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Editor’s note: This article first appeared in Bergen magazine.

Members of the Saddle Brook-based food rescue organization attended the Third Annual Food Security Summit. Attendees participated in networking events, presentations, and conversation on how leaders across the county are working together to build a stronger food system.

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.

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TRENTON – The Sherrill Administration today recognized six businesses and organizations for their recycling efforts during the annual DEP Recycling Awards program.

The awards ceremony at the Forsgate Country Club in Monroe was held in conjunction with the annual recycling symposium hosted by the Association of New Jersey Recyclers (ANJR). The recycling leaders were honored for their creative solutions that reduce waste generation, recycle and enhance sustainability in their communities.

“Recycling helps conserve resources, reduces waste, promotes sustainability and protects public health – and makes economic sense by creating jobs, avoiding disposal costs and saving energy,” Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Ed Potosnak said. “I commend these award winners for their outstanding work in their communities and for serving as roles models for all of us to follow.”

In 1987, New Jersey became the first state to enact legislation that requires recycling in residential, commercial and institutional settings. In 2023, New Jersey achieved an overall recycling rate of 53%, and continues to promote recycling through numerous grant and educational programs, including informing residents on recycling best practices in their communities.

“We applaud the award winners for their accomplishments and dedication to recycling, waste reduction and protecting the environment,” said Paul Baldauf, DEP’s Assistant Commissioner for Air Quality, Energy and Sustainability. “We are confident that the impressive achievements of our recycling award winners will inspire others.”

The 2026 DEP Recycling Award winners are as follows:

Government

City of Hoboken: Hoboken established one of New Jersey’s first municipal residential composting programs, starting in 2015 with a community compost company partnership. The city has continued to build upon its success. In 2025, the city diverted 265,560 pounds of food scraps from landfills through its residential drop-off, curbside residential and commercial composting programs.

Recycling Industry

Commercial Solar Panel Recycling Inc., Phillipsburg: Commercial Solar Panel Recycling Inc. is New Jersey’s first and only dedicated solar panel recycling center, processing two solar panels per minute and recovering aluminum frames, electronics and panel glass that are recycled into new products. The company has kept almost 20,000 solar panels out of the waste stream and recycled 245,000 pounds of glass, 36,000 pounds of aluminum and 1,500 pounds of junction boxes and wiring.

Leadership

Table to Table, Saddle Brook: Table to Table is a community-based nonprofit that reuses fresh, nutritious, surplus perishable food that would otherwise be wasted and delivers it free to organizations serving the hungry in Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Morris and Passaic counties. In 2025, Table to Table collected more than 25 million pounds of surplus food.

Rising Star

Torus, West Windsor: Torus is a youth-founded, student-led non-profit organization that implemented a free food-waste curbside collection program. In 2025, Torus served more than 1,000 households and businesses in 19 municipalities, diverting more than 150,000 pounds of food waste from solid waste facilities.

Business

ECOS (Earth Friendly Products), Parsippany: ECOS (Earth Friendly Products), a manufacturer of household and commercial green cleaning products, reduces and reuses items while recycling mandated and non-traditional items. These sustainable practices enabled the facility to divert 99.3% of its manufacturing and office waste from disposal facilities, reducing disposal costs by more than $273,000 in 2025.

Waste Reduction, Resource Management/Sustainability

Roxbury Township, Roxbury Public Library and the Lake Hopatcong Foundation: The Roxbury Community Repair Café, a collaborative initiative between Roxbury Township, the Roxbury Public Library and the Lake Hopatcong Foundation, is a free community event that utilizes skilled volunteers to repair household items, helping extend the life of products and diverting them from the waste stream.

Recycling Takes Everyone

The DEP urges all residents, businesses and institutions to participate in their local recycling program and do their part to keep non-acceptable materials, such as plastic bags, trash, propane tanks and used syringes out of curbside and workplace recycling bins. Recycling programs vary by town, so it’s important to check up-to-date policies.

Manufacturers require clean, contaminant-free recyclable feedstocks to make new recycled content products and thus cannot accept loads of recyclable materials that are contaminated with non-acceptable items.

