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Tag: food rescue

Editor’s note: This story originally appeared on NorthJersey.com. Click here for the story.

The Meadowlands Chamber of Commerce is doing its part to get the community involved in the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup by helping to host several fan festivals in North Jersey.

Five communities will participate in what is essentially a tour of events called Flag Cities 2026. The events are presented by Goya. The events will include live match broadcasts, food trucks, beer gardens, vendors, crafts, cultural activities, and more.

Table to Table will serve as the official food security partner, adding a critical philanthropic touchpoint that will serve to educate attendees and provide direct food contributions to food-insecure families through its network.

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 bring rescued fresh, nutritious food to 276 community partners, including social service organizations, pantries, shelters, fresh produce markets and centralized distribution hubs. Food is provided free of charge. Through this, Table to Table touches 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. Since 1999 we have rescued more than 133,271 tons of nutritious food — enough for 266,542,863 million meals — and delivered it to our neighbors in need, saving over 612 metric tons of methane saved.

Related:

Mayors Ras J. Baraka and James Solomon and Hudson County Executive Craig Guy, along with other county and local officials, announced Newark and Jersey City as official locations for Goya Presents Flag Cities at press conference

LYNDHURST, NJ – March 11, 2026 – Goya Presents Flag Cities 2026, the premier FIFA World Cup 2026™ fan festival series in Northern New Jersey, today announced together with Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, Jersey City Mayor James Solomon and Hudson County Executive Craig Guy, the addition of their cities as the fourth and fifth official host locations, joining Laurel Hill Park in Secaucus, East Rutherford and Bergen County’s Overpeck Park as Flag Cities hosts.

Among other advancements in the event series, NJ TRANSIT was named service partner for Goya Presents Flag Cities 2026, with special programming for transportation services – as well as a cooperative advertising and notification program to riders. Table to Table, New Jersey’s first and largest food rescue organization, will serve as the official food security partner, adding a critical philanthropic touchpoint that will serve to educate attendees, reduce food waste, and feed local neighbors in need.

Goya Presents Flag Cities also announced several key partners supporting the event series. FIFA official sponsor brands: Casamigos Tequila, Buchanan’s Scotch and Don Julio1942 Tequila will collaborate to bring cocktails and brand experiences to life during these events. In Thyme Caterers of Moonachie, New Jersey, has been named the official concessionaire. Event production partners include ESP Event Productions and Mega Bite Events. New Jersey Youth Soccer will also be participating with on-site activations for kids and families.

The new participants were joined by original Flag Cities supporters including Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco, and the Mayors of Rutherford, East Rutherford and Secaucus, and elected officials as well as representatives from Presenting Sponsor Goya, and other Flag Cities sponsors. See below for the full list of dignitaries below.

WHO:                

Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka

Jersey City Mayor James Solomon

Bergen County Executive James Tedesco Hudson County Executive Craig Guy

Meadowlands Chamber President & CEO Jim Kirkos

Goya Foods – National Director of Public Relations Rafael Toro NJ TRANSIT – Vaughn Williams

Newark Alliance – CMO Ashely Mays

NJPAC – John Schreiber, Sherri-Ann Butterfield

Table to Table Executive Director Heather Thompson

Representatives from Allied Beverage, Diageo Brands

With major events taking place in Bergen, Hudson, and Essex Counties, Flag Cities will deliver the region’s most dynamic and professionally produced fan festivals in:

Friday, June 12 – Christopher Columbus Drive, Jersey City

Sunday, June 14 – Overpeck Park, Bergen County

Sunday, June 21 – Laurel Hill Park, Secaucus

Wednesday, June 24 – Mulberry Plaza, Newark

Friday, June 26 – The Rutherford’s: East Rutherford and Rutherford Downtown

Each Goya Presents Flag Cities event will feature:

Live broadcast of World Cup games on large-scale LED screens

Food trucks, international cuisine, and beverage vendors

Beer garden and VIP lounge

Live headline entertainment, DJs, and community performances

Kids’ zones with family-friendly activities

Shopping vendors, soccer gear, and local crafts

Soccer-themed games and immersive fan experiences

Embassy and cultural activations

Flag installations, town-wide decorations, and pep rallies

As Presenting Sponsor, Goya Foods continues its leadership role during a milestone year. In 2026, Goya celebrates its 90th anniversary as the largest Hispanic-owned food company in the United States.

