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Table to Table helped transport thousands of Thanksgiving turkeys, chickens, and meal kits from HelloFresh, a longtime food donor partner, to Newark residents in partnership with the City of Newark this week, continuing a tradition that began during the COVID-19 pandemic.

HelloFresh donated 2,000 turkeys and 6,000 boxes of fresh food, including potatoes, cranberries, apples, and carrots, along with step-by-step instructions so residents could prepare the complete Thanksgiving dinner.

“As New Jersey’s first and largest food rescue nonprofit, we are honored to be part of this effort to ensure that even more of our neighbors have fresh, nourishing, delicious food for the holidays this year,” said Table to Table Executive Director Heather Thompson. “Everyone deserves a good meal and when we work together, we can ensure that our neighbors have enough all year around.”

Newark Mayor Ras Baraka said he was “grateful” for HelloFresh’s continued commitment to the greater Newark community.

The event marked a milestone for HelloFresh’s Meals With Meaning program, which has distributed 3 million fresh meals to Newark families since its launch in 2020 during the COVID-19 shutdown.

“Thanksgiving is especially meaningful in Newark because we are a city that comes together to give,” Baraka said. “I wish everyone in Newark a happy Thanksgiving.”

Table to Table has long partnered with HelloFresh to distribute fresh meal kits containing vegetables, fruits, and other healthy selections in the Ironbound section of Newark and other locations.

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.

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Table to Table is NJ"s first and most successful food rescue nonprofit organization.

November 12, 2025 – Saddle Brook, NJ – Table to Table, New Jersey’s first and largest food rescue organization, and the Bloomfield School District have joined forces to reduce food waste and feed those in need with the first ever district-wide food rescue partnership. As part of the collaboration, nourishing surplus meals and snacks from 10 school cafeterias are being rescued weekly by volunteers, and delivered to local community pantries through Table to Table’s I-Rescue App. To volunteer in picking up surplus food from the Bloomfield Schools and delivering it to local pantries, learn more here.

“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,” said Heather Thompson, Executive Director, Table to Table. “We work with food businesses of all types and sizes, but it’s especially inspiring to see our schools and students stepping up to help in this way, especially as a Bloomfield resident and Franklin School parent myself. Through our collaboration with the District, we’ve already rescued enough food for over 7,000 meals since our launch last month – and those meals and snacks go right to our neighbors in need,” Thompson concluded.

The participating Bloomfield Schools include Berkeley School; Bloomfield High School; Bloomfield Middle School; Brookdale School; Carteret School; Demarest School; Fairview School; Franklin School; Oak View School, and Watsessing School.

“It is with great pride that the efforts of our Bloomfield Schools–in partnership with Table to Table–will not only help our local communities but also our planet,” said Salvatore Goncalves, Bloomfield Superintendent of Schools. “To be the first school in the district to accomplish this feat demonstrates true leadership,” Goncalves concluded.

The Franklin School has leveraged this partnership with a comprehensive calendar of student engagement, focusing on food waste reduction and food insecurity literacy, including a lunchtime cafeteria ‘audit’ to better understand food waste in the school and beyond, a food drive to collect fresh produce for the community, and a series of interactive learning centers focused on educating and empowering students about food insecurity and reducing food waste. Additional plans for next year are being finalized.

“I am incredibly proud of our Franklin School students, community, and faculty, especially our Kindergarten teachers, Michele Topolski and Janelle Acosta, who are the driving force behind our commitment to reducing food waste,” said Ms. Marianne Abbasso, Principal, Franklin Elementary School. “The positive impact that this partnership and the classroom activities will have on our community certainly reinforces the adage, that “all you really need to know… you learned in kindergarten,” concluded Principal Abbasso.

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 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 impacting the environment.

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

Barring an unexpected last-minute move, more than 800,000 New Jersey residents will not have their SNAP cards filled on Nov. 1 due to the ongoing federal shutdown.

Dozens (if not hundreds) of organizations around the state are making urgent pleas for assistance. All deserve consideration. (Donate here)

Here is one of them, from Heather Thompson, the executive director at Table to Table. It was sent out to their database earlier today:

“I am writing to you on a truly somber note as the looming food insecurity crisis draws near. At this very moment, food pantries and emergency food providers across New Jersey are facing growing and unprecedented demand as the ongoing federal shutdown delays SNAP benefits. Based on what we know now, beginning on November 1 over 800,000 New Jersey residents – families with children; working folks like teachers and restaurant servers; senior citizens and veterans – will not have their SNAP cards filled until further notice.

