2020 NJFC Leadership Development class members being introduced at the Good Government Breakfast.
TRENTON — The New Jersey Food Council (NJFC) introduced the 2020 Leadership Development Class last week at the Food Council Committee for Good Government (FCCfGG) Annual “Good Government” Breakfast. During the presentation, the outgoing class was recognized with a special gift as they graduated from the year long program.
“We are very excited for this upcoming group of rising stars in the food industry who we believe will play an important role in the future of the Food Council,” said NJFC Linda Doherty. “The NJ food industry continues to enhance the public policy perspective of these future leaders and we are committed to sharing a unique experience and insight into government and business partnerships.”
Additionally, Jessica Scaduto of Foodtown/Food Circus will take the helm as Chair of the Leadership Development Program and Matthew Lipowski of Bimbo Bakeries will become Vice Chair. Howie Kent of Krasdale Foods was recognized at the Breakfast for his outstanding work as outgoing Chair of the program and for mentoring these future food industry leaders.
Launched in 2014, the Food Council Leadership Development Program provides training for future leaders who have a passion for working in the food industry, possess an interest in the dynamics and trends of government, and want to make a difference in the direction of the industry. Below are the members of the 2020 NJFC Leadership Development class:
TRENTON –– The New Jersey Food Council (NJFC) has announced an exciting new partnership with the New Jersey Clean Communities Council (NJCCC), known as the “Choose to Reuse” campaign.
The statewide educational effort is designed to tackle the issue of single-use disposal bags and encourage consumers to bring their own reusable bags when they shop. This campaign was announced at the annual Food Council Committee for Good Government Breakfast on October 2, with nearly 200 industry representatives, legislators, policy makers and business leaders in attendance.
“One of the biggest environmental challenges today is addressing disposable items, such as single-use plastic and paper bags,” noted NJFC President Linda Doherty. “We have launched the “Choose to Reuse” campaign to educate and remind consumers about their options for sustainability at the checkout counter. Consumers are urged to bring their reusable bags when they shop, reduce their consumption of disposable bags, and recycle their plastic bags.”
NJCCC Executive Director Sandy Huber said this is an ideal campaign for her Council, which is the state’s leading anti-litter advocate and develops ongoing educational campaigns designed to keep bags, and other garbage, off public lands and out of waterways.
“This is a great opportunity to engage consumers by offering them simple steps they can take to fight litter and waste in their communities,” Huber said. “We look forward to engaging our Clean Communities Coordinators around the state about Choose to Reuse and urge them to spread these important messages in their own towns.”
Just this week, Monmouth University released a poll showing 65% of New Jersey residents support a statewide plastic bag policy. NJFC has been at the forefront of promoting a statewide bag policy and the need to increase sustainability in all communities.
The NJFC has been consistently encouraging state legislators to approve a uniform statewide law, which applies to all 565 municipalities in New Jersey, to phase out both paper and plastic single-use bags and transition to reusable bags.
The New Jersey Food Council is the Garden State’s preeminent trade association representing 1,200 retail food stores, wholesalers, manufacturing and service companies that collectively employ more than 200,000 associates in NJ. For more information, visit www.njfoodcouncil.com.
TRENTON — The New Jersey Food Council (NJFC) recently celebrated the graduation of its 2019 Leadership Development Class at a Reception at the new NJ Food Council Headquarters in Trenton, New Jersey. Launched in 2014, the Food Council Leadership Development Program provides training for future leaders who have a passion for working in the food industry, possess an interest in the dynamics and trends of government, and want to make a difference in the direction of the industry.
During the final session, NJ Department of Agriculture Secretary Doug Fisher presented his insights on the changing landscape of agriculture in New Jersey and the role the food industry plays collaborating with the agriculture sector. Additionally, Retail Food Project Leader Bill Manley, NJ Department of Health, discussed the role of today’s health inspection process and reforming the State Food Code.
Each year, NJFC member companies have the ability to nominate potential candidates for participation in the program. NJFC’s Leadership Development Team then selects individuals who have demonstrated a commitment to the New Jersey Food Council and who have great potential for growth and advancement in the food distribution business.
