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Mr. and Mrs. Esposito are Table to Table’s March Volunteer Spotlight. It is the first time we have featured someone from Morris County for our Volunteer Spotlight!

“As members of Hands of St. Luke in Long Valley, my husband and I are proud to be part of a dedicated group of volunteers who work with Table to Table. We are honored to help pick up and deliver boxes of food in Morris County from the Chester ShopRite, ensuring that those in need in our communities are fed,” Mrs. Esposito said. “While the need is great, we are deeply grateful for the opportunity to make a positive impact alongside many hardworking volunteers. We feel truly humbled to contribute, even in small ways, to improving the lives of others.”

Volunteering Like Mr. and Mrs. Esposito Do

Signing up to be a Table to Table volunteer is easy. Julie Kinner, Table to Table’s Vice President of Operations, said all you have to do is download the Table to Table I-Rescue app, powered by Food Rescue Hero, on your phone to become a food rescue hero! You’ll complete a simple registration process and volunteer agreement, and then you can get started. The app walks you through every step! This is what Mr. and Mrs. Esposito uses.

Volunteers of all ages are welcome to volunteer with our food rescue program. However, the driver must have a valid driver’s license, and a valid vehicle registration and insurance. 

Since we launched, more than 350 volunteers have completed more than 9,600 rescues and delivered more than 2 million pounds of donated food that would have been thrown away.

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 end up in landfills, contributing to climate change. We 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.

The ladies of Alpha Gamma Delta sorority at Seton Hall University are Table to Table’s February Volunteer Spotlight.

“Alpha Gamma Delta partners with Table to Table to support our shared mission of combatting food insecurity within out community,” the sorority said. “Committed to reducing food waste, we strive to ensure that surplus food is redirected to those who need it most.”

Alpha Gamma Delta made more than 500 PB&J sandwiches during Table to Table’s first Greek college volunteer initiative earlier this month. The sandwiches were donated to Orange United Methodist Church.

Also, the sorority plans to partner with us more in the future. They want to host another sandwich-making event, along with a food drive.

Volunteering Like Alpha Gamma Delta Did

Signing up to be a Table to Table volunteer is easy. Julie Kinner, Table to Table’s Vice President of Operations, said all you have to do is download the Table to Table I-Rescue app, powered by Food Rescue Hero, on your phone to become a food rescue hero! You’ll complete a simple registration process and volunteer agreement, and then you can get started. The app walks you through every step! This is what Veer and his team uses.

Volunteers of all ages are welcome to volunteer with our food rescue program. However, the driver must have a valid driver’s license, and a valid vehicle registration and insurance. 

Since we launched, more than 350 volunteers have completed more than 9,600 rescues and delivered more than 2 million pounds of donated food that would have been thrown away.

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 end up in landfills, contributing to climate change. We 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.

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 from our hundreds of food donors, including apples, broccoli, and carrots.

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, seeds, and soy products (tofu)
  • 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)
  • Nuts such as walnuts, almonds, and pine nuts
  • Nut and seed butters
  • 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 food annually that would otherwise be wasted and end up in landfills. This contributes to climate change. We 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.

Join us in congratulating Veer Agarwal, who is featured in Table to Table’s January Volunteer Spotlight.

Veer is a Livingston High School junior and the founder of ResQFood, a food rescue club. Veer received the President’s Volunteer Service Award’s highest honor—the Lifetime Achievement Award thanks to his volunteer food rescue efforts with Table to Table! Congratulations, Veer!

“I am a proud volunteer of Table to Table because of what this organization and cause stands for. Every person in New Jersey should have secure access to healthy meals, but the reality is that 1 million people are food insecure and 3 billion pounds of food gets thrown out annually. When picking up waste from restaurants and donating to local food pantries, I feel satisfied knowing that some family out there is benefitting from my efforts,” Veer said. “Additionally, I value my role as a high school volunteer for Table to Table. With a driver’s license, I can now use my newfound independence to serve the community. It is inspiring to know that I am part of the future generation of food rescue heroes, keeping Table to Table’s mission of combating hunger in safe hands.”

Table to Table Executive Director Heather Thompson and Veer Agarwal, founder of ResQFood.

Signing up to be a Table to Table volunteer is easy. Julie Kinner, Table to Table’s VP of Operations, said all you have to do is download the Table to Table I-Rescue app, powered by Food Rescue Hero, on your phone to become a food rescue hero! You’ll complete a simple registration process and volunteer agreement, and then you can get started. The app walks you through every step! This is what Veer and his team uses.

Volunteers of all ages are welcome to volunteer with our food rescue program. However, the driver must have a valid driver’s license, and a valid vehicle registration and insurance. 

Since we launched, more than 350 volunteers have completed more than 9,600 rescues and delivered more than 2 million pounds of donated food that would have been thrown away.

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 end up in landfills, contributing to climate change. We 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.

Trying to be more active? Stay creative? Make a difference? These local organizations will keep you honest and help you thrive.

If you resolved to make a difference.

Bergen has no shortage of volunteer opportunities for those who want to help their neighbors. Help combat food insecurity and hunger in our county by helping rescue fresh food at Table to Table; donate your time and help at a homeless shelter through Family Promise of Bergen County; help build homes for those in need with Habitat for Humanity of Bergen County. Bergen Volunteers will give you opportunities to take part in mentor programs and more.

Related:

In this episode of Failed Forward, we talk with Heather Thompson, Executive Director of Table to Table, about her work in the fight against hunger.

