger and malnutrition.

An impactful strategy is needed to address food insecurity on college campuses. Raising awareness and de-stigmatizing the problem through encouraging open discussion and offering assistance to students who require it are vital first steps.

To give students access to a variety of nutritional food options, colleges and institutions can establish programs like meal assistance programs, and food pantries. These tools must be easily available, and sensitive to cultural differences in order to fulfill the different needs of the student body.

Financial aid guidelines should also be reviewed to make sure that all students’ living costs, including food costs, are sufficiently covered. The availability of grants, and scholarships can ease financial hardships and keep students from having to decide between buying groceries and textbooks.

Another essential component of tackling food insecurity on college campuses is community relationships. By working together with neighborhood food banks, companies, and charitable groups, colleges can reach a wider audience and give college students access to more opportunities and resources.

In the end, eliminating food insecurity on college campuses involves a team effort that puts every student’s performance and well-being first. Through acknowledging the frequency of food insecurity, promoting changes in policy, and putting workable solutions into practice, we may establish a more encouraging educational setting where each student has the chance to succeed.

Note: This blog was written by Steven Faussette, a former Table to Table intern

Funding will help the non-profit expand its food rescue efforts into Morris County.

Table to Table, considered the state’s first food rescue organization, is the 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 funding will allow the Saddle Brook-based food rescue nonprofit, which is celebrating its 25th year, 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 volunteer-based app powered by Food Rescue Hero. To volunteer to become a Food Rescue Hero, download the Table to Table
I-Rescue App at  https://tabletotable.org/i-rescue/.

Credit: Table to Table receives a $100,000 grant from Impact100 Garden State | Bernardsville News News | newjerseyhills.com

Funding will help the non-profit expand its food rescue efforts into Morris County.

Table to Table, considered the state’s first food rescue organization, is the 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 funding will allow the Saddle Brook-based food rescue nonprofit, which is celebrating its 25th year, 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 volunteer-based app powered by Food Rescue Hero. To volunteer to become a Food Rescue Hero, download the Table to Table
I-Rescue App at  https://tabletotable.org/i-rescue/.

Credit: Table to Table receives a $100,000 grant from Impact100 Garden State | Bernardsville News News | newjerseyhills.com

Funding will help the non-profit expand its food rescue efforts into Morris County.

Table to Table, considered the state’s first food rescue organization, is the 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 funding will allow the Saddle Brook-based food rescue nonprofit, which is celebrating its 25th year, 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 volunteer-based app powered by Food Rescue Hero. To volunteer to become a Food Rescue Hero, download the Table to Table
I-Rescue App at  https://tabletotable.org/i-rescue/.

Credit: Table to Table receives a $100,000 grant from Impact100 Garden State | Bernardsville News News | newjerseyhills.com

Funding will help the non-profit expand its food rescue efforts into Morris County.

Table to Table, considered the state’s first food rescue organization, is the 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 funding will allow the Saddle Brook-based food rescue nonprofit, which is celebrating its 25th year, 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 volunteer-based app powered by Food Rescue Hero. To volunteer to become a Food Rescue Hero, download the Table to Table
I-Rescue App at  https://tabletotable.org/i-rescue/.

Credit: Table to Table receives a $100,000 grant from Impact100 Garden State | Bernardsville News News | newjerseyhills.com

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