The recycling industry continues to face the challenge of contamination of the recycling stream caused by incorrect materials being recycled, limiting the economic benefits of recycling. Many recycling companies reject loads of recyclables that include non-recyclable items. When in doubt, throw it out.

Recycling keeps millions of tons of material out of disposal facilities, conserves natural resources, saves energy, and reduces water and air pollution, including greenhouse gas generation.

Recycling Resources

To learn more about recycling policies and practices to help keep our environment cleaner, visit DEP’s Recycling webpage.

Visit the Association of New Jersey Recyclers at anjr.com.

About Table to Table

Table to Table (http://www.tabletotable.org) is New Jersey’s first and largest food rescue nonprofit, bridging the gap between food being wasted and people facing food insecurity. We work with food businesses of all types to rescue fresh, nutritious surplus food, and deliver it for free to 300+ social service organizations, pantries, shelters, community produce markets and centralized distribution hubs. Through our community partnerships, Table to Table reaches families, children, veterans, older adults, and others in need, improving food security, nutritional access, and better health. Since 1999 we have rescued more than 133,271 tons of nutritious food — enough for 266,452,863 meals — and delivered it to our neighbors in need, while also saving over 544 metric tons of methane from impacting climate change by preventing food waste.

There were many impressive achievements in the field of recycling and waste reduction in New Jersey this past year. The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection recognizes these accomplishments through its annual Recycling Awards program. The 2026 DEP recycling award winners are:

Leadership: Table to Table

Table to Table, a nonprofit organization located in Saddle Brook, is a community-based food rescue program that collects fresh, nutritious, surplus perishable food that would otherwise be wasted and delivers it free to organizations serving the hungry in Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Morris, and Passaic counties.

This program not only addresses hunger in New Jersey, but also diverts wasted food from landfills, which, in turn, reduces greenhouse gas generation. In 2025, Table to Table diverted and rescued more than 25 million pounds of surplus food from numerous sources.

About Table to Table

Table to Table (http://www.tabletotable.org) is New Jersey’s first and largest food rescue nonprofit, bridging the gap between food being wasted and people facing food insecurity. We work with food businesses of all types to rescue fresh, nutritious surplus food, and deliver it for free to 300+ social service organizations, pantries, shelters, community produce markets and centralized distribution hubs. Through our community partnerships, Table to Table reaches families, children, veterans, older adults, and others in need, improving food security, nutritional access, and better health. Since 1999 we have rescued more than 133,271 tons of nutritious food — enough for 266,452,863 meals — and delivered it to our neighbors in need, while also saving over 544 metric tons of methane from impacting climate change by preventing food waste.

TRENTON, NJ – The Sherrill Administration today recognized Table to Table, along with five other businesses and organizations, for our recycling efforts at the annual DEP Recycling Awards program.

The recycling leaders were honored for their creative solutions that reduce waste generation, recycle and enhance sustainability in their communities. Table to Table received the Leadership Award.

“Table to Table is a community-based nonprofit that reuses fresh, nutritious, surplus perishable food that would otherwise be wasted and delivers it free to organizations serving the hungry in Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Morris and Passaic counties,” NJDEP said in a statement. “In 2025, Table to Table collected more than 25 million pounds of surplus food.”

The awards ceremony at the Forsgate Country Club in Monroe was held in conjunction with the annual recycling symposium hosted by the Association of New Jersey Recyclers.

“We applaud the award winners for their accomplishments and dedication to recycling, waste reduction and protecting the environment,” said Paul Baldauf, DEP’s Assistant Commissioner for Air Quality, Energy and Sustainability. “We are confident that the impressive achievements of our recycling award winners will inspire others.”

The other awardees were: The City of Hoboken, Commercial Solar Panel Recycling Inc., Torus, ECOS (Earth Friendly Products), and Roxbury Township, the Roxbury Public Library, & the Lake Hopatcong Foundation.

