Eligible students can now apply for the 2022 New Jersey Food Council (NJFC) Scholarship Program. This year, NJFC will be offering 28 scholarships totaling $92,500! The scholarship amount has increased this year by $20,500 due to the addition of 4 Glass Gardens ShopRite scholarships of $2,500 each, the Ben and Abe Glass Memorial Scholarships of $5,000 each and an increase of $500 to the QuickChek Corporation Scholarship.

“A goal of the New Jersey Food Council is to provide scholarships to students, employees and families of NJFC member companies and staff.   This program will provide member benefit investment in the future of the food industry and families of NJFC.  We’re thrilled to provide an additional $20,000 in funding to recipients this year through the newly created Abe Glass Memorial Scholarship, Ben Glass Memorial Scholarship, and 4 Glass Gardens ShopRites Scholarships,” said Linda Doherty, President and CEO of NJFC. 

This year’s scholarships are as follows:

1. NJFC Founders Scholarship – $5,000
2. NJFC Student Scholarship – $5,000
3. NJFC Thomas Infusino Scholarship – $5,000
4. NJFC Scholarships – (4 Scholarships – $2,500 each)
5. Acme & Kings Scholarship – Acme Markets/Kings Food Markets Employees and Family Members – $2,500
6. CBA Industries Scholarship – CBA and Retail Member Employees and Family Members – (2 Scholarships – $2,500 each)
7. Cuellar Family ShopRites Scholarship – Cuellar Employees and Family Members – $2,500
8. Lawrence R. Inserra Memorial Scholarship – Inserra Supermarket Employees and Family Members – $5,000
9. Glass Gardens ShopRite – Team Member Employed at Glass Gardens (4 Scholarships – $2,500 each)
10. Ben Glass Memorial Scholarship – Team Member Employed at Glass Gardens – $5,000
11. Abe Glass Memorial Scholarship – Team Member Employed at Glass Gardens – $5,000
12. Raymond J. Maniaci Scholarship Program – St. Joseph’s University Students Majoring in Food Marketing – $8,000
13. Robert Powell Memorial Scholarship – Allegiance Employees and Family Members – $5,000
14. QuickChek Corporation Scholarship – QuickChek Corporation Employees and Family Members – $2,500
15. Grace Scaduto Memorial Scholarship – $2,000
16. Wawa Education Scholarships – Wawa Employees and Family Members – (2 scholarships – $2,500 each)
17. Whole Foods Market Scholarships – Whole Foods Market Team Members – (4 Scholarships) – $2,500 each

Each scholarship has different requirements.  NJFC members and their families can now apply for the scholarships at www.njfoodcouncil.com. All applications are due no later than April 18, 2022. 

Selection committees evaluate applications based on applicant’s grades, written essay, letter of recommendation and financial need.  In 2021, 21 students received a total of $62,000 through the program.  Since its inception 11 years ago, 149 students received scholarships totaling $453,500 and this year that number will increase to 177 students for a total of $546,000.

The New Jersey Food Council (NJFC) is the Garden State’s preeminent trade association that represents the $136 billion food distribution network including 1,200 retail food stores, wholesalers, manufacturing and service companies that collectively employ more than 250,000 associates in NJ.

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TRENTON – December 15, 2021 – Across the Northeast Region, food business professionals participated in the New Jersey Food Council (NJFC) Night of Distinction event to honor its 2020 Industry Achievement Award recipients comprising prominent food industry executives who continue to innovate and propel the industry throughout the state.  It is considered the longest Night of Distinction in the making, as the pandemic prevented the celebration for nearly two years. You can view highlights of the event here:

The December event was held virtually as “Viewing parties” were thrown across the state, as honorees, the families and their associates watched the professionally produced show. Participants enjoyed champagne, chocolate and other goodies from a swag bag provided before the event.

“We are so pleased and proud that we finally could produce a high-quality virtual event to celebrate three industry leaders who have made such a meaningful contribution to advance the mission of the Food Council, have achieved significant grocery industry success, and have a history of civic service within the New Jersey food community,” said NJFC President & CEO Linda Doherty. “These individuals are truly an all-star lineup of industry leaders in New Jersey.”

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This year’s honorees included Daniel Dinkowitz, Senior Director of Omni-Channel Sales for Allegiance Retail Services; Suzanne DelVecchio, Corporate Counsel of QuickChek Corp., and Paul Patten, Group Vice President of Wakefern Food Corp.

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“It was a great privilege to honor these industry giants who work diligently to support our efforts and our association’s mission, even during the challenges of this pandemic,” Doherty said. “They’ve all demonstrated tremendous abilities to adapt to changing market and supply chain forces. It is particularly relevant to be able to honor them this year through a virtual platform streamed across the region.”

