East Brunswick Navy Vet, Teacher Wins Award For Fighting Hunger

EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ — Claudia Wheeler of East Brunswick is a Navy Vet who has stood firm on the front lines to fight hunger.

Wheeler launched SALT Foundation to provide food and supplies to those in need. For creating positive change in the community, Wheeler was recently recognized with the Russ Berrie Making a Difference Award.

Wheeler is among 11 unsung heroes from around New Jersey who will be honored with the 2023 Russ Berrie Making a Difference Award. This year, a total of $160,000 will be presented to the awardees.

According to the Russell Berrie Foundation, here's why Walker earned a nod this year:

“A U.S. Navy veteran and elementary school teacher, Claudia launched the SALT Foundation to provide food and supplies to those in need. his volunteer effort rescues four tons of food weekly and distributes to food pantries, shelters, organizations and churches.”

Over the past 12 years, Wheeler has collected and delivered over 225,000 pounds of food, according to the SALT website. She has driven over 150,000 miles and partnered with supermarkets and retail stores along with New Jersey farms and other food suppliers.

The foundation picks up and distributes an average of 7,600 pounds of health food each week that would otherwise go to waste.

Wheeler is also an elementary school teacher in Trenton Public Schools.

The annual Russ Berrie Making a Difference Award were established by the late Russell Berrie, and is funded by the Russell Berrie Foundation and hosted/managed by Ramapo College of New Jersey.

With 419 honorees since the inception of the Russ Berrie Making a Difference Award in 1997, more than $4 million in cash awards have been presented to recognize the personal sacrifices and commitments these individuals have made to serve others.

“I could not be more inspired by this year’s Making a Difference Award honorees for their efforts ranging from preventing violence to distributing tons of food and supplies weekly to people in need,” said Scott Berrie, vice president of the Russell Berrie Foundation and son of Russ Berrie.

“They have incredible dedication to tackling problems, bringing needed solutions that improve people’s lives and strengthen communities throughout New Jersey,” Berrie said. “It’s an honor to advance and celebrate their efforts.”

Have a correction or news tip? Email sarah.salvadore@patch.com