The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) has announced that applications for its Food Equity and Economic Development in New Jersey (FEED NJ) Program are now open. This initiative is a $30 million pilot program designed to provide grants ranging from $50,000 to $500,000. The purpose of these grants is to support innovative projects aimed at enhancing food access and security in New Jersey's most acute Food Desert Communities (FDCs).
According to the NJEDA, "FEED NJ will provide grants between $50,000 and $500,000 to cover up to 100 percent of costs for projects aimed at improving New Jersey residents’ ability to access fresh, affordable, and healthy food in one or more of 14 Primary Focus FDCs." These projects can be new initiatives or expansions of existing services and must be completed within either 12 or 24 months.
Eligible applicants include both for-profit and non-profit entities that have been operational for at least two years by the time they apply. The NJEDA emphasizes that "Projects must primarily serve residents of one or more of the 14 Primary Focus FDCs," although additional communities may also be served as long as the primary focus remains on at least one of these designated areas. Higher scores will be awarded to entities with a proven record of serving FDC residents and providing food-related programs and services.
Applications are due by Thursday, April 3, 2025, at 5:00 p.m.
