Cooking Up Care

WHEN RIDGEWOOD resident Stacey Antine, MS, RDN, founder and director of the HealthBarn Foundation, learned she had been named the Tomorrow’s Children’s Fund (TCF) Ambassador of Hope, her thoughts immediately turned to the journey that started it all.

“This honor brings back so many wonderful memories—it feels like no time has passed at all,” Antine says. “10 years ago, TCF said ‘yes’ to offering Healing Meals to families in need, and that powerful partnership continues today. This honor belongs to all of us—our volunteers, partners, and supporters who make this impact possible every day.

WHERE COMPASSION MEETS NUTRITION

HealthBarn’s partnership with TCF began more than a decade ago through Healing Meals, a volunteer-powered initiative providing wholesome, homemade meals to families whose children are undergoing treatment for cancer and blood disorders. The idea came from a deeply personal place.

“When my dad was diagnosed with cancer, my mom and I became his caregivers,” Antine recalls. “After long days at the hospital, it was difficult to prepare nutritious meals. That experience inspired me to find a better way.”

When Stacey published her first book, “Appetite for Life,” TCF invited her to teach nutrition at the hospital.

“I realized providing ready-to-go meals would be more helpful than just teaching about them,” she says. “That was the spark for Healing Meals.”

Within months, a community of support formed—No Fuss Lunch in Haledon offered kitchen space, Bergen Academies’ culinary students volunteered, and Whole Foods Market Ridgewood supplied ingredients. From there, the program grew to hundreds of volunteers, private donors, and grant support.

NOURISHING HOPE

Healing Meals has become a cornerstone of comfort for families in crisis. Each week, volunteers prepare balanced, kid-approved meals, soups, and baked treats that are frozen and stored in hospital freezers for easy access by social workers.

“These meals are more than food,” Antine says. “They’re a message that someone cares, that families are not alone during such a difficult time.”

Antine’s education and experience as a registered dietitian ensure that each meal is thoughtfully crafted with a nourishing balance of protein, whole grains, and healthy fats, plus plenty of freshly chopped vegetables. It’s wholesome, flavorful food that families love, and with ingredients that support strong bodies, healthy minds, and healing. Each package includes four servings and a nutrition analysis—a small but meaningful way to extend care to the entire family.

Every Tuesday night, the kitchen at No Fuss Lunch transforms into a hive of activity. Volunteers—from 5-year-olds to 85-year-olds—chop, stir, and package wholesome meals together.

“Every week, we see parents cooking alongside their children, scout troops working with seniors, and corporate teams jumping in to help,” Antine shares. “The energy is contagious. It’s fun, fast-paced, and deeply rewarding.”

Groups from across the region, including service organizations, schools, and local businesses, contribute to the effort, embodying Ridgewood’s strong sense of community.

“Together, we are making a difference—one meal, one act of kindness, and one family at a time,” Antine says.

FEEDING MORE FAMILIES

Although Healing Meals initially focused on supporting pediatric cancer patients, the program’s reach expanded significantly during the pandemic.

“When hospitals could no longer accept outside meals due to their patients’ compromised immune systems, we pivoted to serve seniors and families through Ridgewood Social Services and Ridgecrest Senior Housing,” Antine says. “Then, we partnered with Feed the Frontlines, which distributed $4.6 million worth of restaurant-prepared meals to food pantries across Bergen and Passaic counties”.

Even after hospitals reopened, Healing Meals continued to support local food pantries, including the Franciscan Community Development Center in Fairview and the Bergen Volunteer Medical Initiative (BVMI).

“Our productivity keeps growing,” Antine notes. “As benefits shrink, the need is rising, and Healing Meals is rising to meet it.”

AMBASSADOR OF HOPE

At the 10th Annual Tomorrow’s Children’s Fund 5K Run/Walk on Sept. 14, 2025, held at the Ridgewood Duck Pond, Antine was honored as the Ambassador of Hope.

“I accepted this recognition on behalf of all the incredible Healing Meals volunteers,” she says. “Together, we remind families that they are loved, supported, and cared for, and we couldn’t ask for a better partner than TCF.”

As Healing Meals continues to grow, Antine’s message remains as heartfelt as ever: “Follow your heart, because that’s where your passion lies. We were all blessed with our own individual talents that are gifts. Put those talents into action to help others. The world needs good people with generous hearts.”

Her vision for the future is simple yet powerful: “We’ll keep delivering on our mission of gifting nutritious food when it’s needed most, and we’ll stay grateful for the partnerships that make it all possible.”

BY KRIS PEPPER