Additional sponsors with special activations are in development and will be announced in the coming weeks. Tickets will go on sale at the end of March.

Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka emphasized the significance of the announcement:

“As New Jersey’s global gateway and its largest city, built by immigrants, we are ready to welcome the world and showcase our rich and varied cultural heritage,” said Mayor Ras J.

Baraka. “This partnership ensures that our residents, businesses, and visitors will experience the energy of the FIFA World Cup 2026TM – amplified by our vibrant neighborhoods and thriving downtown.”

Jersey City Mayor James Solomon stated:

“Jersey City has always been one of the most international and dynamic cities in the country, and Flag Cities is a natural fit for our community,” said Jersey City Mayor James Solomon. “Bringing this celebration to the heart of Jersey City will showcase our local businesses, vibrant neighborhoods, and the incredible diversity that defines our city as we join the world in celebrating the FIFA World Cup.”

Hudson County Executive Craig Guy added:

“Since day one, I’ve talked about making sure Hudson County is part of the excitement surrounding the 2026 World Cup, and we are proud to join the Flag Cities initiative to do exactly that,” said Hudson County Executive, Craig Guy. “With Secaucus and Jersey City participating, we are celebrating the diversity that defines our region and creating spaces for residents and visitors alike to come together and experience the excitement of the 2026 World Cup.”

Bergen County Executive James J. Tedesco III said:

“With the eyes of the world on our region as matches take place at MetLife Stadium, Bergen County is proud to host a Flag Cities event at Overpeck Park that will bring fans together

while showcasing our communities and local businesses,” said Bergen County Executive James Tedesco. “This initiative ensures that the energy and economic impact of the 2026 FIFA World Cup are felt across Northern New Jersey, not just inside the stadium.”

Jim Kirkos, President & CEO of the Meadowlands Chamber, noted:

“Flag Cities has quickly become the premier fan festival platform in Northern New Jersey.

With five confirmed locations, we are delivering a coordinated, high-impact regional celebration that amplifies tourism, economic activity, and community pride.”

Peter Unanue, Co-President of Goya Foods, said:

“As Goya celebrates its 90th anniversary, we are proud to expand our commitment to Flag Cities,” said Peter Unanue, Third Generation Executive at Goya Foods. “This series allows us to celebrate community, heritage, and the unifying power of food at an extraordinary moment for New Jersey.”

For sponsorship or vendor opportunities, please contact: Lisa Herrmann – LisaH@Axiominc.net

Ron Simoncini – RonS@Axiominc.net

###

March 4, 2026 – Saddle Brook, NJ – Table to Table, New Jersey’s first and largest food rescue organization, and the Ridgewood Public School District have joined forces to reduce food waste and feed those in need for Bergen County’s first district-wide food rescue relationship. As part of the collaboration, nourishing surplus meals and snacks from seven school cafeterias are collected from each of the schools by Pomptonian Food Service, the district’s food service company, rescued by local volunteers, and delivered to Ridgecrest Senior Apartments through Table to Table’s I-Rescue App. A total of 132 food rescues have been completed from October to the present, garnering more than 10,074 pounds of nutritious food.

“The impact that the Ridgewood School District is making for our neighbors in need as well as our planet is nothing short of amazing, and we are overjoyed to be joining forces,” said Heather Thompson, Executive Director, Table to Table. “Nearly 3 billion pounds of food is wasted annually in New Jersey while almost 1.1 million people in our state, including 270,000 children, face hunger. Table to Table offers a solution that keeps good, nourishing food out of landfills, and ensures it reaches the dinner tables of families, senior citizens, and other folks facing food insecurity – and we are thankful that the Ridgewood Schools are joining us in our mission,” Thompson concludes.  

 “Our connection with Table to Table is a vital part of our commitment to a greener, more supportive Ridgewood,” said Dr. Mark Schwarz, Superintendent of Schools. “We are proud of this shared mission to eliminate food waste in our cafeterias and redirect those resources to those in need. It’s a powerful lesson for our students: when we work together, we can turn a logistical challenge into a community solution.”

