Beloved annual event raises awareness and funds for hunger-relief, featuring Melissa Clark
HILLSIDE, NJ — November 5, 2024
The Community FoodBank of New Jersey (CFBNJ) hosted its Ninth Annual Women Fighting Hunger Luncheon on Wednesday, October 30 at the Park Avenue Club in Florham Park and the Linwood Country Club in Linwood to support CFBNJ’s efforts to nourish New Jersey families in need. For the third time, the event was held in both North Jersey and South Jersey simultaneously to generate funds and awareness across the state. In total, 570 people attended the Luncheon, which raised more than $408,000, thanks to the event sponsors, chairs, and attendees.
The North Jersey event was sponsored by Wakefern Food Corp., and the South Jersey event was sponsored by ACME Nourishing Neighbors and Spencer’s & Spirit Halloween. This year’s Luncheon focuses on providing nourishing and comforting meals for children and families at home.
Guests were encouraged to bring donations for a weekday dinner meal kit, based on Melissa Clark’s adapted recipe for Lemony Baked Rice. The drive collected 1,746 pounds of food, including shelf-stable lemon juice, shelf-stable grated Parmesan cheese, microwavable basmati rice, bottled dried herbs, canned white beans, and vegetable broth.
This year’s Luncheon began at 11 am with a special kit packing volunteer activity at both locations. Guests created nearly 616 family meal kits, which were distributed to CFBNJ community partners immediately following the event to help families in need create a nourishing dinner at home.
The event’s lunch and formal program featured an interview with Melissa Clark, New York Times Food Columnist and Cookbook Author. Clark is a staff reporter for the New York Times Food section, where she writes the popular column “A Good Appetite” and appears in a weekly cooking video series. She is also an advocate and voice of the home cook and has written more than 40 cookbooks. The interview was live in North Jersey and simulcast in South Jersey.
“Being a cookbook author means having a voice to share my passion for food and cooking. Each recipe I have created throughout the years invites individuals across the world to explore new flavors and create new memories.” said Melissa Clark, cookbook author and staff reporter for the New York Times food section. “Sharing meals at the table fosters connection and healthy eating habits for both children and adults to instill in everyday life.”
The North Jersey program was moderated by NBC 4 New York’s Kay Angrum. The South Jersey program was moderated by local health reporter Robin Stoloff. In North Jersey, CFBNJ’s community partner and recipient of Hope award at CFBNJ’s Blue Jean Ball Gala, Tree House Cares, Founder and Director, Tanya Veltz joined the program to speak about the work they do around the clock in the Newark community. In South Jersey, CFBNJ’s network partner, Chesnut Assembly of God, pantry manager, Cheron Rosado joined the program to speak about the pantry and community it serves.
“Our goal is for every family across the state to have access to nutritious food,” said Elizabeth McCarthy, President & CEO of Community FoodBank of New Jersey. “A family meal and a seat at the table can open healthy and encouraging dialogues that help shape the well-being of all.”
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The Community FoodBank of New Jersey (CFBNJ) is the largest anti-hunger, anti-poverty organization in the state, where nearly one million neighbors, including 1 in 8 children, struggle with the emptiness caused by hunger. We are the lead source of nourishing food for 800 pantries serving everyone from infants to college students to families and seniors. Our comprehensive approach addresses the root causes of hunger through food benefits and social services, job training and certification, local farm partnerships, and food policies that nurture all New Jerseyans. By providing food, help, and hope, we are building a food secure future for New Jersey. CFBNJ is a proud member of Feeding America®.