“As a result, lines at pantries are already growing longer by the day – and our 300+ community partners are reaching out to us every day, desperate for more fresh food to support the growing need.

“Rescuing and delivering free, surplus food to communities in need is Table to Table’s core mission and daily work. And as need spikes in our communities, we are doubling down. Our drivers are working overtime, picking up surplus fresh food from farms, distributors, meal kit companies, and supermarkets. Our devoted ‘Food Rescue Hero’ volunteers are running rescues 7 days a week to pick up food from local markets, cafeterias, and restaurants, and delivering directly to nearby partners.

“Everyone can play a role to rescue food and feed our neighbors during this time – including you.

“Every single dollar you donate provides the resources to rescue and deliver food for another 10 meals. A donation of $344 funds a refrigerated truck and driver for a full day, rescuing enough fresh food for thousands of meals.

“If you are in a position to give, please know that your gift will go to work immediately to feed neighbors right here in New Jersey. (Donate here)

Want to do more? Table to table invites you to connect with key people in their organization:

Individuals + Families
Volunteer to run a food rescue: I-Rescue – Table to Table
Host food drive: Christine Zeni, Network Director czeni@tabletotable.org
Donate: Emergency Food Support – Table to Table

Corporations and Community/Civic Organizations
Volunteer, donate or host a food drive: bmartin@tabletotable.org

Food Businesses and Restaurants
Donate surplus food for pick up: Christine Zeni, Network Director czeni@tabletotable.org

Schools
Host a food drive or donate surplus food: Stephanie Conley Webb, Volunteer Manager sconley-webb@tabletotable.org

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

Food banks across New Jersey are seeing signs of mounting demands as the ongoing federal government shutdown disrupts and threatens to delay Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP benefits for thousands of low-income families, NorthJersey.com reported.

In cities from Paterson to Montclair and in Bergen County, the ripple effects are beginning to show. At Table to Table, a food rescue nonprofit that sources surplus food for about 300 food pantries across North Jersey, the ripple effects are already being felt.

“Nov. 1 is right around the corner, and over 800,000 New Jersey residents will not have their SNAP cards refilled,” said Heather Thompson, the group’s executive director. “This will impact working families, veterans, seniors, and children who rely on SNAP to get food on the table. Our pantry partners are telling us the lines are getting longer each day, and the full impact of the hold on SNAP funding hasn’t yet been felt.”

Thompson said Table to Table has been fielding daily calls from community partners requesting more food, particularly meat, produce and other perishable items.

“We’re working seven days a week to deliver as much free, fresh food as possible,” she said. “We’re stretched from a staffing perspective, but our team is doubling down. We’re asking food donors and volunteers to step up during this unprecedented strain our families and seniors.”

Table to Table is urging local businesses to donate surplus food and volunteers to sign up through its I-Rescue App, which allows residents to pick up and deliver food rescues in their area.

Related:

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

Affinity Federal Credit Union marked its fourth annual Impact Day by partnering with Table to Table, New Jersey’s first and largest food rescue organization, to provide nearly 5,000 meals to local families in need.

The major volunteer effort saw over 370 Affinity employees participate at the credit union’s headquarters in Basking Ridge on Oct. 14 (Columbus Day/Indigenous People’s Day), when branches were closed. Employees from across Affinity’s tri-state footprint—from New Jersey to Connecticut—assembled meals, including sandwiches, snacks, and water, and included words of inspiration for recipients.

The prepared meals were distributed to 16 community nonprofits across the northern half of New Jersey that work directly with individuals and families facing hunger.

News 12 New Jersey ran a story about food prices rising faster than inflation, an estimated 30% since the COVID pandemic. Our Executive Director Heather Thompson spoke with News12 about individuals and families experiencing food insecurity and the choices they’re making regarding what food to purchase.

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Editor’s note: This story originally aired on News 12 New Jersey. Click here for the story.

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Over 370 staff members partnered with New Jersey food rescue program to support local hunger relief efforts

Basking Ridge, NJ – Affinity Federal Credit Union (“Affinity”) hosted its fourth annual Impact Day by partnering Table to Table, New Jersey’s first and largest food rescue organization, to provide nearly 5,000 meals to local families in need. Over 370 Affinity employees took part in the event at the credit union’s headquarters in Basking Ridge on Columbus Day/Indigenous People’s Day, October 14, when branches were closed. Employees made meals including sandwiches, snacks, water and wrote words of inspiration for recipients. The meals were distributed to 16 community non-profits across the northern half of New Jersey that work directly with individuals and families in need.