“Members of our Home and School Associations, Green Teams, and Sustainability Committee are honored to join forces with Table to Table,” said Julie Yohana, Supervisor of Transportation & Operations. “This initiative, beginning with our cafeteria surplus, is designed to ignite a spark in the Ridgewood Public Schools community, driving us to discover new, creative ways to fight food insecurity.”

Learn how to volunteer in picking up surplus food from the Ridgewood Schools and delivering it to local pantries.

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 bring rescued fresh, nutritious food to over 300 community partners, including social service organizations, pantries, shelters, fresh produce markets and centralized distribution hubs. Food is provided free of charge. Through this, Table to Table touches 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. Since 1999 we have rescued more than 133,271 tons of nutritious food — enough for 266,542,863 million meals — and delivered it to our neighbors in need, saving over 612 metric tons of methane from impacting the environment.

About Ridgewood Public Schools

The Ridgewood Public School District is a premier K-12 public education system located in Bergen County, New Jersey, dedicated to providing a rigorous and supportive learning environment for its approximately 5,500 students. Consistently ranked among the top districts in the state and nation, Ridgewood is committed to academic excellence, innovative instruction, and the holistic development of every child. Through a diverse curriculum, robust extracurricular offerings, and a strong focus on social-emotional learning, the district empowers students to become lifelong learners and responsible global citizens. Ridgewood Public Schools prides itself on a culture of collaboration, involving dedicated educators, engaged parents, and a supportive community.

For more information, please visit www.rpsnj.us or follow the district on social media.

School district-wide food rescue effort already has delivered 10,000 pounds of food that otherwise would have gone to waste

Editor’s note: This story originally appeared on binje.com. Click here for the story.

Here’s the challenging aspect of battling food insecurity: There are plenty of ways society can make a difference — and at little cost. It often just takes some out-of-the-box thinking to discover and implement them.

Table to Table, New Jersey’s first and largest food rescue organization, is offering a blueprint on how to do just that.

Table to Table and the Ridgewood Public School District have joined forces to reduce food waste and feed those in need for Bergen County’s first district-wide food rescue relationship.

“The impact that the Ridgewood School District is making for our neighbors in need as well as our planet is nothing short of amazing,” said Table to Table Executive Director Heather Thompson.

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 bring rescued fresh, nutritious food to 303 community partners, including social service organizations, pantries, shelters, fresh produce markets and centralized distribution hubs. Food is provided free of charge. Through this, Table to Table touches 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. Since 1999 we have rescued more than 133,271 tons of nutritious food — enough for 266,542,863 million meals — and delivered it to our neighbors in need, saving over 612 metric tons of methane saved.

Related:

Ridgewood students are leading the charge against food waste

Editor’s note: This article first appeared in Ridgewood & Ho-Ho-Kus Magazine. Click here to read the rest of the article.

In the bustling kitchens of Ridgewood Public Schools, the end of the lunch bell no longer signals the end of a meal’s journey. Instead, it marks the beginning of a “rescue mission.”

Ridgewood has officially joined forces with Table to Table — New Jersey’s first and largest food rescue organization — to ensure that surplus food reaches the hands of those who need it most.

As of a January 2026, the district has completed 99 food rescues, recovering a stagging 7,489 pounds of nutritious food. The feat places Ridgewood at the forefront of sustainability as the first district in Bergen County — and the only the second in the state — to implement the I-Rescue Lunch program district wide.

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 bring rescued fresh, nutritious food to 276 community partners, including social service organizations, pantries, shelters, fresh produce markets and centralized distribution hubs. Food is provided free of charge. Through this, Table to Table touches 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. Since 1999 we have rescued more than 133,271 tons of nutritious food — enough for 266,542,863 meals — and delivered it to our neighbors in need, saving over 612 metric tons of methane saved.

Related:

March is National Nutrition Month. Creating a nutritious, balanced plate doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, one of the simplest — and most impactful — changes you can make is to fill half your plate with fruits and vegetables. Not only does this add color, flavor, and texture to your meals, but it also boosts your intake of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics said.

Of the 25 million pounds of food we rescued in 2025, 57% was produce.

A great daily goal is to aim for 2 cups of fruit and 2½ cups of vegetables, according to the academy. If that sounds like a lot, don’t worry — there are plenty of easy (and tasty!) ways to get there. Here are 20 simple ideas to enjoy more fruits and vegetables throughout your day.

