Giving back is always in season, but on MLK Day it’s important to reflect [on] how we are serving our communities.
From food pantries and animal shelters to arts programs and environmental, these local NJ organizations to volunteer at this winter.
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 saved.
Food insecurity in New Jersey is increasing, with one in 10 households experiencing the status between 2022 and 2024, a new report by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) released recently shows.
“Household Food Security in the United States in 2024” provides state-level food insecurity prevalence rates, averaging data from 2022, 2023, and 2024. The New Jersey Office of the Food Security Advocate (NJOFSA) featured New Jersey-centric findings of the report on its website.
According to the report, between 2022 and 2024:
One in 10 households, 9.8%, or about 350,000, experienced food insecurity in New Jersey, an increase from the 8.3% reported in 2019-2022
New Jersey recorded the fifth lowest prevalence of household food insecurity in the United States
Although New Jersey’s 9.8% rate of food insecurity is below the national average of 13.3%, “any amount, and increases to, food insecurity is unsuitable for a state with our strong resources, partnerships, and commitment to ensuring food security for all,” the NJOFSA said in an update on its website.
What Is Food Insecurity?
There are two classifications of food insecurity, according to the USDA. One type is when there are “reports of reduced quality, variety, or desirability of diet,” but there is “little or no indication of reduced food intake.” The other, more serious type, is when there are “reports of multiple indications of disrupted eating patterns and reduced food intake.”
The USDA published its food security report for 30 years before announcing that the 2025 report would be its last one, calling the report and study behind it, “redundant, costly, politicized, and extraneous.” It was originally created to support the increase and eligibility of families and individuals to the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as food stamps.
“It grounds research, informs policy decisions, and helps advocates, agencies, and communities identify where people may struggle to afford enough food.”
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.
Editor’s note: The following aggregated article first appeared in an article and photo gallery on NorthJersey.com. Click here to view the article and click here to view the photo gallery.
Table to Table, New Jersey’s first and largest food rescue organization, welcomed to its 2025 Chefs Gala more than 25 notable chefs who personally served their signature multi-course menus tableside for guests.
Shining in the spotlight was this year’s honoree, Christian Petroni, the Italian American chef, restauratuer, author and Food Network star. Table to Table’s Chefs Gala raised enough funds to reduce food waste and deliver nearly 5 million nutritious meals to our 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 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 saved.
Kaleb Lohmann is Table to Table’s December Volunteer Spotlight.
“Food waste while people go hungry in the richest nation in the world is senseless and cruel. I’ve always wanted to help ease suffering in the world, but depression, anxiety, and other health issues stopped me from committing long-term. The Table to Table I-Rescue App is extremely convenient and lets you volunteer in short time frames when and where you want to, like UberEats for those in need. It’s so easy that I’ve been able to complete over 100 rescues in 13 months,” Kaleb said. “Volunteering eases food insecurity, reduces landfill waste and emissions, combats the helplessness so often felt when reading the news, and helps me gain confidence for future employment. It has truly changed my life over the past year, and I couldn’t be more grateful!”
Volunteering Like Kaleb 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 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.
Editor’s note: The following experts first appeared in an article by The Montclair Girl. Read the full article here.
And just like that, 2025 comes to a close. This year was filled with an influx of exciting new businesses in the area and innovative entrepreneurs and creatives shining a light on the community. To mark the end of an eventful year and to welcome the new one, The Montclair Girl is highlighting 26 local women doing great things to keep an eye on in 2026. Read on for a list of 26 women in Montclair + North Jersey to watch in 2025.
Heather Thompson, Director, Table to Table
Heather Thompson is the director of Table to Table, New Jersey’s statewide food rescue program. The program collects fresh, nutritious, perishable food and connects it with neighbors in need through its 303 community partners in Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Morris, and Passaic counties.
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 saved.
Deacon Stephanie Taylor-Cucuta co-founded the Disabled Combat Veterans Youth Program.
Table to Table Food Rescue Hero Stephanie Taylor-Cucuta was named a Hometown Hero by Rep. Josh Gottheimer of New Jersey’s Fifth Congressional District Monday. Stephanie co-founded the Disabled Combat Veterans Youth Program, which helps provide veterans and families access to healthy food. She helps run a weekly food distribution with Table to Table in Englewood Cliffs.
“Deacon Stephanie Taylor-Cucuta is a leader whose life is defined by faith, service, and compassion. She co-founded the Disabled Combat Veterans Youth Program, providing mentorship, food access, and support to families and veterans in need,” Rep. Gottheimer’s office said in a news release. “Through programs that empower young women and girls, she creates spaces where youth feel seen and supported. Recently ordained, she continues offering pastoral care and crisis support across North Jersey. Her work has fed thousands and strengthened countless families.”
Congratulations, Stephanie!
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 saved.
Table to Table, New Jersey’s first and largest food rescue organization, welcomed to its 2025 Chefs Gala more than 25 notable chefs who personally served their signature multi-course menus tableside for guests.
Shining in the spotlight was this year’s honoree, Christian Petroni, the Italian American chef, restaurateur, author and Food Network star. Table to Table’s Chefs Gala raised enough funds to reduce food waste and deliver nearly 5 million nutritious meals to our 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 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 saved.
Editor’s note: Food journalist, podcaster, and chef Cara Di Falco interviewed Table to Table Executive Director Heather Thompson. It debuted Dec. 2 on Cara’s YouTube channel.
Cara Di Falco interviewed Table to Table Executive Director Heather Thompson about SNAP benefits, Table to Table’s charity work, how people can make a difference and volunteer, and how individuals and families can find community support if they need assistance.
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 saved.
Editor’s note: This story originally aired on News 12 New Jersey. Click here for the story.
News 12 New Jersey ran a story about our food rescue partnership with the Bloomfield School District.
News 12 rode along with our Executive Director Heather Thompson as she rescued food from Watsessing Elementary School and brought it to a local food pantry.
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 saved.
Editor’s note: Skip to the 35-minute mark for Heather Thompson’s interview.
The shutdown may be over, but the need remains.
The strain on the state’s emergency food system was felt across New Jersey during the 43-day federal government shutdown. Despite the shutdown ending, the need to support the system throughout the holiday season remains.
Table to Table Executive Director Heather Thompson spoke about the ongoing effect the shutdown had on the emergency food system and the 800,000 people it serves during a live interview on FOX 5 News in New York Monday.
“It’s important to recognize that just because the shutdown is over, the need is still present,” Thompson said. “It has been present. It unfortunately is a continuingly growing need.”
The effect of the seven-day funding halt of the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program was deeply felt in the Garden State.
“The impact of that was felt from multiple directions by so many of our neighbors,” Thompson said. “So they turned to their local food pantries for help. Those organizations that are really designed to be a last line of defense in general where can turn to bridge the [food] gap, all of a sudden, became a first line of defense. All of a sudden, people were relying on the support of these local pantries, these local community organizations because they simply had no where else to turn during that period of time.”
Giving Back This Holiday Season
Thompson encourages residents to reach out to their local food pantries to determine what they need.
“Every pantry is different, some have refrigerators, some don’t. Some need certain types of food depending on who they are feeding,” she said. “Reach out and see if they need extra help doing weekly distributions.”
Another tangible way to help is to volunteer with Table to Table. Volunteers can rescue healthy surplus food and deliver it to local community partners using the Table to Table I-Rescue App. Rescues take less than 1 hour and all the instructions are in the volunteer-driven app.
“Our volunteers by the end of the year will have rescued and delivered more than 2 million meals worth of fresh food, which is pretty incredible,” Thompson said.
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 saved.
