What is food rescue?
A food rescue program picks up excess prepared and perishable food from food establishments and professional kitchens and redistributes it to others who can use it. In 2021, Table to Table began its 22nd year rescuing food in our community.
Where does the food go?
Rescued food is taken to a variety of not-for-profit agencies feeding hungry people in Bergen County, Essex County, Passaic County, and Hudson County.
Food is transported in our refrigerated vehicles to more than 250 local agencies, including: food pantries, daycare centers, senior centers, substance abuse and rehabilitation programs, churches and agencies helping support the working poor.
What makes Table to Table different from a food bank?
Table to Table redistributes only fresh, wholesome foods, which it delivers on the day it is received. Food banks typically collect, warehouse and distribute canned and non-perishable foods. Unlike some food banks, Table to Table never charges a fee to the recipient agencies for the food it delivers.
If it is good food, why isn't it consumed?
Overbuying, incorrect anticipation of consumer choices, manufacturing and distribution issues and weather conditions can create food overages.
How is hunger defined?
The uneasy or painful sensation caused by a prolonged lack of food.
What is food insecurity?
Limited or uncertain availability of nutritionally adequate food.
Who is hungry?
Sadly, 1 in 6 Americans does not have enough food to eat and requires emergency food assistance. And, 1 in 5 children is born into food insecure households.
Women in food insecure households frequently are at the greatest risk, depriving themselves of nutritionally adequate foods to make those foods available to their children and husbands.
Aren't there liability issues in donating food?
Both the federal government and the state of New Jersey enacted laws to protect food donors. The Federal Children's Nutrition Assistance Act and the New Jersey Good Samaritan Act provide immunity from liability to those donating food.
Why is it more efficient to give to Table to Table rather than give food directly to a pantry?
Because Table to Table delivers to more than 250 agencies, it serves tens of thousands of people weekly. Additionally, smaller agencies with few resources have an equal opportunity to share in the fresh food that Table to Table delivers.
I’m considering making a donation and want to know how my money will be used.
Ninety-eight percent of every dollar we raise goes directly into our program. Table to Table has been awarded the prestigious 4-star rating by Charity Navigator for more than 10 consecutive years. Currently, we are ranked one of the most efficient not-for-profits in the entire state of New Jersey. We have also earned the Guidestar Exchange Platinum Level designation. Click the logos below to learn more.