“This collective effort by Affinity’s employees across our footprint, from Lawrenceville, New Jersey to New Haven, Connecticut and everywhere in between hits at the core of our mission of people helping people,” said Kevin Brauer, CEO and President of Affinity Federal Credit Union. “The feeling of giving back to our communities is like no other. I’m proud of our work to tackle food insecurity and support some of those most impacted.”

The event marked the largest single-day volunteer initiative in the history of Table to Table, which has partnered with community service groups across North Jersey since its inception in 1999. Table to Table collects fresh, nutritious food that would otherwise go to waste from farms, distributors, stores, restaurants and more, and delivers it for free directly to organizations that feed the hungry.

“We are incredibly overjoyed by the collaboration, enthusiasm, and commitment of Affinity’s volunteers to give back to our communities in need,” said Heather Thompson, Executive Director of Table to Table. “This effort not only provides nourishment to thousands of struggling neighbors, but also it provides hope. We are grateful to Affinity for making an event of this scale a successful reality.”

“This year’s Impact Day demonstrates how powerful we can be when we work together toward a shared goal,” said Kelly Watts, Executive Director of the Affinity Foundation. “By partnering with Table to Table, our team made a tangible difference for thousands of our neighbors, reinforcing our belief that financial wellbeing begins with basic security and support.”

About Affinity Federal Credit Union

Affinity Federal Credit Union is a full-service financial institution, member-owned and community-focused, with a mission to nurture your financial wellbeing. With 20 branches across the tri-state area, Affinity is the largest credit union headquartered in the state of New Jersey, proudly ranking in the top 2% of all credit unions in terms of asset size¹. The Affinity difference is about people helping people on a deeper level and understanding what YOU need to make your unique dreams a reality. For more information, please visit www.affinityfcu.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 120,700 tons of nutritious food — enough for 241,400,846 million 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.

Click here to view a gallery of photos from the event.

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

Table to Table, New Jersey’s first and largest food rescue organization, concluded its second annual Partners in Good Health Conference earlier this year. The conference connects the nonprofit’s partner pantries, shelters, and other community partners, which distribute food donations to communities in need.

Related:

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

Table to Table, New Jersey’s largest food rescue organization, is set to host its annual Chefs Gala on Oct. 9, at Edgewood Country Club in River Vale. This year’s event will honor popular Italian American celebrity chef, restaurateur, and author Christian Petroni.

The gala will feature more than 25 chefs who will personally serve multi-course meals to guests at their tables, offering a unique and intimate dining experience. The event serves as a fundraiser to support Table to Table’s mission of rescuing food, reducing waste, and combating hunger in local communities.

“We are delighted to welcome Christian Petroni as our Honoree at this year’s Chefs Gala,” Heather Thompson, executive director of Table to Table said. “Not only is Chris’ passion for food, family, and community infectious; he is also strongly aligned with Table to Table’s food rescue mission and has a deep commitment to nourishing our neighbors in need.”

Related:

Personal, Multi-Course Dining Extravaganza, Featuring 25+ Notable Chefs, Takes Over Edgewood Country Club on October 9th

September 4, 2025 – Saddle Brook, NJ – On Wednesday, October 9th, Table to Table, New Jersey’s first and largest food rescue organization, will welcome to its Chefs Gala more than 25 notable chefs who will personally serve their signature multi-course menus tableside for guests. Shining in the spotlight will be this year’s honoree, Christian Petroni, the charismatic Italian American chef, restaurateur, and author. Table to Table’s Chefs Gala will be held at Edgewood Country Club in River Vale, NJ on October 9th at 5:30 p.m. Seats are limited, so reserve your table today!

This Chefs Gala offers a unique personal dining experience in the setting of an elegant Gala with unforgettable cuisine, impeccable wine pairings, an exciting live auction, and so much more—all in support of Table to Table’s mission to rescue food, reduce food waste, and relieve hunger in our communities.

“We are delighted to welcome Christian Petroni as our Honoree at this year’s Chefs Gala,” said Heather Thompson, executive director, Table to Table. “Not only is Chris’ passion for food, family, and community infectious; he is also strongly aligned with Table to Table’s food rescue mission and has a deep commitment to nourishing our neighbors in need,” Thompson concluded.

