Middlesex County’s mission to destigmatize food insecurity reached a delicious milestone. On July 9, the county’s food distribution program, REPLENISH, hosted its ninth annual “Dine Below the Line” cooking competition at the Piscataway Senior Center, celebrating the versatility of pantry staples through culinary excellence.
The event, which brought together local chefs, food pantries and community leaders, saw Chef Jerome Mangroo of Urban Eats—representing the James O. and Wilhelmina Bryant Food Pantry—take home the top prize after winning over attendees and county officials with his creative dishes.
Transforming staples into culinary art
The competition challenged three local chefs to craft flavorful, culturally inspired meals using only ingredients commonly found in food pantries. The goal was twofold: to showcase the nutritional potential of standard pantry items and to raise awareness about the resources available to Middlesex County residents.
More than 150 guests sampled entries from three of the region’s standout culinary talents:
- Chef Jerome Mangroo (Urban Eats / James O. and Wilhelmina Bryant Food Pantry)
- Chef Steven Tepper (Copper Hill Country Club / Unity Square Choice Food and Resource Center)
- Chef Dan Slobodien (Pearl Street Café and Dan’s on Main / First Presbyterian Food Pantry of Metuchen)
“Dine Below the Line helps break down the stigma surrounding food insecurity by showcasing food pantries as welcoming, community-centered resources,” Middlesex County Commissioner Claribel A. Azcona-Barber, who chairs the Community Services Committee, said.
Community impact
The event was bolstered by significant support from sponsors, including a $5,000 contribution from the Royal Neighbors of America and $1,000 from Approved Fire Protection and Security. These funds go directly toward hunger relief efforts across the county’s 25 municipalities.
REPLENISH continues to provide a vital safety net for residents. Through the Healthy Foods Access Map, the program connects individuals with local pantries, farmers markets, SNAP retailers, and transportation options.
How to support REPLENISH
Community donations are the backbone of the program’s ability to keep shelves stocked year-round. Residents looking to assist can contribute in the following ways:
- Food & Supply Donations: Accepted Monday through Friday, 6:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at the REPLENISH Distribution Center (28 Kennedy Boulevard, East Brunswick).
- Drop-off Sites: Non-perishable items can be left at permanent collection bins located at public libraries in 13 municipalities, including Edison, Woodbridge, and Piscataway.
- Monetary Donations: Checks can be made payable to “Feeding Middlesex County” and mailed to PO Box 781, Edison, NJ 08818, or submitted online at the Feeding Middlesex County website.