Heather shares the daily challenges and the feeling of facing an uphill battle against a massive problem that can seem impossible to solve. She explains her approach to breaking down seemingly insurmountable obstacles into manageable steps—learning “how to eat an elephant, one bite at a time.” Heather’s insights on resilience, perseverance, and making a difference one step at a time will inspire anyone looking to tackle big issues with a hopeful, steady approach.

Courtesy of: Failed Forward podcast: Fighting Headwinds in the Fight Against Hunger

Related:

Behind the Counter with The Food Czar shines a spotlight on Table to Table, New Jersey’s first food and most successful food rescue organization.

Dedicated to reducing food waste and feeding those who need it most, Table to Table partners with restaurants, supermarkets, and other food providers to rescue fresh, high-quality, and nutritious food. This rescued food is then delivered to Table to Table’s community partners like soup kitchens, homeless shelters, and senior centers. Behind the Counter with The Food Czar had the pleasure of sitting down with Heather Thompson, Executive Director of Table to Table, to explore the issue of food insecurity and the vital importance of providing healthy meals to our neighbors in need. We also discuss how you can get involved and become a food rescue hero with their volunteer-driven app, Table to Table I-Rescue. Together, we can fight hunger, reduce waste, and create a stronger, more compassionate community—because every meal matters, and every action counts!

Credit: YouTube

Join us in congratulating Rita Sorbera, Table to Table’s November Volunteer of the Month.

Rita has been volunteering with Table to Table since 2021. She said she volunteers with us because no one should go without food.

“Too many people in our communities do not have resources to feed their families. I am grateful to Table to Table for making a difference and in turn, allowing me to make a difference,” Rita said.

Signing up to be a Table to Table volunteer is easy. Julie Kinner, Table to Table’s VP of Operations, said all you have to do is download the Table to Table I-Rescue app, powered by Food Rescue Hero, on your phone to become a food rescue hero! You’ll complete a simple registration process and volunteer agreement, and then you can get started. The app walks you through every step! Or, you could do what Kyle and Musashi did and organize a fresh food drive.

Volunteers of all ages are welcome to volunteer with our food rescue program. However, the driver must have a valid driver’s license, and a valid vehicle registration and insurance. 

Since we launched, more than 350 volunteers have completed more than 9,600 rescues and delivered more than 2 million pounds of donated food that would have been thrown away.

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 end up in landfills, contributing to climate change. We 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.

By Nicolle Walker

As a personal chef, I am always thinking about the next meal that I am making. And as a food access advocate and Table to Table volunteer/emerging leader, I am always thinking about how to make sure that food waste becomes a thing of the past. 

Thanksgiving is one of those holidays that begs for excess. The “once-a-year” meal promises leftovers galore, but how many days in a row can we really eat “gobbler” sandwiches? I have some new ideas to transform that turkey and sides into new meals that you will want to savor, maybe even more than the traditional ones! 

Stuffing Strata

Stuffing Strata is the perfect morning after breakfast.

Before heading off to bed combine leftover stuffing with shredded turkey (or ham), any roasted veggies, eggs and cream, and a healthy sprinkle of cheese.

Cover and let sit in the fridge overnight, then bake covered at 350 degrees for 40-50 minutes for a hearty breakfast that everyone will love. 

Potato Soup

Mashed potatoes almost never last in my house, but if you find yourself with extras, try making a pot of potato soup!

Bring your mashed potatoes to room temperature, then combine them in a pot with your choice of chicken or vegetable broth and whisk. Start with equal amounts of potatoes and broth, then thin until you find your desired consistency.

Serve with shredded cheddar, sliced scallions, maybe some crumbled bacon, and of course a turkey sandwich! 

These are just a few ideas about transforming Thanksgiving leftovers into delicious meals! Have a happy and healthy Thanksgiving!

Editor’s note: Nicolle Walker is a volunteer with Table to Table and a member of our Emerging Leaders Council. She is the executive chef and owner of Love & Plates.

The Saddle River Inn, an acclaimed restaurant owned by Table to Table’s newest Board of Directors trustee, Jamie Knott, was named to OpenTable’s annual list of the top 100 eateries in the United States.

The honor is the latest in a series of accolades Knott has received this year.

He was named the Chef Honoree at Table to Table’s 25th Anniversary Chefs Gala Sept. 25.

“There’s enough food on this planet for everyone who is food insecure. But it’s not always making its way to the right mouths,” Knott said at the gala. “That’s why Table to table is so crucial, and frankly, they’re saving lives out here. I vow to carry on the incredible work that’s been done over the last two and a half decades, and look for ways to expand our reach and impact even further.”

Knott also recently participated in a celebratory third anniversary celebration of Chef Antonio De Ieso’s Fiorentini restaurant, an event that helped raise enough to support the rescue and delivery of at nearly 300,000 pounds of healthy food!

Knott was also named one of the top restauranteurs in the Garden State by New Jersey Monthly magazine.

Knott is also the chef-owner of Madame and Kinjo. He warmly welcomes guests for flavorful, unforgettable dining experiences focused on locally sourced, fresh ingredients, reflecting his commitment to quality. These restaurants “have quickly become some of the most celebrated restaurants in New Jersey this year,” New Jersey Monthly stated.

Knott’s portfolio of restaurants is consistently praised and acknowledged by media and influencers alike. Educated at the New York Restaurant School, Knott’s career is marked by innovation and a deep understanding of the culinary world.

Congratulations, Chef Jamie Knott!

Since we launched, more than 350 volunteers have completed more than 9,600 rescues and delivered more than 2 million pounds of donated food that would have been thrown away.

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 end up in landfills, contributing to climate change. We deliver it to partner organizations who support the nearly 1 million people in our area who need it most.

https://www.opentable.com/c/top-restaurants/top-100/#new-jersey

Credit: OpenTable

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