Lawmakers, government officials and New Jersey business leaders will gather Sept. 30 for the 52nd annual Good Government Breakfast at Forsgate Country Club in Monroe, where six people will be honored for their leadership, public service and support of the state’s food industry.
The breakfast is hosted by the Food Council Committee for Good Government with the support of the New Jersey Food Council, bringing food industry leaders together with key decision-makers to discuss issues affecting food retail and distribution in New Jersey. The program runs from 8:30-10:30 a.m.
“The Good Government Breakfast is about recognizing people who understand the important role the food industry plays in New Jersey and who are willing to engage with us on the issues affecting our stores, our workforce and the families we serve,” said Linda Doherty, president and CEO of the NJFC. “We appreciate leaders who collaborate and recognize the real-world impact of public policy on our industry and affordability to our shoppers.”
Industry honorees
Leonard J. Sitar, president of ShopRite of Carteret, will receive the Patriot Award, an honor presented to only three other recipients. Sitar began working in his family’s grocery store at age 8 and has devoted nearly five decades to the NJFC, becoming its longest-serving board member and serving as secretary and chairman. He also spent 35 years on the Wakefern Food Corp. board of directors.
Maura O’Brien, government relations manager at Ahold Delhaize USA, will receive the Good Government Award. O’Brien began her supermarket career in 2003 as a part-time cashier at Stop & Shop while attending college, advancing through store management and roles in produce and floral merchandising, human resources, community relations and external communications. She serves as vice chair of both the FCCfGG board of governors and the NJFC government affairs committee.
Government honorees
Michael Wilson, deputy commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Human Services, will receive the Thomas W. Kelly Government Service Award. Wilson oversees the Division of Family Development, Office of
New Americans and the department’s Office of Emergency Management. His career includes leading Maryland Hunger Solutions, serving as an international VP of UFCW and working in the U.S. Department of Labor during the Clinton administration.
“We are honored to recognize Deputy Commissioner Wilson for his leadership on SNAP, including during the prolonged lapse in benefits in 2025 and the transition to more secure chip/tap cards, which will help prevent theft of benefits,” Doherty said.
Outstanding Legislator Awards go to Assemblywoman Andrea Katz (D-8), chair of the Assembly Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee and the first Democratic woman elected to represent the 8th Legislative District; Assemblywoman Vicky Flynn (R-13), minority parliamentarian, whose work focuses on education, public safety and fiscal responsibility; and Assemblyman Gerry Scharfenberger (R-13), Assembly Republican policy chairman, a former Middletown mayor whose efforts center on fiscal oversight, economic growth and historic preservation.
“Each of our 2026 honorees has demonstrated a commitment to leadership and public service,” Doherty said. “Whether their work is in government or within the food industry, they have earned our respect through their accessibility, partnership and commitment to strengthening New Jersey.”
The FCCfGG was formed in 1973 with the support of the NJFC to aid responsible elected state officials and candidates who share a common objective for good government. Registration information is available at FCCFGG.com.
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