To raise awareness and donations to benefit Rise Food Pantry, 12 Farms Restaurant in Hightstown is having its inaugural “Guest Chef Invitational” Thursday, Jan. 28.
Staying true to the local, sustainable, farm-to-table concept, the restaurant is showcasing homegrown local talent rooted in the Hightstown community. On Jan. 28, Chef F. Scott Belgard will be featuring a small special menu to complement the current menu. Look for well-paired flavors from Chef Scott with balanced textures featuring the best local products and detailed Haute American Presentation.
Chef Scott, a Freehold N.J. native who has been residing in Hightstown for many years, entered the restaurant business at an early age starting as a busboy and dishwasher. After graduating high school, he attended Johnson & Wales University and jumped directly under the wing of Master Chef Hubert Seifert of the Gourmet Market/Spagio in Columbus Ohio.
After returning to J&W to finish his undergraduate degree, Scott journeyed under Frank Lee at Slightly North of Broad in Charleston S.C. Since Chef Scott has held head and executive chef positions at notable restaurants including The Galleon St. Croix, Carambola Resorts, Jon & Lou’s, Tre Piani Princeton, and later with Restaurant Associates N.Y. Today Chef Scott owns Pompier Catering & Cuisine in Hightstown.
On the day of the vent, those attending can bring a tax-deductible donation of non-perishable food items, diapers, baby supplies, or personal care items on the day of the event. Cash or checks made payable to “Rise” are also accepted.
Those interested can also support Rise programs, volunteer, provide food and personal items, or make a tax-deductible financial contribution to Rise. For information, call 609-443-4464 or email info@rise-community-services.org.
Donations of top-quality clothing, furniture, and other household goods can also be made at the Greater Goods Thrift Stores in Hightstown. The stores are open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday. The furniture resale store is at 133 Broad Street; the kids’ outlet is at 122 Main Street; and the Greater Goods Thrift Store is at 114 Rogers Avenue.
Approximately 500 families visit the Rise Food Pantry every month. It relies on community donations to fill the shelves. If you would like to donate to the food pantry, the greatest needs are personal care items and baby supplies. Donate non-perishable food at the pantry, 225 Franklin Street in Hightstown, during operating hours of 9 a.m. to noon Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday mornings and the first and third Wednesday evenings of each month from 5 p.m. to 7p.m. To donate perishable food, call (609) 443-4464 to make arrangements with our food pantry coordinator. If you are choosing between donating food and making a financial contribution, please be aware that a monetary donation will feed more people in need.
