Beloved annual event raises awareness and funds for hunger relief, featuring Melissa Clark
The Community FoodBank of New Jersey (CFBNJ) hosted its ninth annual Women Fighting Hunger Luncheon on Wednesday, Oct. 30 at the Park Avenue Club in Florham Park and the Linwood Country Club 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 a.m. 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 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, Chestnut Assembly of God, and 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 and 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.”
