Our Mission

To build, grow, and empower a broad, connected, grassroots network of food system stakeholders, to democratically transform the state’s food and agriculture system to be resilient, regenerative, equitable, and anti-racist.

What we value.

Collaboration

Resilience

Equity

Structure & Approach

NJFDC’s is a food policy council, a structure and approach that centers on (1) cultivating effective and impactful cross-sector collaboration between the many organizations, businesses, and government agencies working in NJ’s food access and agriculture space; (2) taking a systems-change perspective; and (3) builds solidarity and collective agency.

Our Advisory Board provides oversight and direction for the organization and our volunteer Workgroups address specific needs and advance community goals.

Anyone who is involved with and doing the work of food system transformation is considered part of the network. There is no formal membership in the NJFDC. Volunteers connect and contribute through workgroups, volunteering to support projects, becoming a sponsor, or joining the Advisory Board.

Who participates in NJFDC?

More than 300 individuals from 20 different sectors across the state are participating in NJFDC workgroups, projects, and other activities. These organizations share a common vision for an equitable and resilient food system. This includes

Farmers, community based organizations, state and county government, health care organizations, academic researchers and students, cooperative extension, emergency/charitable organizations, food justice and social justice advocacy groups, sustainability focused organizations, and more.

Meet Our Advisory Board

  • Javonne Alonzo

    Student Impact Lead, FoodCorps Food Studies and Sustainable Food Systems Scholar Item

  • Marissa Baron

    Operations Manager, Growing Justice Fund

  • Garrett Broad

    Associate Professor of Communication Studies, Rowan University

  • Anthony Capece

    Founder & Principal Consultant

    Capece Consulting

  • Kristie Braun Cole, MBA

    Senior Regional Director, NYC & FL Mack Property Management

  • Laura Cole

    Community Organizer, Earthworker, Black Immigrant Farmers United, Urban Agriculture Cooperative

  • Cara L. Cuite, Ph.D.

    Associate Extension Specialist/Associate Professor, Department of Human Ecology, Rutgers University

  • Nyssa Entrekin, MS, RD

    Associate Director of Community Based Programming, The Food Trust

  • Doreen Garelick, JD, RDN

    New Jersey Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, State Policy Representative

  • Hiral Shukla

    Social Determinants of Health Community Strategist Aetna-CVS Health

  • Ricardo Kairios, MS

    Assistant Professor, Department of Family & Community Health Sciences, Rutgers Cooperative Extension

  • Lisette Kwong

    Corporate Communications, Kyndryl

  • Rena Levine Levy

  • Viergela Bionka Louidor

    COO ANMP Creative Studio , Founder Boukman Hospitality Group

  • Mariely Moronta-Sanchez

    Regional CRA Officer M&T Bank (NYC, Lower Hudson Valley)

  • Fatima Niangado (She/Her)

    MPH Candidate, Rutgers

  • Elaine Tanimura

    Community Leader