Prominent lawmakers, state officials, and grocery industry executives will convene on Sept. 30, for the 52nd annual “Good Government” Breakfast hosted at the Forsgate Country Club in Monroe.
Organized by the Food Council Committee for Good Government (FCCfGG) alongside the New Jersey Food Council (NJFC), the morning program brings together key decision-makers to discuss pressing economic and policy issues impacting food retail, distribution networks, and shoppers across the state.
The 2026 event will recognize six distinguished individuals for their leadership, collaborative policy-making, and steadfast support of New Jersey’s food sector.
“The Good Government Breakfast is about recognizing people who understand the important role the food industry plays in New Jersey and who are willing to engage with us on the issues affecting our stores, our workforce and the families we serve,” Linda Doherty, president and CEO of the NJFC, said.
The 2026 honorees include:
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Good Government Award — Maura O’Brien (Manager, Government Relations, Ahold Delhaize USA): A grocery veteran with nearly 25 years of industry experience who began her career as a part-time cashier at Stop & Shop, O’Brien currently serves as vice chair of both the FCCfGG Board of Governors and the NJFC Government Affairs Committee, standing out as a vital partner in state legislative advocacy.
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Patriot Award — Leonard J. Sitar (President, ShopRite of Carteret): With nearly five decades of active involvement with the NJFC—making him the organization’s longest-serving board member—Sitar is also recognized for his 35-year tenure on the Wakefern Food Corporation Board of Directors. The prestigious Patriot Award has been presented to only three other individuals in history.
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Thomas W. Kelly Government Service Award — Michael Wilson (Deputy Commissioner, New Jersey Department of Human Services): Wilson oversees the Division of Family Development and Office of Emergency Management. He is specifically honored for his leadership on SNAP administration, including safeguarding benefits during disruptions and managing the transition to secure chip-and-tap cards to combat benefit theft.
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Outstanding Legislator Awards — Assemblywoman Andrea Katz (D-8), Assemblywoman Vicky Flynn (R-13), and Assemblyman Gerry Scharfenberger (R-13): Recognized for maintaining balanced, accessible relationships with the food industry, listening closely to business concerns, and fostering constructive dialogue on retail and economic policy in the General Assembly.
Event details
The breakfast runs from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Forsgate Country Club, located at 375 Forsgate Drive in Monroe. In addition to the awards presentation, attendees will review the NJFC’s legislative priorities for the upcoming session and examine regulatory trends affecting supermarkets and food-insecure communities.
For registration details and ticket information, visit FCCFGG.com or call 609-392-8899.