“This was an exceptional class of talented rising stars in the food industry who we believe will play an important role in the future of the Food Council,” said NJFC Linda Doherty. “One of the main goals of this program is to educate young professionals on public policy areas that impact their business and the food industry, as well as prepare them for future leadership roles.
“The training and mentoring they received throughout this year long program will help advance their careers, and ensure the food industry continues to flourish,” Doherty continued. “We proudly congratulate the group for their hard work and commitment to the program and we look forward to their continued success, leadership, and involvement with the Food Council.”
Below are the individuals in this year’s graduating NJFC Leadership Development class:
The Advantage Solutions team enjoying the day on the links.
The Brookdale/Newark ShopRite team receiving their Best Team Score Award.
TRENTON, NJ – The New Jersey Food Council (NJFC) held its Annual Golf Outing on Monday, July 29, 2019, at the prestigious Suburban Golf Club in Union, New Jersey. While it was a scorching day on the links, it was the perfect day for business and networking. There was a strong showing of food industry executives representing retail, manufacturers, brokers, wholesalers and convenience stores from across New Jersey.
“Every year this outing is a great networking opportunity for food trade associates and retail executives. The generosity we receive from members who donate to our bountiful goody bags and robust raffle donations always makes this a popular event. The golf outing is a key fundraiser for the association since it helps support our many ongoing initiatives and campaigns throughout the year to serve the food industry.” said NJFC President Linda Doherty.
The winning golfers were as follows:
Best Team Score 1: Chase Bank
Herman Dodson, Chase Bank, Brian Huff, Chase Bank,
Best Team Score 2: Brookdale/Newark ShopRite
Closest to the Pin:
Ed Donahue, Brookdale/Newark ShopRite
Closest to the Line (Men & Women):
Debbie Pregiato, Advantage Solutions
Rich Gingo, Cargill Salt
MONROE, NJ- Recently, the New Jersey Food Council (NJFC) hosted a special event to honor 2019 scholarship recipients from the Educational Development Scholarship Foundation at Forsgate Country Club, Monroe. The recipients and their families were joined by members of the Board of Directors as well as company sponsors of the individual scholarship awards.
Since the inception of the Scholarship Program in 2011, the three NJFC scholarships have grown from $2,000 to $5,000 each and now the Foundation manages an additional 16 member supported scholarships. In all, 19 scholarships will be awarded this year totaling $62,000.
“We continue to be impressed with how significantly our scholarship program has expanded over the last few years and the impact it has had in these students,” said NJFC President & CEO Linda Doherty. “The growth of our scholarship program since 2011 is a rewarding benefit to our members and their families. The overwhelming support of our members and the opportunity to make such a meaningful contribution to the lives of these associates and their families makes this one of the most rewarding programs we offer. We congratulate this year’s winners and their families on a job well done and encourage our recipients to pursue their careers with purpose, passion and pride.”
The following scholarships were awarded this year by NJFC:
NJFC Founders Scholarship Award – An award of $5,000 to an employee in a food related member business or future industry leader.
Recipient: Eun Kyung Jeon, Wawa, Northeastern University (Junior)
NJFC Student Award – An award of $5,000 to a graduating high school senior or college student who is a family member of a full time employee, NJFC employee or part-time student employee.
Recipient: Collen Kelly, C&S Wholesale Grocers, St. Joseph’s University (Junior)
NJFC Thomas Infusino Scholarship Award – An award of $5,000 to one employee in a retail member business.
Whole Foods Market Scholarship – An award of $2,000 to a team member.
Recipient: Bryan Bonilla, Whole Foods Market, Bronx Community College (Sophomore)
Whole Foods Market Scholarship – An award of $2,000 to a team member.
Recipient: Michael Somma, Whole Foods Market, Essex Community College (Sophomore)
Whole Foods Market Scholarship – An award of $2,000 to a team member.
Recipient: Jhonson Zami, Whole Foods Market, University of Bridgeport (Junior)
Whole Foods Market Scholarship – An award of $2,000 to a team member.
Recipient: Kosisochukwu Okonkwo-Barzey, Whole Foods Market, Hunter College CUNY (Senior)
The New Jersey Food Council is the Garden State’s preeminent trade association representing almost 400 members serving the retail, wholesale and manufacturing segments of the New Jersey food distribution industry.