20 Easy Ways to Eat More Fruits & Vegetables

1. Load up your pizza with veggies.

Broccoli, spinach, peppers, tomatoes, mushrooms, and zucchini all make flavorful pizza toppings.

2. Blend a fruit-packed smoothie.

Combine low-fat milk with frozen fruit like strawberries, bananas, mango, pineapple, or peaches for a refreshing breakfast.

3. Wrap it up.

Try a whole-wheat tortilla filled with roasted vegetables and a sprinkle of low-fat cheese.

4. Crunch smarter.

Swap chips for crunchy vegetables with low-fat dressing or hummus for dipping.

5. Grill veggie kabobs.

Skewer colorful veggies like tomatoes, peppers, onions, and mushrooms.

6. Brighten up your salads.

Add carrots, grape tomatoes, mandarin oranges, or spinach leaves for extra color and nutrients.

7. Keep cut veggies ready to go.

Perfect for snacking, lunch boxes, or quick sides. Try peppers, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, cucumbers, snap peas, or radishes.

8. Make fruit irresistible.

Place a bowl of fresh, ripe fruit in a high-traffic spot for on‑the‑go snacking.

9. Get saucy.

Blend apples, berries, peaches, or pears into a sweet fruit sauce for seafood, poultry, pancakes, waffles, or French toast.

10. Veggie‑packed omelets.

Stuff your omelet with peppers, onions, broccoli, tomatoes, squash, carrots, or spinach—and top with low-fat cheddar.

11. Power up your sandwiches.

Add sliced pineapple, apples, cucumbers, peppers, or tomatoes. You can also add cooked or raw veggies to tacos and wraps.

12. Start your morning with fruit.

Top cereal, oatmeal, yogurt, or waffles with fresh fruit.

13. Supercharge your baked potato.

Try topping it with beans and salsa, or steamed broccoli and low‑fat cheese.

14. Warm up with vegetable soup.

A cup of veggie soup makes a nutritious snack or lunch side.

15. Add veggies to everything.

Stir grated or chopped vegetables like zucchini, spinach, eggplant, or carrots into pasta dishes, casseroles, curries, stews, and soups.

16. Fruit for dessert.

Split a banana, add a scoop of low‑fat frozen yogurt, and sprinkle nuts on top.

17. Stock up on frozen vegetables.

They’re perfect for quick steaming or stir-frying.

18. Make salad the main event.

Use leafy greens and colorful veggies, and top with chickpeas or edamame and a low‑fat dressing.

19. Grill fruit for a warm treat.

Pineapple, peaches, and bananas caramelize beautifully on low heat.

20. Dip deliciously.

Try hummus with whole‑wheat pita, salsa with baked tortilla chips, fruit with low‑fat yogurt, or graham crackers dipped in applesauce.

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, surplus food annually that would otherwise be wasted and end up in landfills. This rotting food emits methane gas, which contributes to climate change. We deliver this food to partner organizations who support the nearly 1.1 million people struggling with food insecurity in New Jersey.

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.

The New Jersey Office of the Food Security Advocate (OFSA) has published the New Jersey Food Security Strategic Plan.

The three-year plan outlines how the OFSA plans to coordinate statewide efforts to address the growing problem of food insecurity in New Jersey through a coordinated, cross-sector approach.

NJ_FoodSecurity_3Yr_StrategicPlan_010726_FINAL

“This is not a plan that tells New Jersey what to do. Rather, this is a plan that invites all New Jerseyans to see their food security work and everyday connection to the food system through a more holistic lens that acknowledges food insecurity as a highly complex, socio-economic issue,” said Mark Dinglasan, Executive Director of the OFSA. “This is the beginning of a journey to build a better tomorrow for New Jersey families.”

The plan has several focus areas:

Focus Areas
  • The Context of Food Security in New Jersey: This focus enhances and improves the exchange of information and access to improve the public’s awareness of food insecurity, optimize relief programs, and support data-driven decision-making.
  • Planning and Evidence: This describes the guiding principles, data, and evidence that informed the plan and explores the Six Dimensions of Food Security in New Jersey.
  • Strategic Direction: Outlines the plans focus areas and strategies, which help form a roadmap for advancing food security throughout New Jersey.
  • Accountability and Action: Defines what success looks like for the strategic plan and invites partners to use the plan as a call to action to help coordinate efforts statewide.
  • Strengthening Food Systems to Enhance Long-Term Stability: Includes improving the food supply chain to reduce food waste and enhance food security stability and sustainability, including sustainable farming practices and positioning food security efforts in climate action work.

