Listen to this articleThe basics:
- NJ Food Council hosts 51st Good Government breakfast in Monroe Township
- Six honorees recognized for supporting the $136B grocery industry
- Lawmakers honored for sponsoring New Jersey’s organized retail crime bill
New Jersey’s food retail industry recently honored government officials and community leaders for their ongoing efforts to support grocery businesses.
The Food Council Committee for Good Government’s (FCCfGG) 51st annual Good Government breakfast took place Sept. 30 in Monroe Township. The event highlighted six individuals for making an impact within the $136 billion industry:
- Good Government Award: Tina-Marie Pilate, New Jersey division manager of asset protection, Wegmans Food Markets
A 25-year veteran in loss prevention, Pilate was a vocal leader in promoting the organized retail crime bill that was signed into law April 1. - Good Government Award: Jesse Levine, senior director and chief compliance officer, Ravitz Family Markets
Also a member of the Food Industry Association’s asset protection and safety council, Levine collaborates with grocery retail leaders nationwide to address security and safety challenges and establish industry best practices. - Thomas W. Kelly Government Service Award: Ed Wengryn, New Jersey secretary of agriculture
As New Jersey’s eighth secretary of agriculture since the department’s establishment in 1916, Wengryn oversees vital food security programs. He also supervises the state’s agricultural marketing and quality grading initiative, Jersey Fresh. Wengryn has given his time over the past two years to meet with the NJFC leadership development class and discuss his role and the food industry’s relationship with the state Department of Agriculture. - Outstanding Legislator Awards: FCCfGG also recognized three lawmakers for serving as prime sponsors of the organized retail crime bill as well as encouraging widespread support among business and government leaders:
- State Sen. John Burzichelli, D-3rd District
- Assemblyman Joe Danielson, D-17th District
- Assemblyman Alex Sauickie, R-12th District
‘Not just any industry’
The New Jersey Food Council formed FCCfGG as a nonprofit political action committee in 1973. The PAC aids and promotes the election of state lawmakers who support the priorities of food retailers.
During the breakfast, attendees learned about top issues affecting NJFC members, such as:
The event also recognized graduates of the NJFC’s 2025 leadership development class.
Linda Doherty, FCCfGG treasurer and NJFC president and CEO, said, “This morning’s breakfast is a celebration of the good government process and our commitment to working with government officials and business community leaders on sound public policy. I am thrilled we supported two pieces of important industry legislation that became law and will help advance our Food Council mission. I am grateful to all who helped us achieve these goals.”
“We know our partners in Trenton understand that we are not just any industry – we’re the cornerstone of New Jersey communities,” said FCCfGG chairman Richard Saker, president and CEO of Saker ShopRites. “Therefore together, we will work to ensure that our member food retailers, suppliers, and distributors can continue to keep our state strong, keep our shelves full and keep New Jersey families fed for generations to come.”