About Table to Table

Table to Table (http://www.tabletotable.org) is New Jersey’s first and largest food rescue nonprofit, bridging the gap between food being wasted and people facing food insecurity. We work with food businesses of all types to rescue fresh, nutritious surplus food, and deliver it for free to 300+ social service organizations, pantries, shelters, community produce markets and centralized distribution hubs. Through our community partnerships, Table to Table reaches families, children, veterans, older adults, and others in need, improving food security, nutritional access, and better health. Since 1999 we have rescued more than 133,271 tons of nutritious food — enough for 266,452,863 meals — and delivered it to our neighbors in need, while also saving over 544 metric tons of methane from impacting climate change by preventing food waste.

James Beard Award winner, who relied on free school lunch as a kid in Bronx, told donors why food rescue matters to him.

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

The numbers on hunger in New Jersey are startling. More than 1.2 million people in the state don’t have enough to eat, according to Table to Table.

It’s why organizations such as Table to Table matter.

At Table to Table’s Chefs Gala, Kwame Onwuachi, one of the most accomplished chefs in the country, spoke about growing up in Bronx. When his mother fell on hard times, they went to public schools in the summer for free lunch, something his mother was embarrassed about. He wasn’t, however.

That’s why he was eager to serve as honoree.

“It means so much to me to be a part of something like this,” Onwuachi said to the more than 300 guests at The Rockleigh. “I think the beautiful thing about Table to Table, is that they’re just trying to feed people at the end of the day.”

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:

Chef Kwame Onwuachi wearing glasses and a dark suit standing at a white lectern featuring the "Table to Table" logo, speaking into a microphone with his right hand extended. In the background is a large screen displaying the word "Honoree" and elegant indoor wall sconce lighting.

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

Table to Table, New Jersey’s first and largest food rescue organization, celebrated a milestone night at its 2026 Chefs Gala presented by American Express, raising more than $600,000 to fuel its hunger-relief mission and expansion.

The gourmet event, held Oct. 15, drew over 300 guests and featured James Beard Award-winning chef, restaurateur, and author Kwame Onwuachi as the Chef Honoree. Onwuachi joined forces with more than 30 of the region’s top chefs, craft brewers, winemakers, mixologists, and distillers — alongside Chef Co-Chairs Jamie Knott and Ryan DePersio — to deliver an unforgettable culinary experience in support of food rescue.

During the gala’s program, Executive Director Heather Thompson delivered major news to supporters: after 27 years of operation, the nonprofit will officially relocate its headquarters to a new facility in Englewood within the coming months. The new headquarters features a dedicated warehouse equipped with two full-sized loading docks, space for volunteer food packing events, and a massive expansion in cold storage capabilities. The upgraded infrastructure will allow Table to Table to store up to 150 pallets of fresh fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and dairy.

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:

Driver Edgar Brieva rescuing fresh produce from a farm for Table to Table.

Ridgewood’s culinary leaders will present an exceptional dining experience in support of Table to Table, New Jersey’s first and largest food rescue organization.

Editor’s note: The Q&A is about the upcoming Ridgewood Chef’s Table Nov. 2, a culinary event bringing together Ridgewood’s best chefs for a benefit dinner for Table to Table. It was first published by Ridgewood & Ho-Ho-Kus magazine. Click here to read the entire interview. Tickets are selling fast for the dinner. To make a reservation, call 201-445-5400.

For those unfamiliar with Table to Table, can you explain the organization’s mission and its impact throughout New Jersey?

Table to Table is New Jersey’s first and largest food rescue organization. Our mission is simple but powerful: We rescue fresh, nutritious surplus food that would otherwise go to waste and deliver it free of charge to more than 276 community organizations serving our neighbors facing food insecurity. Since our beginning in 1999, we’ve rescued enough nutritious food for more than 266 million meals throughout Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Morris, and Passaic counties. Every day, we bridge the gap between food waste and hunger, ensuring that good food reaches people instead of landfills.

What inspired the creation of the Ridgewood Chef’s Table event?

