Dine Below the Line is an annual hunger awareness event that began in 2016 as a project led by a Rutgers University intern in partnership with MCFOODS — now known as REPLENISH. Since its founding, the event has grown into a signature community program that raises awareness about food insecurity across Middlesex County.

Each year, REPLENISH partners with local food pantries to host the event in different municipalities throughout the County. Attendance has expanded from approximately 50 participants in its first year to more than 200 attendees at recent in-person events. Participants include County and local officials, nonprofit organizations, businesses, food pantry volunteers, faith-based communities, and residents.

Event Overview

Dine Below the Line is a friendly cooking competition that highlights the creativity and impact of local food pantries. Participating chefs prepare healthy, nutritious meals using ingredients commonly available through food pantry networks — demonstrating how accessible foods can be transformed into flavorful, budget-conscious dishes.

Previous Program Hosts:

• 2016: Christ Church Food Pantry, New Brunswick 
• 2017: Aldersgate United Methodist Church Crisis Room Food Pantry, East Brunswick 
• 2018: North Brunswick Food Bank and Our Lady of Peace Church 
• 2019: We Feed – Woodbridge and St. Anthony of Padua 
• 2020: Event paused due to COVID-19 
• 2021: Virtual event featuring St. Peter’s (Spotswood) and chefs from New Brunswick and Piscataway 
• 2022: First Presbyterian Church, Metuchen (in-person and virtual) 
• 2024: Princeton Alliance Church, Plainsboro 
• 2025: Alexander F. Jankowski Community Center, Perth Amboy 
  

Explore Event Resources

Thank you to everyone who attended the 2025 Dine Below the Line Cooking Competition!

This year’s event featured three competing chefs and a special guest judge:

• Chef Brian Karluk of Steakhouse 85 (representing Raritan Bay Area YMCA, Perth Amboy)
• Chef Maricel Gentile of Maricel’s Kitchen (representing Grace for Dinner, Kendall Park)
• Chef Doug Wilson (Dine Below the Line Founder, representing St. Peter’s Community Kitchen, Spotswood) 

The event also featured special guest judge Tariq (Corn Kid), who provided commentary and feedback throughout the competition.

Using pantry staples, chefs created innovative and affordable dishes that showcased both skill and creativity.

2025 Winner

Chef Maricel Gentile was selected as the 2025 Dine Below the Line Champion by attendees, County Commissioners, and the guest judge.

Thank You to Our Supporters

Special thanks to all volunteers, chefs, participating teams, and judges, as well as the following organizations and partners:

• Grace Presbyterian Church 
• St. Peter’s Episcopal Church 
• Raritan Bay Area YMCA 
• Miller’s Rentals 
• Rows for the Hungry 
• Steakhouse 85 
• Maricel’s Kitchen 
• Royal Neighbors 
• City of Perth Amboy 
  

 Nicole Adamousky, Jennifer Apostol, Nicole Correa, David and Cathleen Decker, Chef Maricel Gentile, Lori Jarvis, Chef Brian Karluk, Lilliana Martinez, Jennifer Roche, Dianne Roman, and Chef Doug Wilson.

Stay Connected

We look forward to welcoming you to next year’s Dine Below the Line Cooking Competition. Check back for updates, event announcements, and ways to get involved.