Honoring food waste prevention, climate change, religious freedom
April 2025 – Drew Theological School hosted a week of eco and justice themed community chapel services observance of Food Waste Prevention Week and the global Climate Teach-In initiative.
Enlarge
Master of Arts in Theology & Ministry alum Stephanie Conley-Webb T’23, volunteer manager at Table to Table, New Jersey’s first and largest food rescue organization, was welcomed as a featured speaker during a service surrounding food waste. Table to Table rescues surplus fresh and perishable food from being wasted and delivers it—same day, free of charge—to over 200 recipient agencies across northern New Jersey.
“Food is a gift, something we need to sustain us daily,” said Conley-Webb. “But many of our New Jersey neighbors do not have food readily available to them. There is a lot of food we are wasting—and a lot of people who are hungry and in need. Food rescue is a powerful way to bridge that gap.”
Since its founding in 1999, Table to Table has rescued more than 20 million pounds of food annually. In 2021, the organization launched the Table to Table I-Rescue App, empowering individuals to participate in local food rescue efforts.
Later that week, chapel service was hosted by the student-led group TERRA (Transforming Environmental and Religious Resources for Action). The group focuses on bridging theological and religious concerns with environmental and ecological concerns. TERRA works cooperatively with Drew’s sustainability programs and other student environmental groups in order to support campus-wide ecological awareness and action. The service featured worship, music, scripture, and personal reflections from members of the group.
The week also included a special appearance from Ben Yosua-Davis T’09, Master of Divinity alum and director of applied research at the BTS Center, where he shared insights into the ongoing work of the seminary’s successor institution.
Joane Rinaldi Brashier, grants manager at the Interfaith Food Pantry of Morris, spoke about the organization’s mission to improve the health and well-being of Morris County residents through access to nutritious food, education, and supportive services. Through a partnership with Drew’s Center for Civic Engagement, the Interfaith Food Pantry also helps sustain Drew’s on-campus food pantry.
Another poignant service focused on the persecution of religious and ethnic minorities in India. The Drew community welcomed Neal Christie of the Religious Nationalisms Project, Peter Cook of the NY State Council of Churches, and author Pieter Friedrich, who led worship and participated in a panel discussion that invited further reflection and dialogue on the intersections of justice, freedom, and faith.
All Drew Chapel services are offered in person in Craig Chapel and online to accommodate the global community.