Chef Honoree Christian Petroni

From the age of six, all Christian ever wanted to do was to become a chef. Born and raised in the Bronx, NY, he spent his early years in the kitchen under the tutelage of Andy Pforzheimer and the Barteca Group until opening his own wood-fire Italian restaurant, Fortina. He opened five more successful restaurants in just eight years, becoming one of New York’s authorities on Italian cuisine and the art of red sauce. Christian hit the national stage, winning Next Food Network Star season 14 and became an instant fan favorite through his charm and infectious positivity. He became a recurring guest judge on Food Network shows that include: Chopped, Beat Bobby Flay, Guy’s Grocery Games, Diners Drive Ins, and Dives, and Tournament of Champions. Christian founded Gabagool Media, a multi-media and consulting company specializing in content creation, apparel, and providing guidance for chefs and small businesses worldwide. Christian’s first cookbook, Parm to Table, hits shelves Sept. 23, 2025. At his core, Christian loves to connect with people through food and lives to make them feel like family.

Co-Chairpersons Chefs Jamie Knott and Ryan DePersio

Chef Jamie Knott is owner of Saddle River Inn, Saddle River Cafe, Cellar 335, and Madame. He is also a Table to Table Trustee. Chef Ryan De Persio is the Chef/Partner of Battello, Kitchen Step, Ember & Eagle, and TillingHouse. Both are long-time supporters of Table to Table’s food rescue mission.

2025 Chef Gala Participants

John Michael Beam – Aficionado Coffee Roasters

Brandon Campney – Sterling Tavern

AJ Capella – Summit House

Bianca Concepcion and Jeff Galan – Fossil Farms

Michael Cosenza – Mike’s Pasta Shoppe

Mary Cumella and Logan Ramirez – Gioia Mia

Ryan DePersio – Battello, Kitchen Step, Ember & Eagle, and TillingHouse

David Felton – Morris Proper

Leia Gaccione – The Saint Clair

Felix Gonzalez – Viaggio Ristorante

Melany Gonzalez – Saddle River Inn

Alex Gorant – Axia Taverna

Bryan Gregg – Blue Morel

Dan Lipow – Foraged Feast

Lulu’s Truck

Christina Marcelli – Marcelli Formaggi

Off The Hook Seafood

Sal Pisani – Jersey Artisan Co.

Tim Quinlan – Ava’s Kitchen

Andrew Riccatelli – Bacarosa

Dean Schreefer – Echo Lake Country Club

Robert Sigona – Gelotti

Tom Silvestri – Ora

Melissa Stanard – The Goods

Lawrence Talis – The Committed Pig

Joe Tartamella – Canoe Brook Country Club

Geoff Taylor – The 130 Club

Christina Vene – Cakes of Wrath

Wine pairings provided by Chuck Russo’s Wine and Spirit World

Breweries, Wineries, and Distilleries

Frankie Medina – JCR Hospitality, Battello, Kitchen Step, Ember & Eagle, and Tillinghouse

Dirty Pelican

Don Julio

Ghost Hawk Brewery

Sangri

Silk City Distillers

Tito’s

Wilson Daniels Wines

At this year’s Chefs Gala, Table to Table will proudly welcome five new members to its Founder’s Table: Edgar Brieva, James P. Bush, Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation, Jamie Milkman, and Gerard Woods.

The Founder’s Table was established in 2023 by Table to Table’s Founder Claire Insalata Poulos to recognize individuals, companies, and foundations that have provided extraordinary support to the nonprofit over its 26-year history.

Sponsors for this year’s Table to Table’s Chefs Gala include: American Express (Presenting); Crestron (Grand); Arca Restaurant and Lounge, David and Kathleen Hildes, Inserra ShopRite Supermarkets, and Summit Associates (Platinum); Restoration Technologies Inc. (Gold); Takasago and Tito’s Homemade Vodka (Silver); Charles Schwab (Bronze) and The YMCA Meadowlands (Bronze).

To help Table to Table in their mission to reduce food waste and address food insecurity in New Jersey, you can make a donation today – every dollar you contribute provides resources for the organization to rescue and deliver food for 10 healthy meals. For more information on Table to Table, visit www.tabletotable.org.

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 120,700 tons of nutritious food—enough for 241,400,846 million 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.

Press Contact:

Maria Sinopoli, Director of Marketing Communications, msinopoli@tabletotable.org

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Over 370 staff members partnered with New Jersey food rescue program to support local hunger relief efforts

Personal, Multi-Course Dining Extravaganza, Featuring 25+ Notable Chefs, Takes Over Edgewood Country Club on October 9th

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