The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) has announced a $900,000 funding initiative to support the state’s six Emergency Feeding Organizations. This action comes as food banks in New Jersey experience increased demand due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, which has disrupted Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for approximately 813,000 residents, including 340,000 children.
The timing of this funding coincides with statewide school closures for the annual New Jersey Education Association (NJEA) Conference. All 568 school districts will be closed on Thursday and Friday, with some districts closing for additional days throughout the week. While school meal programs are not directly affected by the shutdown, students only receive these meals when schools are open. With more than 533,000 children enrolled in free or reduced-price meal programs across New Jersey, many families face heightened food insecurity during this period.
Governor Phil Murphy addressed the situation: “Across New Jersey, hundreds of thousands of families are grappling with the fallout of the Trump Administration’s unprecedented failure to fully and consistently fund SNAP during the federal government shutdown. In some cases, school breakfast and lunch may be the only meals of the day for a child facing food insecurity. As SNAP benefits remain suspended and schools across the state close this week, families will be turning to food banks for help,” he said. “This infusion of funding from the NJEDA will help food banks remain open and stocked. No one should go hungry in New Jersey.”
Tim Sullivan, Chief Executive Officer of NJEDA, emphasized collaboration: “The SNAP benefits crisis coupled with school closures this week presents an all-hands-on deck situation. As a member of the Governor’s Task Force on the Federal Suspension of SNAP Benefits, the NJEDA is proud to join the Administration’s whole-of-government approach to support our food banks and facilitate the access of families to food,” Sullivan stated. “Government cannot face this challenge alone and I urge the private sector and philanthropic entities to join our efforts to ensure no child goes hungry.”
Sarah Adelman, Commissioner of New Jersey Human Services, highlighted ongoing needs: “This support comes at a critical moment as households face the harmful loss of November SNAP benefits compounded by school closures where many children would normally receive breakfast and lunch. It is inhumane and simply unacceptable that in the United States of America our children are going hungry and seniors and those with disabilities don’t know where their next meal may come from,” she said. “New Jersey’s food banks and their community partners are working diligently to provide extra food to families as demand is surging statewide, but they need additional financial support. Anyone who is able to donate time or resources in this moment of need are encouraged to visit their community food bank website.”
Tara Colton, NJEDA Chief Economic Security Officer, commented on broader goals: “Combatting food insecurity isn’t just a matter of meeting basic needs, it’s about building vibrant communities where all families and children have the opportunity to succeed,” Colton said. “During this extraordinary time, the NJEDA is committed to supporting food pantries across the state so that families have access to groceries and kids who aren’t in school this week won’t go hungry.”
Mark Dinglasan, Executive Director of New Jersey Office of Food Security Advocate added: “The Murphy administration remains steadfast in its commitment to combat food insecurity, and with hundreds of thousands of children currently at risk of missing meals, our fight is in overdrive,” he said. “I appreciate the NJEDA’s quick response to this emerging crisis and stand ready to support New Jersey’s food banks as they navigate this unique situation.”
Funding for these efforts comes from appropriations made under Fiscal Year 2022 for Food and Agriculture Innovation through NJEDA. The distribution method mirrors that used for recent Food and Hunger Grants announced by Governor Murphy.
NJEDA has worked toward improving statewide food security through investment strategies such as its Food Equity and Economic Development in New Jersey (FEED NJ) Program—an initiative aimed at increasing access to healthy grocery options in underserved areas.
At present, November SNAP benefits have not been released due to delays at the federal level; further action from U.S. Department of Agriculture is required before funds become available for recipients. State officials expect continued disruptions until these issues are resolved.
Residents seeking updates on their SNAP status can check accounts at NJFamiliesFirst.com or call 800-997-3333; information is also available at njsnap.gov or nj.gov/snapshutdown.
Community members can find local pantries through NJ 211 online services; many offer fresh produce alongside staple foods as well as other assistance programs.
