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. Attendance has expanded from approximately 50 participants in its first year to more than 200 attendees at recent in-person events.

Each year, REPLENISH partners with a different local pantry to host the event, highlighting the strength and diversity of the countywide hunger relief network and the communities working together to ensure no neighbor goes hungry. Today, the event brings together food pantries, community organizations, volunteers, businesses county and municipal officials, pantry clients, and local leaders for an evening of education, friendly competition and community connection. Local pantry teams prepare creative, nutritious dishes using ingredients commonly found in food pantries, demonstrating that healthy, flavorful meals can be created from accessible pantry staples while showcasing the remarkable work being done by food pantries throughout the county.

Event Overview

Dine Below the Line brings the community together to raise awareness of food insecurity while celebrating the countywide network of food pantries serving neighbors in need. 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 
• 2026: Piscayaway Senior Center

Explore Event Resources

Thank you to everyone who attended the 2026 Dine Below the Line Cooking Competition!

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

• Chef Jerome Mangroo from Urban Eats (representing James O. and Wilhemina Bryant Food Pantry, Piscataway)
• Chef Fan Slobodien retired from Pearl Gentile Street Café & Dan’s on Main (representing First Presbyterian Church of Metuchen)
• Chef Steven Tepper from the Copper Hill Country Club (representing Unity Square Choice Food and Resource Center, New Brunswick)

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

2026 Winner

Chef Jerome Mangroo was selected as the 2026 Dine Below the Line Champion by attendees and County Commissioners.

Thank You to Our Supporters

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

• Approved Fire Protection
• Copper Hill Country Club
• First Presbyterian Church of Metuchen Food Pantry
• James O. and Wilhelmina Bryant Food Pantry
• Piscataway Senior Center
• Rows for the Hungry
• Royal Neighbors
• Unity Square Choice Food and Resource Center

Jennifer Apostol, Amy Bauman, Nicole Correa, David and Cathy Decker, Michelle Gil, Krista Glynn, Jerome Mangroo, Dan and Sandy Slobodien, Selena Stewart, Stephen Tepper, Sarah Teti, and Mary Beth Wheeler.

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.