As a publicist at Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn, Meara Nigro helped organize a food drive for the Community FoodBank of New Jersey during a production of Oliver! Years later, after losing her job, she applied for a communications and advocacy role at CFBNJ, a decision that never imagined would shape her future so profoundly.
“I wanted a job that was emotionally satisfying,” Meara recalled. “Working at the FoodBank allowed me to combine my skills in publicity with my passion for social justice.”
Meara’s role was dynamic. From organizing press coverage to advocating for funding, every day brought a new challenge. One particularly memorable moment was when she had to ask for funding from Governor Christine Todd Whitman’s campaign surplus without any prior preparation.
“Kathleen told me to take her car and go to Trenton immediately. I barely knew how to drive a station wagon, and I couldn’t even reach the pedals! But somehow, I found the place, made my pitch, and we got the money.
Advocacy in state government was at the heart of Meara’s work. “We fought for a line item in the state budget to ensure food banks could buy fresh, nutritious food,” she said. “It wasn’t just about getting food; it was about getting the right food.”
Meara was also meaningfully involved in the FoodBank’s work culture.
“It was more than just a workplace; it was a community. There was this unspoken understanding that we were all in this together.” This extended to animals as well. “One day, a worker found an abandoned kitten and brought it to us. We took turns feeding it until Kathleen adopted it. Then there was Wendell, the snapping turtle we nursed back to health.”
After retiring in 2010, Meara continued her commitment to social justice and animal welfare.
“I’m still involved with the Summit Animal League, and I keep an eye on hunger advocacy. The fight isn’t over.” Reflecting on her career, she takes pride in what she helped accomplish. “The FoodBank isn’t just a warehouse full of food — it’s a lifeline for so many people. I’m proud to have been part of that.”
Meara’s legacy is one of tireless advocacy: “I once said my proudest moments were being ridiculed by Rush Limbaugh and praised by Bruce Springsteen. That sums it up—I stood up for what I believed in, no matter what.”