STATEMENT ON THE PASSING OF NJ HALL OF FAME MEMBER KATHLEEN DICHIARA
Kathleen DiChiara, our New Jersey Hall of Fame Class of 2013 Unsung Hero, was a beacon of compassion, resilience, and innovative leadership. As the founder and longtime CEO of the New Jersey Community FoodBank, she pioneered efforts to address hunger and poverty across New Jersey, ultimately creating one of the largest anti-hunger organizations in the United States.
Her journey began in 1975, distributing food from the back of her station wagon in Newark, determined to make a difference. Under her guidance, the FoodBank grew from a small grassroots operation into a powerful lifeline for thousands, reaching every corner of the state through programs like the Kid’s Cafe, commercial kitchen job training, and Kathleen’s Closet. Her groundbreaking initiatives have inspired similar programs nationwide, leaving a lasting impact on the fight against food insecurity.
Known for her unwavering belief in second chances, Kathleen proudly provided employment to ex-offenders and individuals in recovery, none of whom reoffended, a testament to her faith in people’s ability to rebuild and contribute. Her warmth, love for nature, and dedication to her community were hallmarks of her character, and she touched countless lives with her kindness.
Kathleen DiChiara’s legacy will endure, not only in the millions of meals distributed but in the hope, support, and compassion she inspired in New Jersey and beyond. She will be profoundly missed, but her life’s work will continue to change lives for generations to come.