A just-launched Asbury Park program hopes to bring food from local restaurants to those in need.
The Asbury Park Plate to Pantry Initiative connects restaurants to Interfaith Neighbors’ Community Food Connection member pantries and community spaces.
“Our main goals are to reduce food waste and nourish community members … [as well as] foster connections between local restaurants and food pantries,” said Asbury Park Plate to Pantry’s lead organizer Karyn Moskowitz, in a news release.
Dolce Fantasia in Asbury Park is among the first to donate, with dishes like turkey burgers and gnocchi. The restaurant also donated fresh produce and canned goods, which will be distributed through the United Fellowship Baptist Church Manna Pantry in Asbury Park.
“I’m definitely trying to help the community … [and] everyone should get involved,” said Dolce Fantasia owner John Djombalic in the release.
Other restaurants and caterers taking part are Rosa’s Kitchen and Flora Vegetarian Food Truck, both in Asbury Park; as well as Papa Ganache and Joe Leone’s Centro Market, both in Manasquan.
The initiative is funded by a grant from PSEG. Asbury Park received the funding through the nonprofit organization Sustainable Jersey, a network of municipalities, schools and school districts. The group chose Asbury Park, the release said, due to the efforts of The Green Team, the city’s committee on sustainability.
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In the release, Michele Alonso, Green Team member and director of planning and redevelopment in Asbury Park, described the vision she hopes for Plate to Pantry.
“There are at least 15 Asbury Park-based Community Food Connection coalition food pantries and community spaces that would benefit immensely from restaurant food donations that would otherwise be thrown away,” she said. “We would love to see more local restaurants become involved and help those in need.”
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Asbury Park chose Interfaith Neighbors to lead this effort because of the organization’s history of food justice work and success in creating community connections, the release said.
More information on Asbury Park Plate to Pantry is available by contacting Moskowitz at [email protected].
Gabriela L. Laracca joined the USA TODAY NETWORK New Jersey in 2021 and eagerly brings her passion for cuisine and culture to our readers. Send restaurant tips to [email protected].