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Jimmy Ostling, of Ostling & Associates Sales and Marketing, Inc., was part of the presentation of the Industry Achievement Award to Dinkowitz, who said, “Danny is the perfect candidate to receive this prestigious award. His energy level, passion, creativity, and entrepreneurial mindset are among his key attributes. He’s a true merchandiser that has always focused on sales growth and has numerous accomplishments to support it.”

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Don Leech, Vice President of Marketing and Development at QuickChek, presented the award to DelVecchio, the NJFC secretary who has served as legal counsel for the convenience store chain for 20 years. DelVecchio, lauded as the model NJFC member, heads up government affairs for QuickChek and is a leader in addressing the food industry’s public policy issues in Trenton.

“Suzanne is a colleague, a confidant and a friend,” Leech said. “She has dedicated her entire career to QuickChek. Her role is not just counsel; she plays a much bigger role wherever needed. She’s always there to collaborate and is a real positive force for the entire food industry.”

Richard Saker, President & CEO of Saker ShopRites, said he has known Patten for more than 30 years, noting his colleague is widely regarded for his special, intuitive knowledge of the supermarket business.

“During the pandemic, Paul was a leader, a relentless, tremendous hard worker,” Saker said. “He understood the importance of essential workers and how critical the food industry is to customers. Paul was a stand-up guy through the crisis, with character and integrity. He is a giant.”

Michael Biase, Mission Foods, and Event Chair added: “The Night of Distinction truly represents the “who’s who” as we celebrate and pay tribute to our industry leaders who have helped us strive to be `the best in class’ food trade association in the country.”

When New Jersey’s grocery shoppers enter their local food store or supermarket, they expect to walk aisles filled with fresh food and fully stocked shelves. This is what consumers take for granted as “normal.”

But for the retailers who make sure consumers have the products they need, things are anything but normal. There remain supply-chain issues across many sectors of the consumer economy, as well as an ongoing struggle to find workers who are up for the demands of the 24-hour operation to feed New Jersey.

The supermarket industry — like other essential businesses — has stood on the front lines in the days, weeks and months of this lingering pandemic to ensure the stores remained open. We were there at all hours, and even joined in the effort of delivering COVID-19 vaccines as part of the massive rollout earlier this year.

As the global supply chain remains tight, profit margins are thinner than ever because of inflation. The cost of food last month increased 6.2%, compared to October 2020 — the greatest single-year jump that most people can remember. Meat, fish, eggs, bread and cheese — the staples of the typical kitchen — are facing some of the highest spikes. Grocers try to absorb costs and insulate consumers from price shocks, but there is only so much that can be done when costs increase so quickly and dramatically.

The situation can be overwhelming for the food industry, yet your local market remains open, serving the masses, as a proud essential service. Now is the time that New Jersey’s food retail industry could use help from our policymakers, as we share with them our pressing challenges.

The biggest issue facing food retailers is a significant worker shortage. Supermarkets offer good-paying, stable positions, often with some of the best companies to work for in the country. Retailers have raised wages, offered bonuses and even provided perks like tuition assistance, but positions remained unfilled. Shelves cannot be stocked and stores cannot remain open without dedicated workers. And with the growth in demand for online grocery shopping and delivery, there is an even greater need for employees to fulfill these orders.

Pending bills would add to costs

Although there is little that our state Legislature can do about the various issues impacting the supply chain and price increases, it can decide to not make matters worse. There are several bills pending in the Legislature right now that would hamper the daily delivery of food and further increase costs to consumers.

For example, a proposal to enact new “recycled content” requirements for rigid plastic and glass containers, beverage containers, carryout bags and plastic trash bags will increase the price of goods and add more hurdles toward sourcing food-grade materials. There’s another proposal to enact fines against retailers that mislabel produce as “locally grown.” It would levy a hefty price on stores for what is too often an unintended oversight in the rush to serve customers.

Gov. Phil Murphy and top state lawmakers have consistently praised the “essential” food industry for its resiliency and dedication during a pandemic that has dragged on for 20 months. And rightly so. This industry has stepped up whenever asked and will continue to do so. But we need our state lawmakers as partners in fulfilling the ongoing mission of feeding New Jersey.

The challenges are significant. As our industry battles with the instability of the supply chain and ongoing struggles in recruiting consistent labor, let’s work together on policies that strengthen the food industry.

Everyone needs help sometimes. The food retail industry hopes that relief — not more regulation — is on the way.

Share the full NJ Spotlight News Op-Ed here.

