2026 Dine Below the Line Winner - Chef Jerome Mangroo of Urban Eats, representing James O. and Wilhelmina Bryant Food Pantry in Piscataway.
(PISCATAWAY, NJ) -- On Thursday, July 9, 2026, Middlesex County's food distribution program, REPLENISH, hosted its ninth annual Dine Below the Line hunger awareness cooking competition at the Piscataway Senior Center.
The event brought together local chefs, food pantries, and community leaders, with additional support of $5,000 from event sponsor Royal Neighbors of America — dedicated to empowering women and investing in stronger communities — and $1,000 from chef sponsor Approved Fire Protection and Security. These contributions help to destigmatize food insecurity, raise funds to support hunger relief efforts, and demonstrate how pantry staples can be transformed into healthy, affordable, and delicious meals.
Following an evening of culinary competition, Middlesex County Commissioners Charles Kenny, Chanelle Scott McCullum, Shanti Narra, and Middlesex County Surrogate Claribel Cortes recognized Chef Jerome Mangroo of Urban Eats representing the James O. and Wilhelmina Bryant Food Pantry as this year's Dine Below the Line winner after sampling three dishes prepared by each competing chef.
"Dine Below the Line demonstrates that addressing food insecurity requires the commitment and collaboration of an entire community," said Middlesex County Commissioner Director Ronald G. Rios. "Middlesex County is grateful to REPLENISH, our talented chefs, pantry partners, and everyone who attended for making this event both educational and inspiring. By highlighting the important work of local food pantries, we hope more residents will support these vital resources by donating and encourage anyone experiencing food insecurity to seek assistance."
"REPLENISH works tirelessly to ensure Middlesex County residents have access to nutritious food while connecting them with the resources available throughout our community," said Middlesex County Commissioner and Chair of the Community Services Committee Claribel A. Azcona-Barber. "Dine Below the Line helps break down the stigma surrounding food insecurity by showcasing food pantries as welcoming, community-centered resources and demonstrating that nutritious, delicious meals can be created using pantry staples."
Using ingredients commonly found in food pantries, each competing chef crafted unique, flavorful, and culturally inspired dishes that highlighted both the versatility and nutritional value of pantry staples. More than 150 guests sampled each dish before casting their votes for their favorite dish of the evening.
This year's competing chefs included:
* Chef Jerome Mangroo, owner of Urban Eats, representing James O. and Wilhelmina Bryant Food Pantry in Piscataway
* Chef Steven Tepper of Copper Hill Country Club, representing Unity Square Choice Food and Resource Center in New Brunswick
* Chef Dan Slobodien, owner of Pearl Street Café and Dan's on Main, representing First Presbyterian Food Pantry of Metuchen
REPLENISH partners with a dedicated network of food pantries, soup kitchens, and service organizations to serve all 25 municipalities of Middlesex County. Through the Healthy Foods Access Map, residents can easily locate nearby pantries, farmers markets, grocery stores, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) retailers, Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), and available transportation options.
HOW TO HELP
Community support is essential to keep REPLENISH's shelves stocked year-round. Donations of non-perishable foods and basic household supplies are accepted Monday through Friday, from 6 am-1 pm, at the REPLENISH Distribution Center at 28 Kennedy Boulevard in East Brunswick (drop-off located at the rear of the building). Monetary donations may also be made by check payable to "Feeding Middlesex County." Checks may be mailed to PO Box 781, Edison, NJ 08818, or donations can be made online via the Feeding Middlesex County website.
Individual donations can also be made year-round at any of the permanent collection sites located at libraries in East Brunswick, Edison, Metuchen, Monroe, North Brunswick, Perth Amboy, Piscataway, Plainsboro, South Amboy, South Brunswick, South Plainfield, Spotswood, and Woodbridge.
To learn more about REPLENISH, make a donation, or explore volunteer opportunities, please visit middlesexcountynj.gov/replenish.
Middlesex County is bettering the lives of residents and providing economic growth opportunities to business and industry. Home to several Fortune 500 companies, three universities, 21 county parks, and world-class healthcare and research facilities, Middlesex County is one of the nation's most dynamic regions — and a leader in life sciences, transportation, the arts, and food innovation. With more than 860,000 residents across 25 municipalities, Middlesex County is among the most diverse areas in the United States. Its award-winning Middlesex County Magnet Schools and two-year Middlesex College strengthen the County's reputation as New Jersey's leader in education and workforce development. Conveniently located between New York City and Philadelphia, Middlesex County has been a premier destination to live, work, and play since the 17th century.
