By Anne Levin

The year 2023 was one of exceptional growth for Share My Meals, the Princeton-based nonprofit that fights food insecurity and the environmental impact of food waste.

Compared to 2022, the organization has reported, there was an 85 percent increase in the number of healthy meals recovered from corporations, hospitals, educational institutions, restaurants, farms, and hotels.

These meals were delivered to 50 families and 15 senior citizens in Princeton. Clients of 23 nonprofits throughout New Brunswick, Summit, Morristown, Camden, Somerville, and Trenton also received these donations in 2023. In all, the organization, has reported, they recovered 72,000 meals while simultaneously preventing 294,539 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions.

The year was “transformative,” said Helene Lanctuit, CEO of the organization since last October. “Our expanded volunteer base, additional food donations, and partnerships have enabled us to make a significant difference in the lives of many.”

Founded in 2020 by Isabelle Lambotte, who continues as president of the organization, Share My Meals operates out of Dorothea’s House on John Street and relies on volunteers to deliver meals and help with fundraising, communications, and more. Food insecurity and food waste are the targets of their efforts.

“Surplus food that would otherwise go to waste — that is a big part of our mission,” Lanctuit said. “We’re trying to communicate that we are not just about delivering healthy meals. We are fighting waste and carbon emissions. That is one angle of our program that is not always understood.”

Share My Meals’ corporate volunteer program, in collaboration with Novo Nordisk, Bristol Myers Squibb, and Campbell’s, has been key in increasing efficiency. As the volunteer team grows, the organization is able to recruit additional donors.

“We have reached out to new meal donors in the area, including large corporations with cafeterias, eating clubs, and hospitals,” said Lanctuit. “We just started with Rider University.”

Donor organizations want to know that

the food they provide remains safe. Delivering meals to clients who live in the vicinity of the donors, which keeps transportation to a minimum, is key. “The launch of our Salesforce-based platform has been crucial in enhancing our meal recovery process and extending our reach,” said Lanctuit (Salesforce is a cloud-based software
company).

Share My Meals has started a program in Camden, with Campbell’s as a main partner. “We have a very strong partnership with them,” Lanctuit said. “We’re now looking for new donors in the Camden area. We have remote programs in Somerville and Morristown, and we’re looking for donors to partner with in those areas too.”

Strengthening the program in Trenton was a focus in 2023. A key nonprofit partner there is WorkWell, which has a training center that teaches work and life skills.

“The meals Share My Meals volunteers deliver really benefit our program,” said WorkWell Executive Director Jeannette Rizk, in a press release. “Having a healthy, sustaining lunch means WorkWell and the participants can focus on working toward their goals.”

Share My Meals counts more than 53 food donors across the state. Food insecurity is everywhere, and Princeton is no exception.

“I don’t think people realize the need that is here,” Lanctuit said. “We see it in Princeton, and it has been growing with inflation and the recovery from COVID-19. Figures are not coming down.”

For more information or to volunteer, visit sharemymeals.org.