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Tag: where can i get food in nj?

Fighting hunger while reducing food waste

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

Launched in 1999 by founder Claire Insalata Poulos with four food donors, one donated van designed to transport fresh food and one driver, Table to Table has earned well-deserved recognition as New Jersey’s first and largest food rescue organization.

Twenty-seven years ago, Poulos and her small group of supporters decided there had to be a way to move surplus food to communities where it would fill an essential need.

Armed with passion and fierce determination, they created an organization made up of staff members and volunteers who work across five New Jersey counties: Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Morris, and Passaic.

The organization moved more than 25 million pounds of food last year. About 80% of it was perishable, and 60% was fresh produce. Volunteers alone were responsible for moving more than 2.3 million pounds of food using their I-Rescue App.

We’ve also developed relationships with individuals like Marshall Crane of HMS Host and companies like Avolta, which has allowed us to rescue thousands of pounds of ready-to-eat wraps, salads, and healthy bites from Newark Liberty International Airport.

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:

Three people smiling indoors next to a table overflowing with bags of groceries, including fresh fruit like apples and oranges, as well as packaged snacks, representing a food distribution or donation effort.

Editor’s note: This article has been aggregated from binje.com. To read the complete article, click here.

The Partners for Health Foundation has awarded a two-year, $120,000 grant to Table to Table, New Jersey’s first and largest food rescue nonprofit. The funding reinvests in Table to Table’s 27-year mission to reduce environmental food waste while directly addressing health inequities and hunger across northern New Jersey.

The grant arrives at a critical juncture for the region. State food systems are currently bracing for heightened demand due to recent SNAP policy changes and eligibility disruptions, which experts warm will significantly spike food insecurity.

“We are incredibly grateful for this generous grant, which is helping Table to Table advance our mission of keeping perfectly good food out of landfills while providing nourishment to children, families, seniors, and veterans facing food insecurity,” said Heather Thompson, executive director of Table to Table. “The foundation’s continued partnership has further fortified our food rescue efforts, allowing us to deepen our impact by growing our network of food donors, community partners, and volunteers.”

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: Feeding Hope: The “Ride to Independence” podcast interviewed Table to Table’s Executive Director Heather Thompson, who spoke about our mission and our Kick Hunger Out of NJ Tour during the FIFA World Cup.

Table to Table, New Jersey’s first food rescue organization, is feeding hope. It has been combating food waste and hunger since 1999.

Executive Director Heather Thompson shares how the organization collects fresh food from local businesses and events, like the FIFA World Cup, to feed the community. Their Kick Hunger out of New Jersey tour shows how large events can contribute to food security by rescuing surplus food. By collaborating with a wide network of pantries and shelters, Table to Table ensures that delicious, nutritious meals reach those in need without delay, proving that the solution lies in better distribution rather than more food production.

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:

‘We couldn’t do it without Table to Table’s help.’

Editor’s note: This story originally appeared on CBS New York.

A New Jersey charity is on a mission to make sure nothing goes to waste at 2026 Men’s World Cup Watch Parties in the state. 

Table to Table, a Saddle Brook-based nonprofit, launched an initiative to save leftover food from FIFA watch parties and get it to those who need it most all over northern and central Jersey. 

As soccer fan fever spreads across the Garden State, so do the crowds and the food. But what’s left behind doesn’t have to go to waste. 

The Kick Hunger out of New Jersey Tour is part of the call to rescue surplus meals from World Cup watch parties at restaurants and event spaces, food trucks, and fan festivals.

“We’re packing up food for hundreds of meals that’s already cooked, already prepared, ready to eat. And that is such a gift to our communities,” said Heather Thompson, with Table to Table. 

Restaurants, venues and watch party event organizers can donate surplus food if it’s been prepared in commercial kitchens, Table to Table says.   

During the 39-day tournament, the charity’s tour van is traveling around the state as crews work in real-time to pack up meals within hours and get them out to local partners. 

Food sent to Parkside Community Church in Westwood quickly goes to families who rely on fresh options. 

“The clients that we have, who come here regularly, this is their grocery shopping for the week. They can’t afford to buy food on their own,” said Lisa Bontemps, with the church. 

A Win for All

Table to Table’s initiative is a win on two fronts: cutting down food waste and helping tackle hunger across North Jersey. 

“We realized that there was a real opportunity to get even more of that food out into our community and make sure that those celebrations benefited as many people as possible,” said Thompson. 

