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Thousands of pounds of fresh food, rescued from waste, are now reaching hungry families in New Jersey thanks to a new partnership between Trader Joe's Middletown, Food Connect Philadelphia, and FoodRecovery.org. Operating seven days a week, this dynamic collaboration ensures that surplus food from Trader Joe's is efficiently matched with recipient organizations maximizing local impact through the partnership with Food Connect Philadelphia.

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The Power of Partnership:

The partnership between Trader Joe's and Food Connect East began with a shared mission: to combat food waste, increase access to healthy food, and alleviate hunger in the local community. Our shared mission is realized by participating in Trader Joe's Neighborhood Shares Program. Food Connect East is honored to engage in this long-standing program, which aligns perfectly with our commitment to tackling food waste and hunger in the community.

The Power of Partnership:

The partnership between Trader Joe's and Food Connect Philadelphia began with a shared mission: to combat food waste, increase access to healthy food, and alleviate hunger in the local community.  Our shared mission is realized by participating in Trader Joe's Neighborhood Shares Program. Food Connect Philadelphia is honored to engage in this long-standing program, which aligns perfectly with our commitment to tackling food waste and hunger in the community.

The Neighborhood Shares Program is a program aimed at forging powerful partnerships with local nonprofit hunger relief organizations. It ensures that each Trader Joe's store donates surplus food directly to the communities with the greatest need in their vicinity. This targeted approach maximizes the impact of their contributions, effectively combating food insecurity where it's most pressing.

To match Trader Joe’s Shares donations with hunger relief organizations in the Middletown, NJ area, Food Connect Philadelphia joined forces with our esteemed partners at FoodRecovery.org. Together, we build strong relationships with local food pantries throughout Monmouth County in need of additional donations. FoodRecovery.org has played a pivotal role in this collaboration, facilitating the thoughtful matching of high-quality food donations with various recipient organizations already in the network, seven days a week. This ensures consistent access to nutritious food, meeting the essential needs of our neighbors with care.

A Win-Win for Everyone:

During the store’s grand opening, Food Connect delivered thousands of pounds of food, filling both the shopping carts and hearts of guests at the Bradley Food Pantry. Since launching our food rescue partnership with Trader Joe's Middletown in April, we've saved over 55,000 pounds of food from going to waste, benefiting numerous food cupboards and pantries across Monmouth County, NJ. Remarkably, 65% of these donations have been fresh produce, significantly enhancing the health and nutrition of pantry guests.

"What wonderful treats you brought to our pantry. The flowers were over the top. Delivery was very smooth. We look forward to your van coming each Wednesday! Thank you on behalf of those whom we serve." - Donna Cetrulo, Christ the King Food Pantry (Holy Trinity Church)

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Every day, Trader Joe’s generously donates surplus Shares from the store. To ensure this abundance reaches those in need, Food Connect East collects these delicious offerings and delivers them to five distinct food pantries nestled around the Middletown, NJ area every week!

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Bridging the Gap:

This partnership is at the heart of Food Connect's mission in nourishing communities and supporting recipient organizations like the Bradley Food Pantry and Christ the King Food Pantry at Holy Trinity Church. The collaboration between Food Connect Philadelphia and FoodRecovery.org strengthens food recovery efforts throughout the greater New Jersey area. This partnership exemplifies how working together can create positive change on multiple fronts.

Food Connect Philadelphia and Trader Joe's aim to expand their reach and make an even greater impact. With dedication, innovation, and the support of the community, they promise a brighter, more sustainable future for New Jersey and beyond.

Want to get involved? Give your support by sponsoring meals and helping save the planet, sharing your skills or time, or driving to help deliver meals. 

If you know of a food vendor who might be interested in starting a food donation program with their extra food, email us at hello@foodconnectgroup.com

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