Karen Meleta, Chief Communications Officer for Wakefern Food Corporation, has spent over 25 years in corporate communications and philanthropy, with a deep commitment to helping others. Her connection to the work of CFBNJ goes back to her childhood in Brooklyn, where she recalls her family experiencing financial struggles.
“We were fortunate to have our extended family to support and help us” Karen said, “Not everyone has that.” When she started working for Wakefern, its long-time support for fighting hunger and her personal experience drew her to CFBNJ, where she became a board member and an advocate for its work.
Karen remembers that CFBNJ Founder Kathleen DiChiara was determined to not only provide food but also change lives. Wakefern is one of CFBNJ’s oldest corporate partners, and this shared vision has helped drive Wakefern’s support of the FoodBank through food and financial donations; volunteerism; the ShopRite Partners In Caring program, which has raised more than $60 million for food banks across the region; and Check-Out Hunger, which allows shoppers to donate at the register.
“It’s a blessing when a family in need doesn’t have to worry about where their next meal is coming from. Knowing that someone cares and is there to help makes all the difference,” Karen explained.
Karen’s goal in supporting the FoodBank is not just short-term relief — she recognizes the value of finding long-term solutions, including job training programs.
“The Foodbank’s job training programs provide students with the skills they need to get jobs and build careers that can sustain them. I hope that one day hunger will no longer exist,” Karen said. “But until then, I know the food bank will always be there, bringing food, help, and hope to those in need.”
For Karen, the work with CFBNJ is more than a corporate initiative; it’s a personal mission to ensure that everyone has the chance for a better tomorrow.