REPLENISH's Dine Below The Line Raises Awareness Of Food Insecurity In Middlesex Co.

MIDDLESEX COUNTY, NJ — Middlesex County's food distribution program, REPLENISH, hosted its ninth annual Dine Below the Line hunger awareness cooking competition on Thursday, July 9, at the Piscataway Senior Center.

The event brought together local chefs, food pantries and community leaders, with additional support from event sponsor Royal Neighbors of America, which contributed $5,000, and chef sponsor Approved Fire Protection and Security, which contributed $1,000.

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Following the culinary competition, Middlesex County Commissioners Charles Kenny, Chanelle Scott McCullum and Shanti Narra, along with Middlesex County Surrogate Claribel Cortes, recognized Chef Jerome Mangroo of Urban Eats, representing the James O. and Wilhelmina Bryant Food Pantry, as this year's Dine Below the Line winner after sampling three dishes prepared by each competing chef.

"Dine Below the Line demonstrates that addressing food insecurity requires the commitment and collaboration of an entire community," said Middlesex County Commissioner Director Ronald G. Rios. "Middlesex County is grateful to REPLENISH, our talented chefs, pantry partners, and everyone who attended for making this event both educational and inspiring."

Rios said the county hopes highlighting the work of local food pantries will encourage more residents to donate, and encourage anyone experiencing food insecurity to seek assistance.

"REPLENISH works tirelessly to ensure Middlesex County residents have access to nutritious food while connecting them with the resources available throughout our community," said Middlesex County Commissioner and Chair of the Community Services Committee Claribel A. Azcona-Barber. "Dine Below the Line helps break down the stigma surrounding food insecurity by showcasing food pantries as welcoming, community-centered resources."

Using ingredients commonly found in food pantries, each competing chef crafted dishes highlighting the versatility and nutritional value of pantry staples. More than 150 guests sampled each dish before voting for their favorite of the evening.

This year's competing chefs included:

• Chef Jerome Mangroo, owner of Urban Eats, representing James O. and Wilhelmina Bryant Food Pantry in Piscataway

• Chef Steven Tepper of Copper Hill Country Club, representing Unity Square Choice Food and Resource Center in New Brunswick

• Chef Dan Slobodien, owner of Pearl Street Café and Dan's on Main, representing First Presbyterian Food Pantry of Metuchen

REPLENISH partners with a network of food pantries, soup kitchens and service organizations to serve all 25 municipalities of Middlesex County. Through its Healthy Foods Access Map, residents can locate nearby pantries, farmers markets, grocery stores, SNAP retailers, WIC resources and available transportation options.

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