The New Jersey Food Council (NJFC), addressed the most pressing security issues in the food distribution and retail industry at the 2021 Northeast Regional Loss Prevention Conference and Expo on November 3. Linda Doherty, President & CEO of NJFC, said the event tackled all aspects of loss prevention, ensuring members have the latest information to protect their associates and members of the community with the latest de-escalation tactics as well as information pertaining to Organized Retail Crime. In addition, awards were presented to organizations and individuals committed to loss prevention.

“We have seen a drastic uptick in aggressive actions in retail stores that members need to incorporate de-escalation tactics, utilize the most current security resources, and maintain their partnership with law enforcement to prevent these situations,” she said. “This conference is always a must-attend event for our members, equipping them with the best strategies moving forward.”

Attendees heard multipronged approaches to tackling Organized Retail Crime, Trade Based Money Laundering & Illicit Tobacco Trends, and De-escalation Tactics in the age of the pandemic. “This is a critical time to share insight and collaborate with law enforcement in order to minimize negative impacts to retailers and protect our customers,” Doherty said.

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There was a panel on de-escalation tactics, from a retailer and law enforcement point of view. Moderated by Kristina Andrew, Senior Loss Prevention Advisor, Wawa, the panel featured:

• Heather Hearn, Senior Security Advisor for Wawa, who manages physical security and develops Wawa’s policies and training programs related to security.
• Sayreville Police Chief John Zebrowski, a 32-year veteran who is also a practicing attorney, certified public manager, and president of the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police.

Doherty said awards were presented to professionals who continually design and implement new strategies to combat loss prevention.

Kristina Andrew, of Wawa, received the 2021 NJFC Loss Prevention Professional Award. “Krissy has advanced the mission of loss prevention, offering significant contributions to protect and promote retail security issues as a member of our Loss Prevention Committee,” said Derrick Price of Wakefern and the NJFC chair of the Loss Prevention Committee. “She has tirelessly worked for the best interest of retail security throughout this region and volunteered her time and talent when it counted to make this conference a success as Conference Chair. Krissy is a dedicated loss prevention professional, whose hard work is well regarded and appreciated by her colleagues,” Price added.

There were also awards given for Retail Law Enforcement Achievement. Awardees included:

Mitchell Sklar, Executive Director, NJ State Association of Chiefs of Police was awarded a 2021 Retail Law Enforcement Award.

“The Food Council has worked extensively with Mitch on numerous emergency management projects and collaborated on law enforcement and retail programs,” Doherty said. “Mitch is always willing to provide insight, advice and guidance on complicated law enforcement issues that impact our retail members, and this collaboration has made us a stronger partner for our Loss Prevention program.”

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Additionally, Joseph Eden, Detective, Gloucester Township Police Department and Eric Hernando, Detective, Holmdel Township Police Department were also awarded 2021 Retail Law Enforcement Awards.

“These honorees provide tremendous service to the loss prevention industry with collective work that serves as a blueprint for effective public-private partnerships, as well as the building of relationships with the retail community to work towards common goals and public safety,” said Hobert.

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Attendees also heard from Lisa LaBruno, Senior Executive Vice President of Retail Operations & Innovation at the Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA). She addressed the explosion of the online marketplace and its toll on Organized Retail Crime which requires retailers and law enforcement stakeholders to take a multipronged approach. She was interviewed on stage by John Holub, president of the New Jersey Retail Merchants Association.

Trade-based money laundering and illicit tobacco trends was the focus of Ben Howard, a former FBI JTTF task force officer who helped Fortune 50 companies with Anti-Money Laundering programs and is a federally admitted expert witness in State regulatory controls as it relates to enforcement and audit.

The New Jersey Food Council is the Garden State’s preeminent trade association representing almost 400 companies including 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.

There was no shortage of pressing topics at the Food Council Committee for Good Government’s (FCCfGG ) 47th Annual Good Government Presentation held October 21 on a virtual platform. The event featured Democrat Governor Phil Murphy and Republican Gubernatorial Candidate Jack Ciattarelli who shared their political platforms as they compete in this year’s state election.

Additionally, Lawmakers and food industry leaders discussed key consumer and business issues and honored industry professionals and policy makers during the event presentations. FCCfGG flipped the format from a traditional breakfast to a virtual lunch presentation as food distribution companies and grocers face unprecedented supply chain strains and labor shortages.

Attendees were updated about the statewide roll-out of the “Reusable Bag Education” campaign, developed by the New Jersey Food Council (NJFC) and the New Jersey Clean Communities Council (NJCCC). This new state law, to be enforced May of 2022, bans plastic and paper shopping bags that are often discarded after a single use and encourages consumers to bring their own reusable bags to shop.

The annual event was sponsored by the FCCfGG, New Jersey Food Council’s non-profit political action committee formed in 1973 that aids and promotes the election of state lawmakers who support the priorities of food retailers. To date, the committee has supported more than 4,000 candidates for office in New Jersey.