This dinner was the brainchild of Chef John Halligan, the co-owner and executive chef at the Park West Tavern, and we could not be more grateful to him and the team of participating chefs. Chef Halligan shared his commitment, along with other Ridgewood culinary leaders, to use their talents to make a difference in the community. Ridgewood has a vibrant restaurant scene and an incredible culture of philanthropy. Bringing these chefs together for an intimate dining experience allows guests to enjoy exceptional cuisine while directly supporting those struggling with food insecurity. It’s going to be an incredible event!

Why is Ridgewood such an important community for Table to Table’s mission?

Table to Table is fortunate to have had a long, rich history with Ridgewood, an amazing community that values service, generosity, and civic engagement. Many of our supporters, volunteers, and food donors live and work in the area. We work with a wonderful group of volunteers from the First Presbyterian Church to rescue food from the Ridgewood Farmers Market each weekend. We partner with dining services across all Ridgewood Public Schools to rescue thousands of pounds of nutritious surplus food from school cafeterias. And that nourishing food goes to places like the YMCA, Ridgecrest Senior Housing, and Children’s Aid and Family Services programs to feed our local neighbors.

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Editor’s note: This write-up was first published by City Lifestyle’s Eastern Morris. Click here to view it.

Since 1999, Table to Table — New Jersey’s leading food security nonprofit — has bridged the gap between surplus and need, delivering fresh, nutritious food to vulnerable communities. Support this vital mission at the Chefs Gala on Oct. 15 at The Rockleigh. Indulge in an elegant, multi-course dinner prepared tableside by top chefs, prepared with fine wines and desserts, plus a thrilling live auction. Reserve your seat today at tabletotable.org/chefsgala2026.

Related:

MetLife Stadium donated 1,000 pounds of prepared food to a non-profit.

Editor’s note: This aggerated article was first published on nj101.5.com. Click here to read the entire article.

That article was based on a viral social media post we did on Saturday regarding a food rescue we ran at MetLife Stadium. That post has garnered nearly 3 million views, to date.

There was a silver lining to the storm delay of AC/DC’s concert at MetLife Stadium.

As the nor’easter pounded northern New Jersey the concert was delayed, but not before 1,000 pounds of fresh sandwiches, wraps, salads, and more was prepared for concertgoers in the stadium’s 200 suites.

So, they contacted Table to Table, a nonprofit food rescue based in Saddle Brook. They immediately responded and brought the donated food to Iglesia Evangélica Pentecostal church in Union City.

“Over 1.2 million of our neighbors in NJ face food insecurity, while nearly 3 billion pounds of surplus food is produced each year in our state, much of which goes to waste,” NJ 101.5 wrote, citing a social media post we wrote about Food Waste Prevention Week.

Related:

Over 30 top NJ chefs will cook tableside at the 2026 Table to Table Chefs Gala to help fight local food insecurity.

Editor’s note: This aggerated article was first published on NorthJersey.com. It was also posted to aol.com Click here to read the entire article on aol.com

More than 30 top New Jersey chefs will cook multi-course dinners tableside at the annual Table to Table Chefs Gala on Oct. 15, 2026 … and you can participate.

The gala is a fundraiser for Table to Table, North Jersey’s largest food rescue organization, and features chefs cooking for and chatting with small groups during the dinner, with wine pairings included. Participating chefs include Robbie Felice (pastaRAMEN, Viaggio and others), Roberto Carnero (Warique), Melanie Gonzalez (Saddle River Inn), Andrew Riccatelli (Bacarosa), Greg Power (Matisse 167) and others. The chef honoree at the gala will be acclaimed chef and author Kwame Onwuachi.

“What Table to Table is doing, rescuing nutritious food that would otherwise go to waste and getting it directly into communities, is read, tangible work,” Onwuachi said. “I’m honored to be recognized at the Chefs Gala, but more importantly, I’m proud to be support an organization addressing both sides of that equation – reducing waste while helping feed people who need it.”

The gala format is unique and was such a smash hit last year that Table to Table decided to run it back this year, just in a bigger space.

“It’s not easy to get tables at these chefs’ restaurants,” Table to Table Executive Director Heather Thompson said. “And when you do, you’re not going to have that experience of a chef right next to you watching them work their magic.”

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