The basics:
- FCCfGG honors food industry advocates, legislators, government leaders at annual breakfast
- Event highlights legislative priorities affecting NJ food retailers, distributors
- Linda Doherty honored for nearly 25 years of NJFC leadership ahead of planned 2027 retirement
New Jersey’s food retail industry recently honored government officials and community leaders for their ongoing efforts to support grocery businesses across the state.
The Food Council Committee for Good Government’s annual breakfast highlighted the following individuals Oct. 2 in Monroe Township:
- Good Government Award
Maura O’Brien, manager of government relations at Stop & Shop parent company Ahold Delhaize USA; vice chair of the New Jersey Food Council’s government affairs committee; and vice chair of the FCCfGG
O’Brien earned accolades for her leadership in advocacy efforts and work communicating the real-world impact of public policy on food retailers and customers. - Outstanding Legislator Awards
Assemblywoman Andrea Katz, D-8th District; Assemblywoman Vicky Flynn, R-13th District; Assemblyman Gerry Scharfenberger, R-13th District
Katz was recognized for her engagement with the food industry and work on issues including surveillance pricing. Meanwhile, Flynn and Scharfenberger earned recogniztion for raising public awareness about the potential impact of surveillance pricing legislation on grocery loyalty programs, coupons and discounts. - Patriot Award
Leonard J. ‘Len’ Sitar, president of ShopRite of Carteret
Presented only for the fourth time in the event’s history, the award recognizes an individual who exemplifies democracy, patriotism and sound public policy for the common good. Sitar is NJFC’s longest-serving board member. The honor recognizes his nearly five decades of leadership and service to the organization and New Jersey food industry. - Thomas W. Kelly Government Service Award
Michael Wilson, deputy commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Human Services
Wilson was applauded for his career-long commitment to expanding food access and addressing food insecurity. His work includes leadership on SNAP and the transition to more secure chip-and-tap EBT cards.
It’s all Good
Now in its 52nd year, the FCCfGG’s event also brings together legislators, key government officials and business leaders affecting food retailers, suppliers and distributors.
The New Jersey Food Council formed FCCfGG in 1973 as a nonprofit political action committee. The group aids and promotes the election of state lawmakers who support the priorities of food retailers.
During this year’s Good Government Breakfast, 50-plus attendees discussed top legislative priorities impacting NJFC members. Hot topics include updates to the Fair Price Protection Act, food additive & color bans, weights & measures reforms and self-checkout regulations.
NJFC President and CEO and 2026 FCCfGG Treasurer Linda Doherty shared, “Good government is essential to not only our businesses and industry but also to the communities we serve. The impact of policies decided in Trenton is felt at tables across the state, and on the plate in New Jersey.”
FCCfGG Chairman Richard Saker described the morning as “an opportunity to unite our voices, showcase our strength as a $157 billion industry and set the vision for a brighter future for New Jersey’s food retail and distribution industry.”
The president and CEO of Saker ShopRites also went on to say, “Together, we are driving change, championing policies that protect our businesses, our people, and the communities we serve.”
Into the future
The FCCfGG event also recognized graduates from NJFC’s 2026 Leadership Development Program:
- Emanuel Disporto, Key Foods
- Theresa Larsen, Inserra Supermarkets
- Amanda Lawton, Wawa
- Dan Levison, Vibal Energy Tea
- TJ Manning, JOH
- Joe McCarthy, Bimbo Bakeries
- Jacky Tang, PepsiCo
- Billy Tencza, The Campbell’s Co.
- Jenn Vannucci, Krasdale Foods
- Dana Ward, Acme Markets
Following the leader
The event comes as the NJFC prepares for an important leadership transition.
After nearly a quarter century at the helm of the trade group, Doherty plans to retire in January 2027. NJFC recently named Jim McGreevy as her successor.
McGreevy told attendees at the Good Government Breakfast, “Throughout my career, I have seen firsthand the importance of strong, credible advocacy and the power of bringing an industry together around common goals.”
The former Coca-Cola executive also added, “I look forward to working with the talented staff, engaging the members, and ensuring that New Jersey’s food industry continues to have a strong voice in Trenton and beyond.”
Doherty reflected on her tenure with the group, calling it “one of the greatest privileges of my professional life … ”
“Together, we have advanced the interests of New Jersey’s food retail and wholesale community, strengthened our industry’s voice in Trenton, and helped ensure that New Jersey families have access to safe, affordable food every day,” she said.
During the event, New Jersey Department of Labor & Workforce Development Commissioner Kevin Jarvis presented Doherty with a certificate of appreciation. The recognition highlighted her service on the Child Labor Enforcement Advisory Board. It also acknowledged her work with NJDOL on electronic working papers for students.
The post NJ food industry honors leaders at Good Government Breakfast appeared first on NJBIZ.
