MONROE, New Jersey (October 8, 2026) — More than 50 legislators, key government officials and business leaders joined members of New Jersey’s food industry on September 30 for the 52nd annual Food Council Committee for Good Government Breakfast at Forsgate Country Club in Monroe. Hosted by the Food Council Committee for Good Government (FCCfGG), the political action arm of the New Jersey Food Council (NJFC), the annual breakfast brought industry members and policymakers together to discuss public policy priorities affecting food retailers, suppliers, distributors and the communities they serve.
“This morning’s breakfast is a celebration of the good government process and our commitment to working with government officials and business community leaders on sound public policy,” said Linda Doherty, NJFC President & CEO and 2026 FCCfGG Treasurer. “Good government is essential to not only our businesses and industry but also to the communities we serve. The impact of policies decided in Trenton is felt at tables across the state, and on the plate in New Jersey.”
Attendees discussed several NJFC legislative priorities, including updates to the Fair Price Protection Act, food additive and color bans, Weights & Measures reform and self-checkout regulations. FCCfGG members emphasized the goal of supporting consumer protections while allowing food retailers and manufacturers to operate efficiently and continue serving New Jersey communities.
“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,” said FCCfGG Chairman Richard Saker, President & CEO of Saker ShopRites. “Together, we are driving change, championing policies that protect our businesses, our people, and the communities we serve.”
The program also marked an important leadership transition for NJFC. Doherty, who will retire in January after more than 30 years with the Food Council and nearly a quarter century as President & CEO, introduced her successor, Jim McGreevy. “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,” Doherty said.
“Together, we have advanced the interests of New Jersey’s food retail and wholesale community, strengthened our industry’s voice in Trenton, and helped ensure that New Jersey families have access to safe, affordable food every day.” McGreevy told attendees: “Throughout my career, I have seen firsthand the importance of strong, credible advocacy and the power of bringing an industry together around common goals. 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 annual event features an awards presentation. The 2026 honorees are:
• Good Government Award: Maura O’Brien, Manager of Government Relations for Ahold Delhaize USA, the parent company of Stop & Shop. O’Brien serves as Vice Chair of the NJFC Government Affairs Committee and Vice Chair of the FCCfGG. She was recognized for her active leadership in Food Council advocacy efforts and her work communicating the real-world impact of public policy on food retailers and customers.
• Outstanding Legislator Awards: Assemblywoman Andrea Katz (D-8), Assemblywoman Vicky Flynn (R-13) and Assemblyman Gerry Scharfenberger (R-13). Katz was recognized for her engagement with the food industry and work on issues including surveillance pricing. Flynn and Scharfenberger were honored for raising public awareness about the potential impact of surveillance pricing legislation on grocery loyalty programs, coupons and discounts.
• Patriot Award: Leonard J. “Len” Sitar, President of ShopRite of Carteret. Presented only for the fourth time in the event’s history, the award recognizes an individual who exemplifies democracy, patriotism and sound public policy for the common good. Sitar, NJFC’s longest-serving Board member, was honored for nearly five decades of leadership and service to the Food Council and New Jersey food industry.
• Thomas W. Kelly Government Service Award: Michael Wilson, Deputy Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Human Services. Wilson was recognized for his career-long commitment to expanding food access and addressing food insecurity, including his leadership on SNAP and the transition to more secure chip-and-tap EBT cards.
The breakfast also featured remarks from Stephanie Johnson, Senior Vice President and Head of Government Affairs at the National Grocers Association, who discussed federal issues affecting the grocery industry and its customers. NJFC also recognized the graduating 2026 Leadership Development Program class: Emanuel Disporto, Key Foods; Theresa Larsen, Inserra Supermarkets; Amanda Lawton, Wawa; Dan Levison, Vibal Energy Tea; TJ Manning, JOH; Joe McCarthy, Bimbo Bakeries; Jacky Tang, PepsiCo; Billy Tencza, The Campbell’s Company; Jenn Vannucci, Krasdale Foods; and Dana Ward, Acme Markets.
During the program, 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 work with the department on electronic working papers for students. The FCCfGG was formed in 1973 with the support of the New Jersey Food Council. Since its formation, the committee has supported the candidacies of almost 4,000 individuals seeking state office. Learn more at FCCFGG.com.
