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Tag: table to table

Editor’s note: This story originally appeared on WMBC-TV News.

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:

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.

Related:

Brendan Obyrne is the subject of Table to Table’s most recent volunteer spotlight.

“One of my best friends is on the Table to Table Board of Directors, David Hildes, and we go to a lot of Table to Table Chefs Galas together. I just retired and I told him that it was my time to pay him back for all the times he’s invited my wife and I to be at his table.”

Volunteering Like Brendan Does

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 Kaleb 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 1.1 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.

North Jersey towns will host World Cup Fan Festival events this summer, officials announced Wednesday. Here’s how to get involved.

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

A host of World Cup soccer-related fan events will take place in North Jersey — including in Jersey City, Newark, Bergen County, and the Meadowlands region — this June and July, with live music, food, and more, officials announced Wednesday.

Events will take place at county parks, including Bergen County’s Overpeck Park and Secaucus’ Laurel Hill Park, as well as neighborhoods and downtowns.

Goya Foods, NJ Transit, and other agencies, companies, and charities will be involved in the events. Table to Table will serve as the “official food security partner,” educating attendees and allowing food contributions to the needy.

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:

Five Goya‑backed festival sites confirmed across Bergen, Essex and Hudson counties

Editor’s note: This story originally appeared on binje.com. Click here to read the entire article.

GOYA Presents Flag Cities on Wednesday took two more big steps to becoming the premier fan festival destination in the area for the World Cup with the announcement of two more host locations in marquee spots in Newark (Mulberry Commons) and Jersey City (Christopher Columbus Drive).

The locations join previously announced host locations in Secaucus (Laurel Hill Park), Bergen County (Overpeck Park), and East Rutherford (Main Street) — giving the event blanket coverage in North Jersey.

Each location will hold a one-day festival on the day before each of the five opening-round matches to be played at MetLife Stadium. The festivals, which will charge a small fee to enter, will have food and entertainment and plenty of soccer — both to play and to watch on big screen TVs.

And Table to Table, New Jersey’s first and largest food rescue, 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.

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:

Editor’s note: This story originally appeared on ROI-NJ.com. Click here to read the complete story.

Goya Presents Flag Cities 2026, the FIFA World Cup 2026 fan festival series in Northern New Jersey, announced March 11 the addition of Newark and Jersey City 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.

The announcement was made by Goya with Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, Jersey City Mayor James Solomon and Hudson County Executive Craig Guy.

Table to Table, New Jersey’s first and largest food rescue, 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.

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:

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:

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