Princeton Area Business, First Field, Adds More Local Flavor to School Fundraising Program

Nearly 40 New Jersey small businesses will be featured in the 2014 Just Jersey school fundraising catalog.   Just Jersey helps schools raise funds through sales of locally-sourced products as a healthy, eco-friendly alternative to the traditional wrapping paper fundraisers.   Schools, PTO’s, PTA’s, and other nonprofit organizations earn 30% of orders collected through the Catalog.

First Field, of Princeton, is one of 10 new vendors to be featured in Just Jersey’s 2014 Catalog.  Launched in 2008, First Field’s ketchup is made with New Jersey’s most famous crop –Jersey tomatoes.  Now First Field ketchup is expanding retail exposure outside of the local tri-state area.  First Field can now be found in many specialty stores, natural food foods and all Whole Foods Market stores throughout the region.

Through their participation in Just Jersey, First Field can now garner the attention of the State’s most discriminating ketchup aficionados, school-aged children.  “Given the amount of ketchup my children consume, I prefer not to give them a product laced with high fructose corn syrup and other artificial ingredients, says Just Jersey founder, Tina Bologna.  “Ketchup is a practical household pantry item and now families can send 30% of the purchase price back to their school when they restock through the Just Jersey Catalog.”

First Field owner, Theresa Viggiano sees Just Jersey as “a unique and creative way to give New Jersey families healthier options.  It feels great to be part of a program that promotes local businesses and helps schools raise funds”. 

Bologna said that it can be difficult to convince schools to try something new but she quickly adds that she will not be easily deterred from her mission.  “We worked with six schools last year and we are continuing to grow.  With so many amazing small companies right here in New Jersey, it makes sense that schools and local businesses support each other within their own communities.  Hopefully, in the process, Just Jersey is also inspiring the next generation of New Jersey entrepreneurs.” 

Other New Jersey food vendors to appear in the 2014 Just Jersey Catalog include:  A Gardener’s Kitchen (granola), Bare Bee Apiary (honey), Booskerdoo (locally roasted coffee), Donna and Company (chocolate), Farmer Steve’s Organic  Popcorn,  Gilda’s Biscotti, Heartbreaking Dawns (hot Sauce and rubs), Heirzoom Bakery, and George’s Gourmet Pound Cakes and Saltopia (salt and herb blends).  Just Jersey also offers body care items, housewares, jewelry and accessories, pet products, kids items as well as gifts and books.

Just Jersey is still accepting schools and nonprofits for 2014.  For information about how to host a Just Jersey fundraiser, visit justjerseycatalog.com or email schools@justjerseycatalog.com.

Learn more about First Field at www.first-field.com

Learn more about Just Jersey at www.justjerseycatalog.com