Community FoodBank of New Jersey

Elizabeth McCarthy, CFBNJ’s current President & CEO, has been a leader in the non-profit sector since the late 1990s. Prior to joining the FoodBank, she served for 11 years as the CEO of Sheltering Arms in New York City. She was particularly drawn to the FoodBank’s comprehensive approach to food insecurity, which extends beyond providing food assistance to address its underlying causes. Inspired by Kathleen DiChiara’s leadership, Elizabeth realizes the importance of cultivating strong relationships with staff and partners and believes in the power of collaboration to advance the FoodBank’s mission. Read her story: https://lnkd.in/eqGUaB4u

Michael A. Jordan’s career at CFBNJ spanned from 2010 to 2017, where he grew from Warehouse Manager to Director of Operations. During his time here, he led a diverse team, overcame challenges like the aftermath Hurricane Sandy, and helped shape the FoodBank’s role as a vital community hub. Though he has long since left food banking to support his son's career, Michael’s years at CFBNJ not only shaped his professional life but also deepened his commitment to helping others, a passion that continues to drive him today. Read his story: https://lnkd.in/e7impaqR

Huge congratulations to CFBNJ AVP of Policy & Advocacy Adele LaTourette and Chair of CFBNJ's Advocacy Committee & Founding Member of Women Fighting Hunger Wendy Lazarus for their inclusion on Assemblywoman Shavonda Sumter's Women's Power List! Published each year, this list celebrates the state's most remarkable woman trailblazers across all sectors of society. Thank you, Assemblywoman Sumter, for recognizing these New Jersey changemakers.

Congratulations to CFBNJ board member Jason S. Read of Wawa, Inc., who was sworn in last night as the incoming chair of the New Jersey Food Council! Several members of our staff joined him for the occasion, which was held at the Council's annual meeting.

🧡 On this day of service, we honor Dr. King's legacy by giving back to our communities and supporting those in need. One of his most powerful quotes, "Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?'" was always a favorite of our founder, Kathleen DiChiara. It continues to inspire our mission today as we work to create a more equitable future for all. #MLKDay

Last week, we kicked off our 50th Anniversary celebration with the first in a series of stories we'll be sharing every Friday throughout the year. Today, we’re featuring Carlos Roldan, Food Pantry Director at Catholic Charities, Diocese of Paterson's Father English Community Center, a CFBNJ community partner! Carlos grew up in Colombia, where hunger was a constant challenge. He recalls families often going without meals, and this experience fueled his empathy for those in need, driving his commitment to helping others. After moving to the U.S., Carlos was shocked to discover that food insecurity is prevalent here, too. He began working at the Father English Community Center, where his outreach efforts expanded the food pantry’s reach to serve over 2,000 people a month. Carlos also introduced the People’s Choice Food Pantry model, which empowers families with the dignity of selecting food based on their specific needs. Read Carlos's full story at cfbnj.org/cfbnj-50

CFBNJ is pleased to welcome Michelle Karem as our new Chief Development Officer! Michelle is a seasoned fundraising executive with extensive experience in major gifts, institutional giving, board development, and events. She is dedicated, in particular, to improving the lives of children and families in need by identifying resources to help them thrive. Throughout her career, her strategic and results-driven approach has increased support for numerous non-profit organizations, allowing them to better serve their communities.  Prior to joining CFBNJ, Michelle was the Director of Institutional Giving at Children’s Aid in New York City, where she led fundraising for foundations and corporate partners. Previously, she served as Director of Development for an arts-in-education non-profit and worked as a sought-after development consultant, partnering with organizations like the Prospect Park Alliance, Harmony Program, Pilobolus Dance Theater, Room to Grow, and others. As CFBNJ’s Chief Development Officer, Michelle will oversee major gift, corporate, foundation, and government fundraising, along with the organization’s volunteer services function. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eC5wZ4Pj

🎉 50 years of making a difference, one meal at a time! 🍽️ In honor of our 50th anniversary, we’re sharing 50 powerful stories each Friday of some amazing people who've shaped the FoodBank's journey. From overcoming challenges to spreading food, help and hope, these stories are a testament to the strength of our communities. 💪   To kick it off we are sharing the story of CFBNJ's AVP of Policy & Advocacy. Adele LaTourette reflects fondly on her career advocating for hunger relief. Over the years, she has worked tirelessly to shape policies that address food justice, collaborating with organizations and legislators to ensure those in need have access to essential resources like SNAP and school meals. Her life's work is rooted in justice, asking critical questions about why people go hungry and what can be done to create a future where emergency food pantries are no longer needed.   Together, we’ve fought hunger and empowered change — and we’re just getting started! Follow along and be inspired by the impact these individuals have played in shaping a brighter, more hopeful future for our communities. Let’s continue making a difference!    Read Adele's full story: cfbnj.org/cfbnj-50

Ready to LEVEL UP this summer? GET PAID to GROW your skills, LEARN from the best, and MAKE REAL IMPACT! We’re excited to announce that CFBNJ’s 3rd annual Summer Internship Program will be launching its application this month. Don’t miss this chance to gain experience, earn competitive pay, and be part of something meaningful. Visit cfbnj.org/internship to learn more and apply today!

New year, same mission — happy 50th CFBNJ!