“This is critical for them. We couldn’t do it without Table to Table’s help,” said Bontemps.

With dozens of World Cup events still ahead, organizers said they’re just getting started.

The tournament’s championship match will be on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford.

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:

Saddle Brook-based nonprofit is collecting surplus food at World Cup festivals, such as Flag Cities

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

If you’re planning an event to celebrate the World Cup, make sure you have plenty of food. And if you have plenty of food left over, make sure you remember Table to Table, North Jersey’s leading food-rescue network.

Based in Saddle Brook, Table to Table turns surplus meals into immediate help for hungry neighbors. That’s the basis of its Kick Hunger Out of New Jersey Tour.

The Table to Table Tour Van has been on the road throughout the World Cup, rescuing surplus food from the Goya Presents Flag Cities fan festivals, as well as local parties and special events, and delivering directly to our neighbors in need.

Jim Kirkos, Chief Executive Officer of the Meadowlands Chamber and one of the creators of the Flag Cities festivals, said his group is eager to support the fine work Table to Table does.

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:

Julie received the Transformational Leadership Award

Julie Kinner, Table to Table’s longtime Vice President of Operations, was honored with a Russ Berrie Making a Difference Award at a ceremony Friday.

Julie and 29 other Berrie Award recipients were honored by the Russell Berrie Foundation. She received the foundation’s Transformational Leadership Award. The special award recognizes inspiring leaders and volunteers who “extend the ripple effect of good works that will continue to transform lives and communities around New Jersey.” Recipients must be nominated by previous Berrie Award honorees.

Julie has been affiliated with Table to Table since it’s founding in 1999. She spent her first six years as a volunteer, helping to organize food donors, connect us with community organizations feeding people in need, and raise awareness and funds to keep the organization going and growing.

Related: Russ Berrie Making a Difference Award Honors Table to Table’s Julie Kinner

“Without Julie, Table to Table simply would not be the force for good that it has become in New Jersey. If a community partner needs help, she’s the first to raise her hand, and if someone reaches out with a question or concern, she picks up the phone and asks, ‘What can we do?’” said Heather Thompson, Executive Director of Table to Table. “Julie has been the quite but steady force behind so much of our growth, success, and impact for 26 years and counting.”

It is the 30th and final year the foundation is administering the awards. Table to Table Founder Claire Insalata Poulos, received a Berrie Award in 2010.

“As the awards come to a close, I cannot think of a New Jersey leader more deserving of being celebrated for the difference she makes, which translates into nourishment for hundreds of thousands of our neighbors every year,” Heather said.

Congratulations, Julie!

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 binje.com. Click here to read the entire article.

Table to Table’s Vice President of Operations Julie Kinner will be honored with a Russ Berrie Making a Difference Award Friday.

Kinner will receive the organization’s Transformational Leadership Award. This award recognizes inspiring leaders and volunteers nominated by previous honorees.

“Through their dedicated service to others, they extend the ripple effect of good works that will continue to transform lives and communities around New Jersey,” the organization said.

This year is final year the awards will be administered; 2026 is the first time the Russell Berrie Foundation has designated half of its award to Gen Z changemakers younger than 27. The foundation has honored 500 individuals in its 30-year history.

“This is Russ’s lasting legacy: to connect the past to the future and create a community of individuals who, together, are making a positive impact,” said Angelica Berrie, president of the Russell Berrie Foundation.

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:

A new 2026 law requires local districts to reduce their food waste by half by 2035.

Editor’s note: This story was originally published by Waste 360. Click here to read the article.

A new 2026 law requires each New Jersey solid waste management district to develop and implement a strategy that will reduce food waste by at least 50 percent by 2030. The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection needs to approve the strategies.

The bill increases the local focus of food waste reduction. Districts are required to increase the donation of “surplus edible food,” develop food waste diversion methods that also reduce methane emissions, and increase public awareness of surplus food waste.

Table to Table Executive Director Heather Thompson praised the bill’s passage.

“I think this bill will strengthen county- and community-level awareness of the impact of food waste. And it will strengthen the commitment to implement solutions locally, instead of seeing the problem as too large to solve or too removed to be concerned about. We are already seeing positive impacts in a couple of counties,” Thompson told Waste360.

Thompson also said it allows Table to Table to build deeper partnerships in our five-county footprint, “and it opens opportunities to work more closely with county and municipal leaders to explore and implement strategies to expand our work and achieve food waste reduction goals.”

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 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:

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