Bringing together more than 50 legislators, government officials, and business leaders, the Food Council Committee for Good Government (FCCfGG) hosted its 52nd annual “Good Government” Breakfast on Sept. 30 at Forsgate Country Club in Monroe.
The political action arm of the New Jersey Food Council (NJFC) used the gathering to discuss core public policy priorities impacting the state’s $157 billion food industry, celebrate legislative allies, and mark a major forthcoming leadership transition.
Key policy priorities and industry strength
Opening the event, Linda Doherty, NJFC President & CEO emphasized the critical link between sound public policy and everyday commerce.
“The impact of policies decided in Trenton is felt at tables across the state, and on the plate in New Jersey,” Doherty said.
Attendees and members—representing food retailers, suppliers, and distributors—focused on several prominent NJFC legislative priorities, including updates to the Fair Price Protection Act, proposed food additive and color bans, Weights & Measures reform, and self-checkout regulations. The discussions reinforced the industry’s commitment to balancing robust consumer protections with operational efficiency.
FCCfGG Chairman Richard Saker, President & CEO of Saker ShopRites, highlighted the unity of the sector. “This breakfast is more than a meeting—it’s 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.”
Celebrating 2026 award honorees
A centerpiece of the annual breakfast was the presentation of awards honoring public servants and industry advocates:
- Good Government Award: Maura O’Brien, Manager of Government Relations for Ahold Delhaize USA (parent company of Stop & Shop), recognized for her active leadership and advocacy on behalf of food retailers and consumers.
- Outstanding Legislator Awards: Assemblywoman Andrea Katz (D-8), Assemblywoman Vicky Flynn (R-13), and Assemblyman Gerry Scharfenberger (R-13) were honored for their legislative engagement, particularly on issues surrounding surveillance pricing, grocery loyalty programs, coupons, and discounts.
- Patriot Award: Leonard J. “Len” Sitar, President of ShopRite of Carteret and NJFC’s longest-serving board member, received the honor—presented only for the fourth time in the event’s history—for nearly five decades of dedication to the New Jersey food industry and sound public policy.
- Thomas W. Kelly Government Service Award: Michael Wilson, Deputy Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Human Services, was recognized for his career-long commitment to expanding food access, combating food insecurity, and overseeing critical initiatives like SNAP and secure chip-and-tap EBT cards.
Additionally, New Jersey Department of Labor & Workforce Development Commissioner Kevin Jarvis presented Doherty with a certificate of appreciation recognizing her service on the Child Labor Enforcement Advisory Board and her collaboration on electronic working papers for students.
The 52nd annual breakfast marked a poignant milestone for the New Jersey Food Council, as Linda Doherty prepares to retire in January after more than 30 years with the organization and nearly 25 years as President & CEO. Doherty officially introduced her designated successor, Jim McGreevy, to the membership.
Reflecting on her tenure, Doherty said, “It has been one of the greatest privileges of my professional life to work alongside our members, Board of Directors, NJFC team, industry partners, public officials, and community leaders.”
Looking ahead, McGreevy addressed attendees, saying: “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.”
The morning also featured federal insights from Stephanie Johnson, Senior Vice President and Head of Government Affairs at the National Grocers Association, alongside the graduation ceremony for the 2026 Leadership Development Program class, highlighting the next generation of talent driving New Jersey’s grocery and distribution sector forward.
