Over the last several years, there are countless lessons learned in the food industry from every aspect of the business including this state’s largest food trade association. We possess the uncanny ability to witness and analyze every aspect of the emergence of our members from the depths of the COVID-19 pandemic. We can attest to the resiliency of the food distribution industry, and we confirm their calling is beyond essential during this epic time of uncertainty.
Prior to the pandemic, the food retail business was the reliable and traditional neighborhood store supported by a predictable supply chain network, powered by a consistent transportation and port infrastructure, fueled by reasonable gas and energy prices, populated with a vast workforce and driven by low food inflationary costs. When the Coronavirus struck followed by the aftermath of an unstable economy, it shined a spotlight on the importance of our food retailers and supplier partners who did an amazing job navigating these unchartered waters. The essential status of the food business is clear, but it went even further than that.
In 2022, as hope was in the air after member pharmacies distributed vaccines to the communities, a new wave of constraints and unpredictable challenges erupted from record food inflation costs, skyrocketing fuel increases, supply chain disruptions, a baby formula shortage and labor expenses. Families are strapped, wages are compressed and people are struggling. All the while, the local food store remains the steadfast cornerstone of the community supporting our food banks, providing alternative products, offering competitive wages, highlighting wellness goods for a healthier diet and enhancing a predictable customer experience. Today’s food retailers are beyond essential.
And as we focus on our work here in Trenton, our efforts in 2022 have been to support and advocate for our members through this tsunami of disruption. Most importantly, we rolled out the country’s most ambitious plastic law and single use bag ban in the country. Since May, our New Jersey members have eliminated 3 billion plastic bags and 68 million paper bags; an astounding industry environmental accomplishment.
Additionally, we were victorious with participation in a slip and fall amicus brief, refreshed our Green Guideline Handbook, ensured the smooth transition to eWic, grew the membership, had record member sponsorships, expanded the scholarship program, saved participating members $24 million in electric utility costs, and hosted all our major events in-person.
We accomplished these feats with the engagement of our board of directors and the new officer leadership team led by NJFC chairman Andrew Kent of Glass Gardens ShopRite, whose vision and partnership are impressive.
2022 was a whirlwind year but member resiliency and their new role of beyond essential will benefit consumers, industry partners, those in need, policy makers and suppliers as we extend our role as the cornerstone of the community in the new year to come.