Food Council Committee Held Annual Policy Breakfast

The nonprofit PAC gathered industry leaders in Monroe Township to honor legislative advocates.

Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Healthy Food

Bold vector editorial illustration showing two silver service platters stacked on a white tablecloth, representing a professional food industry policy event. — The Food Council Committee for Good Government held its annual breakfast in Monroe Township on October 2, recognizing state legislators for their retail policy advocacy. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Food Council Committee for Good Government hosted its annual breakfast in Monroe Township on October 2, 2026. The event recognized several officials for their policy advocacy and service to the state's retail sector.

Why it matters

The organization promotes candidates and policies that support the interests of food retailers and distributors across the state. These efforts connect industry business leaders with government officials to shape the state's regulatory environment.

The New Jersey food retail and distribution industry represents an annual $157 billion in economic activity. The breakfast marked the 52nd year of the organization, which was established as a nonprofit PAC in 1973.

The players

Linda Doherty

She has led the New Jersey Food Council for 25 years and is planning her retirement.

Jim McGreevy

He is set to succeed Linda Doherty as the next President and CEO of the council.

Andrea Katz

She is a New Jersey Assemblywoman who received an Outstanding Legislator Award.

Vicky Flynn

She serves as a New Jersey Assemblywoman and was recognized for her legislative service.

Gerry Scharfenberger

He is a New Jersey Assemblyman who was honored with an Outstanding Legislator Award.

The details

The event brought together more than 50 industry leaders to honor award recipients, including Maura O'Brien and Leonard J. Sitar. Several state legislators, including Andrea Katz, Vicky Flynn, and Gerry Scharfenberger, were also recognized for their work.

The FCCfGG was formed as a nonprofit political action committee in 1973.
The annual breakfast took place on October 2, 2026.
Linda Doherty plans to retire as President and CEO in January 2027.

Roadmap

The event highlights the political influence of an industry that sustains $157 billion in economic activity, a figure that serves as a baseline for the state's commercial stability. This gathering follows a long-standing pattern of industry-led policy advocacy that mirrors the size of the sector's contribution to the state economy.

The transition in leadership at the council may influence how state regulations regarding retail and food distribution evolve in the coming years. Residents may see long-term effects on the retail landscape as the organization continues to advocate for its members in Trenton.

The takeaway

The organizational shift at the New Jersey Food Council marks the end of a 25-year tenure that helped shape local industry advocacy. Business stakeholders should monitor the leadership transition in early 2027 for potential shifts in policy priorities.

What happens next

Linda Doherty will officially retire from her position as President and CEO of the New Jersey Food Council in January 2027, with Jim McGreevy expected to assume the role.