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New Jersey Awards $4 Million to Food Banks to Buy Locally Grown Products
Amid delays in federal SNAP benefits, the state launches new grants to strengthen food security and support NJ farmers by funding fresh, locally sourced food purchases.
MORRISTOWN, NJ — As federal delays in issuing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits persist, the New Jersey Department of Agriculture (NJDA) has awarded $4 million in state grants to regional food banks to support the purchase of New Jersey-grown agricultural products. The funding was announced on November 13 by NJDA Secretary Ed Wengryn as part of the Murphy Administration’s Hunger Initiative and Food Assistance Program.
The grants aim to help food banks increase access to fresh and nutritious food for families facing food insecurity while also supporting the state’s farming sector. Funds must be used exclusively to purchase local products such as fruits, vegetables, grains, meat, poultry, dairy, eggs, seafood, and minimally processed foods with at least 51% New Jersey-sourced ingredients.
“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."
Grant Recipients and Award Amounts
| Food Bank | Award Amount |
|---|---|
| Community Food Bank (including Egg Harbor) | $2,120,000 |
| Food Bank of South Jersey | $600,000 |
| Fulfill (Monmouth and Ocean counties) | $600,000 |
| Mercer Street Friends Food Bank | $440,000 |
| NORWESCAP | $120,000 |
| Southern Regional Food Distribution | $120,000 |
The funding not only addresses the growing demand for emergency food services but also ensures that local agricultural producers are directly supported during a time of economic uncertainty.
SNAP Delays Continue
The grant announcement comes as November SNAP benefits remain unavailable to New Jersey families due to federal funding delays. State officials have warned of continued gaps in benefit distribution and are urging residents to monitor updates through official channels:
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SNAP Hotline: 800-997-3333
In response to the federal delays, the NJDA emphasized that the grant program is intended to supplement, not replace, local and community-based food assistance efforts. Residents are encouraged to use NJ 211 to locate nearby food pantries and community kitchens that offer fresh produce, non-perishable staples, and support services.
Program Goals
The Hunger Initiative and Food Assistance Program reflect the state’s broader goals to:
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Reduce food insecurity across New Jersey
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Bolster local food systems
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Provide economic opportunities to the state’s agricultural producers
This initiative builds on New Jersey’s efforts to create a sustainable and equitable food supply while addressing urgent needs caused by federal benefit interruptions and rising community demand.
For ongoing information and updates, visit: nj.gov/SNAPshutdown.
