New Jersey awards $4 million in grants to food banks to expand access to local food amid federal SNAP delays
TRENTON, N.J. — As the federal government continues to delay the full and timely funding of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for New Jersey families, state officials announced new support to address food insecurity.
New Jersey Department of Agriculture (NJDA) Secretary Ed Wengryn on Thursday announced more than $4 million in grants to six regional food banks to help purchase locally grown food products as part of the state’s Hunger Initiative and Food Assistance Program.
The funding will allow food banks across New Jersey to expand access to fresh, nutritious, and locally produced foods while supporting farmers and the state’s agricultural economy.
“Food security is always a high-priority issue for the New Jersey Department of Agriculture, and with the federal suspension of SNAP benefits, it became an even more overarching issue for us as the agency that administers community- and school-feeding programs,” said Secretary Ed Wengryn. “These additional grants will help New Jersey’s community food banks that are hard pressed to fill the gaps left by SNAP benefits not being available. We will continue to ensure that feeding New Jersey’s residents takes top priority.”
The Hunger Initiative and Food Assistance Program are part of the Murphy administration’s broader commitment to strengthening local food systems, reducing food insecurity, and creating economic opportunities for New Jersey’s farmers.
Participating food banks will use their grant funds exclusively to purchase New Jersey agricultural products, including fruits, vegetables, grains, meat, poultry, dairy, eggs, seafood, and minimally processed foods made with at least 51 percent New Jersey ingredients.
Grant recipients include:
- Community FoodBank of New Jersey and Community FoodBank Egg Harbor — $2,120,000
- Food Bank of South Jersey — $600,000
- Mercer Street Friends Food Bank — $440,000
- Fulfill (Monmouth and Ocean Counties) — $600,000
- NORWESCAP — $120,000
- Southern Regional Food Distribution — $120,000
The NJDA is also encouraging individuals and businesses to continue contributing to local food banks and pantries. Officials emphasized that the state’s grant funds are intended to supplement, not replace, community donations during this period of increased need.
At this time, November SNAP benefits are not yet available to New Jersey families. The state anticipates continued delays caused by the federal government’s funding lapse and will provide updates as information becomes available.
Residents can check their SNAP benefit status by visiting NJFamiliesFirst.com, calling 800-997-3333, or visiting njsnap.gov and nj.gov/SNAPshutdown. Information about food pantries and community kitchens can also be found through NJ 211 or nj.gov/SNAPshutdown.
“For more information on New Jersey’s response to the federal suspension of SNAP benefits,” the NJDA said, “please visit nj.gov/SNAPshutdown.”
