Ridgewood Archives - Table to Table

Students from Ridgewood’s Willard Elementary School collected bags of food for us as part of the school’s Service Day March 17.

Fifth-graders organized the food by type. They then took items from each food type and made 34 food packs that we delivered to the Ridgewood YMCA for their food distribution.

Students also drew sketches of what a food rescue hero looks like to them and were asked how food rescue heroes help others. One student responded that they help by, “Saving the food that would go waste and giving it to people in need.”

Every participating student received a Table to Table Food Rescue Hero badge to let others know the role they played in alleviating hunger that day.

Food drives are one component of our School Partnerships initiative. We partner with elementary, middle, and high schools, along with universities, on a wide range of food drives to collect nutritious fruits and vegetables, sandwiches, and turkeys and hams for the holidays.

The Ridgewood Public School District is a stout supporter of ours. The district and us joined forces to form Bergen County’s first district-wide food rescue relationship. 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. More than 10,000 pounds of nutritious food has been rescued to date.

“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.”

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.

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Editor’s note: This story originally appeared on TAPinto Ridgewood. Click here to read the entire story.

Surplus meals and snacks have been a welcome surprise at Ridgecrest Senior Apartments.

Ridgewood Public Schools and Table to Table, an organization that brings surplus meals to those in need, have teamed up to bring surplus meals and snacks from the district’s seven cafeterias into Ridgewood’s senior apartments.

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

Since the partnership began in October, 132 rescues have been completed, rescuing more than 10,000 pounds of surplus 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,” 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 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.

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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

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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, Execut i ve 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.

“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.

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.

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Editor’s note: This article was aggregated from NorthJersey.com. Click here to read the rest of the article.

Ridgewood is expanding its composting program thanks to a new food recycling bin being installed in the village, official said. Department of Public Works Sean Hamilin told NorthJersey.com that residents can drop off their food scraps 24 hours a day, seven days a week, an increase from the limited hours and days residents used to be able to, the website reported.

Ridgewood began its food scraps composting program in March 2021. Since then, the village has diverted 88 tons of food waste, which equates to 26 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions, Village Manager Keith Kazmark told NorthJersey.com.

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 120,700 tons of nutritious food—enough for 241,400,846 million meals—and delivered it to our neighbors in need, saving over 544 metric tons of methane from entering the environment.

Related:

Editor’s note: This article first aired on News 12 New Jersey.

People who run food panties will say that it is not difficult to get people to donate during the period between Thanksgiving and Christmas. They say it’s the other 11 months that are hard.

A group of Bergen County fifth graders are helping to meet that need.

As part of a service project, kids at Willard Elementary in Ridgewood donated hundreds of pounds of fresh produce. All of it is going to Table to Table.

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Ridgewood students are leading the charge against food waste

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