New Jersey Food Council, National Grocers Association hail Wakefern

Organization has ‘big heart,’ is always first to step up, give back

By Mary Margaret Stewart / staff writer

The New Jersey Food Council was created 51 years ago by one of Wakefern Food Corp.’s store owners, Joe Saker of ShopRite.

NJFC President Linda Doherty said the seed was planted for its structure in Saker’s living room. Saker, who would serve as the organization’s first chair, and the two other co-founders “had the foresight to band together with other grocers in New Jersey to become the voice of the food industry and the supermarket industry.”

“And when we celebrated our anniversary, 50 years later… Joe’s son, Richard, happened to be our chair,” she continued. “The roots were established through the Wakefern owners, and their legacy continues today to lead us in our mission.”

And today, Doherty said the council’s strong relationship with Wakefern is critically important to the success of its agenda, with the corporation holding influence as New Jersey’s largest private employer.

“[Wakefern’s] imprint is on almost everything we do from our strategic planning, to our issues, management, to our asset protection program, our continuity planning, our legislative agenda, our food safety program, our political platform, our committee activity, our energy aggregation, and our action in food assistance programs,” Doherty said.

All in all, though, the giant’s influence is not the only reason for the council’s draw to continuing its partnership into the future.

“What I love about dealing with Wakefern is that they see the bigger picture,” Doherty said. “They have that keen ability to work with their competitors, through the food council, to move our industry forward in New Jersey and protect all our interests.

“They, as business leaders in the state and throughout the country, continually keep the pedal to the metal. They never rest on their morals, and they challenge every member of their team to be the best that they can be. And that’s what motivates me at the food council to work side by side with them.

“And you have to look at their unique structure and governance. They’re familyowned and -operated. They’re supported by a professional team. It’s just such a winning combination that makes them such a viable competitor.” www.acosta.com

Acosta congratulates Wakefern Food Corp for being named the 2020 Northeast Wholesaler of the year!

We are proud to be your partner and thank each and every essential worker for their commitment to serving our customers.