The OFSA will be releasing a Implementation Tactics and Action Planning Toolkit in early 2026. This will provide guidance and practical tools for organizations to implement relevant strategies in their communities.

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, surplus food annually that would otherwise be wasted and end up in landfills. This rotting food emits methane gas, which contributes to climate change. We deliver this food to partner organizations who support the nearly 1.1 million people struggling with food insecurity in New Jersey.

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:

Organizers of the Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina, Italy are doing what they can to recover 100% of surplus food served in the Olympic Village and distribute it to vulnerable people. They are dedicated to a “zero food waste” approach.

This approach includes recovering surplus food to fight hunger and promote environmental sustainability, in accordance with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations’ Four Betters approach, which is part of the UN’s Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development.

Food waste mitigation efforts were supported when more than 270 local mayors signed the Milan Urban Food Policy Pact in 2015 along with other local initiatives designed to support combatting food waste in and near the cities hosting the games, a story on Olympics.com reported.

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, surplus food annually that would otherwise be wasted and end up in landfills. This rotting food emits methane gas, which contributes to climate change. We deliver this food to partner organizations who support the nearly 1.1 million people struggling with food insecurity in New Jersey.

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:

When LaToya talks about her children, her face lights up with love and determination. Her son, Sterling, is 22 and living with sickle cell disease, autism, and epilepsy. Her daughter, Praise, is 12, full of energy and potential. Like any mother, LaToya wants the best for her children. But the challenges of caring for her son’s complex needs while keeping food on the table are overwhelming — especially because Sterling requires a highly nutritious diet to keep his health stable.

The nourishing food LaToya receives from Table to Table is more than just groceries. It’s a lifeline. It means she can provide her children with healthy meals she otherwise could not afford. It means she can take a breath in the middle of her hectic days, knowing she has what her family needs to get through the week.

“When we get food from Table to Table, we always get a lot of healthy vegetables & fruits. It means nourishment. It means health,” LaToya said.

Read more about what we’re doing to rescue healthy surplus food into sustenance and deliver it to our hungry neighbors.

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, surplus food annually that would otherwise be wasted and end up in landfills. This rotting food emits methane gas, which contributes to climate change. We deliver this food to partner organizations who support the nearly 1.1 million people struggling with food insecurity in New Jersey.

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:

What foods are heart healthy? February is American Heart Month. It is a month dedicated to raising awareness about heart disease, the leading cause of death in the United States.

Table to Table takes pride in rescuing fresh, nutritious heart-healthy fruits and vegetables, including apples, broccoli, and carrots from our hundreds of food donors.

According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, the following foods are a part of a heart-healthy eating plan:

  • Vegetables such as leafy greens (spinach, collard greens, kale, cabbage), broccoli, and carrots
  • Fruits such as apples, bananas, oranges, pears, grapes, and prunes
  • Whole grains such as plain oatmeal, brown rice, and whole-grain bread or tortillas
  • Fat-free or low-fat dairy foods such as milk, cheese, or yogurt
  • Protein-rich foods:
  • Fish high in omega-3 fatty acids (salmon, tuna, and trout)
  • Lean meats such as 95% lean ground beef or pork tenderloin or skinless chicken or turkey
  • Eggs
  • Nuts such as walnuts, almonds, and pine nuts
  • Seeds
  • Nut and seed butters
  • Legumes such as kidney beans, lentils, chickpeas, black-eyed peas, and lima beans
  • Oils and foods high in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats:
  • Canola, corn, olive, safflower, sesame, sunflower, and soybean oils (not coconut or palm oil)
  • Salmon and trout
  • Seeds (sesame, sunflower, pumpkin, or flax)
  • Avocados
  • Tofu

Read more about what we’re doing to rescue healthy surplus food and deliver it to our hungry neighbors.

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, surplus food annually that would otherwise be wasted and end up in landfills. This rotting food emits methane gas, which contributes to climate change. We deliver this food to partner organizations who support the nearly 1.1 million people struggling with food insecurity in New Jersey.

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:

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