“This event is a celebration of the good government process and our commitment to working with government officials and business community leaders on sound public policies which affect one of New Jersey’s largest and essential industries – food retail and distribution,” said Linda Doherty, FCCfGG treasurer, as well as president & CEO of the NJFC.

With the new challenges presented by a COVID world, it is so important to build alliances with New Jersey legislative leaders, policy makers, political candidates, and opinion makers to support pro-business initiatives, Doherty added. “Today, having grappled with this global pandemic, we are more resilient,” Doherty said. “While we still face lasting challenges because of COVID-19, our relationships with members of the Murphy Administration and Legislature in Trenton strengthened during the pandemic. New Jerseyans depend on our members as an essential business, and for their generous charitable giving and support of foodbanks and civic groups, and community assistance during these uncertain times.” As the state closes out this legislative cycle in early 2022, several priority issues remain, including legislation pertaining to recycled content, liquor licensing reform, and labor challenges. “We will work with decision makers to support our positions on our legislative priorities on behalf of the membership,” Doherty said. Attendees saluted four honorees in business and government who are making an impact in the state’s food industry. They include:

Amanda De Palma, Director of Public Relations & Government Affairs, Saker ShopRites, received the “Good Government Award,” the highest honor received by food industry members who actively participate in advocacy efforts for policies that help New Jersey’s food industry thrive.

Richard Saker, Chairman, President and CEO of Saker ShopRite, presented the award to De Palma who manages public events, press-related inquires, communication with elected officials and local leaders, as well as all policy-related social media messaging for Saker ShopRites. Most notably, earlier this year she helped manage the quick operational expansion of the COVID-19 vaccination clinics across 30 in-store pharmacies.

Melanie Willoughby, Executive Director, New Jersey Business Action Center, earned the Thomas W. Kelly Government Service Award for her work with state and local levels of government as an advocate for businesses of all sizes. Willoughby’s personal motto – “I’m from state government and I’m here to help” – reflects her commitment to aiding New Jersey business owners. Willoughby is heavily involved in NJCCC’s Reusable Bag Education campaign, serving as a trusted resource for the state’s business community as it prepares to comply with the impending enforcement of the bag ban legislation.

“We applaud Melanie’s approach to sound public policy that benefits state residents, businesses large and small, and government leaders at all levels,” Doherty said. “Melanie’s depth of knowledge to understand and fully grasp the industries she represents and her passionate desire to advocate on behalf of the New Jersey business community is a true testament as to why she deserves this prestigious government service honor.”

State Senator Kristin Corrado (R-40^th Dist.) was presented the “Outstanding Legislator Award.” Serving as the Republican Conference Leader in the State Senate, Senator Corrado is a member of the Judiciary Committee, the Environment and Energy Committee, the Commerce Committee and the Select Committee on New Jersey Transit. A small business owner, the senator is a partner in the law firm of Corrado & Corrado with her father, Robert E. Corrado. She represented the Borough of Totowa as municipal attorney for 10 years before serving as Passaic County Clerk for seven years. 

“It is vital for our industry to work with lawmakers who are willing to consider our views to support a strong state economy and create job growth,” said Andrew Kent, Executive Vice President of Glass Gardens ShopRite and NJFC vice chair. “Senator Corrado has remained open minded on many issues affecting the food industry and business community and is a thoughtful and knowledgeable legislator who is focused on serving the people of New Jersey. Putting people before politics is one of the many reasons we are proud to present this award to the Senator.”

Assemblyman John McKeon (D-27th Dist.) received the “Outstanding Legislator Award” for being one of the state’s leading legislative advocates for protecting New Jersey’s environment while balancing the needs of the food industry.

The Assemblyman serves as Chairman of the Financial Institutions and Insurance Committee, and is a member of the Budget Committee, and the Environment and Solid Waste Committee. He has strengthened New Jersey’s nationally renowned recycling programs by sponsoring the Recycling Enhancement Act and pushing the passage of the strongest electronic waste recycling bill in the nation. He has also been a leader in the Reusable Bag Education campaign movement; a key lawmaker who was instrumental in the passage of the bag ban law.

“We are grateful for Assemblyman McKeon and his eloquent representation of the Food Council’s position on the floor of the New Jersey General Assembly when the Plastic Bag Ban bill was debated,” Kent said. “His persistent and articulate perspective helped push the deciding favorable vote. And today, his action will propel New Jersey with the strongest plastic and paper bag ban in the country.”

The FCCfGG is governed by a Board of Governors and Officers, who include Saker as Chair, Phil Scaduto of FoodCircus Foodtown as Vice Chair, Suzanne DelVecchio of Quick Chek as Secretary and Doherty as Treasurer.