Record Achievements And Highlights In 2025

By Linda Doherty, New Jersey Food Council

2025 is a year that will be remembered as one of unprecedented growth in outcomes, engagement, and organizational strength. Robust participation from members fueled record sponsorships, thriving trade relations initiatives, expanded event attendance, and strong financial performance, all guided by the NJFC “Beyond Essential” Strategic Plan. 

The year marked a shift from defensive advocacy to a proactive legislative strategy, highlighted by the passage of a landmark organized retail crime law that earned unanimous support and celebrated recognition for the members and public officials who championed it. NJFC also protected the integrity of the reusable bag law by opposing attempts to reintroduce paper bags and created a widely supported program to redirect gently used reusable bags to food banks. Additional efforts countered burdensome packaging mandates, food additive bans, labeling changes, surcharges, and donation requirements.

With record energy costs still high, the Energy Aggregation Program concluded with a highly successful 24-month contract that saved members nearly $8 million and transitioned into a new 36-month agreement expected to deliver more than $13 million in additional savings while providing long-term price stability.

Regulatory achievements included securing a critical extension to the state’s polystyrene foam tray exemption and leading a coordinated response to the federal government shutdown and its disruption of SNAP benefits. NJFC developed a widely accessed Linktree resource hub used by more than 22,000 SNAP shoppers to locate food rescue and government programs. NJFC also formed a Weights and Measures Working Group to address outdated regulations and increasing enforcement challenges. NJFC was also awarded a $250,000 training grant for food handlers by the NJ Labor Department, in a continued collaboration with Rutgers.

In this state election year, the board met with both gubernatorial candidates. And the Food Council Committee for Good Government executed an ambitious Capital Contribution campaign, strengthening its PAC operations, expanding fundraising efforts, and candidate engagement. About 91 percent of endorsed candidates secured victory in their General Assembly races.

All the while, NJFC celebrated a surge in membership under new committee leadership, doubling income goals and adding 24 new members. The Scholarship Foundation continued its growth trajectory, now offering 33 awards and nearly $1 million in total student support. The eighth Leadership Development Class hosted a successful reception at the Fancy Food Show in NYC, resulting in new member recruitment.

Trade relations programs thrived, beginning with the annual membership meeting that welcomed new officers Jason Read of Wawa as chair and Mike Styer of Acme as vice chair and set an energetic tone for the year. The Trade Relations Conference delivered well-received panel discussions, networking events, and industry awards, while the Night of Distinction had strong participation as we recognized Mike Stigers of Wakefern, Steve Heggelke of Bozutto’s, and Bob Unanue of the Goya Foundation.

As NJFC looks ahead to 2026, the council is preparing for a new administration in Trenton, renewed legislative advocacy and ongoing work on packaging mandates, weights and measures reform, WIC transition issues, and other regulatory and industry challenges. 

New board member participation, membership growth, leadership development, and daily member support will continue to drive the council’s mission and momentum in the year ahead as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of our nation.

Our progress continues to exceed expectations due to the engagement and activism of our officer leadership team, board of directors, membership and NJFC team. We remain grateful for this undeniable support!