The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) Board has approved over $9.3 million in grants to 23 organizations through the Food Equity and Economic Development in New Jersey (FEED NJ) Pilot Program. This decision marks the second round of awards under the $30 million program, which aims to support food security initiatives in New Jersey’s 14 most critical Food Desert Communities (FDCs). The first round, approved in November, distributed $20.6 million to 50 organizations. In total, 73 organizations have received funding, making this one of the largest investments recently dedicated to strengthening food security infrastructure in the state.
“The NJEDA has broadened its food security efforts throughout Governor Murphy’s administration, supporting innovative solutions that uplift New Jersey’s families, strengthen our economy, and open new doors of opportunity,” said NJEDA Acting Chief Executive Officer Mary Maples. “The funding approved today will support a range of projects, including grocery delivery and urban farming programs, empowering local partners and providing lasting support to communities that need it most.”
Each grant recipient can receive up to $500,000 and will focus on serving residents within high-need FDCs across seven counties. These areas include parts of Bridgeton, Camden, Fairfield Township, Lawrence Township, Newark, New Brunswick, Passaic City, Paterson, Pennsauken, Salem City, Trenton, and Woodlynne.
The newly approved grants will also benefit 36 additional FDCs such as Dover, Jersey City, Irvington, East Orange, and Perth Amboy. FEED NJ projects include creating or expanding food pantries and mobile markets; partnering with farmers for locally grown produce; acquiring new delivery vehicles; and enhancing meal recovery efforts.
“With community-driven initiatives like FEED NJ, the NJEDA is continuing to make transformative investments to advance food security, recognizing that access to fresh, affordable food is essential for both economic stability and social well-being,” said NJEDA Chief Economic Security Officer Tara Colton. “FEED NJ will empower nonprofits and private partners to bring meaningful food access programs to underserved areas, opening the door to greater opportunity for countless families.”
The list of FDCs was developed by the NJEDA alongside state agencies using more than two dozen factors related to retail environment and community demographics. A full list is available on the FEED NJ website.
“FEED NJ represents targeted investments in the districts and communities across our state and helps ensure families can access fresh, affordable food in the neighborhoods where they live,” said Assembly Speaker Craig J. Coughlin. “This second round of grants continues our commitment to meeting needs on the ground and supporting the local partners who work tirelessly to strengthen local food access. Fighting food insecurity is fundamental, and when we take the steps to make sure families have what they need, we lay the foundation for better health and lasting opportunity.”
“Just this week a survey of Americans revealed that nearly 70% of people are struggling to afford groceries for their household. That is staggering,” said Department of Human Services Commissioner Sarah Adelman. “These grants will help community feeding organizations expand their programs and more effectively address hunger needs in neighborhoods that lack consistent, reliable and affordable access to nutritious food. I am grateful to the NJEDA for continuing to prioritize basic necessities like food access as critical components of economic security and success for all New Jersey families.”
“The FEED NJ grants are another tool New Jersey is using to build a more sustainable food system,” said Ed Wengryn, New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture. “These grants create opportunities to connect our state’s farmers with food desert communities, providing local foods, strengthening our food system, and meeting critical nutritional needs.”
“Every community deserves a fair opportunity to close the gaps that exist between local residents and dignified access to nourishing food, and to address the root causes of those gaps,” said NJ Office of the Food Security Advocate Executive Director Mark Dinglasan. “This second round of FEED NJ funding expands that opportunity to more communities… OFSA congratulates and is ready to support the new FEED NJ grantees and our NJEDA colleagues in this intentionally broader… work.”
FEED NJ adds another resource among several existing programs from the Authority designed for expanding healthy food options statewide—including planning grants for cities like Atlantic City as well as supermarket tax credits—and recently allocated $900 thousand toward emergency feeding groups during increased demand tied to changes in federal nutrition benefits.
Funding comes from proceeds raised by tax credit auctions authorized under state law aimed at addressing disparities in access across designated FDCs.
The New Jersey Economic Development Authority offers financing tools such as low-interest loans along with other investment options meant for business development or economic initiatives statewide. It also promotes diversity while fostering equitable opportunities across communities (official website). In addition—by enacting legislation like 2021’s Economic Recovery Act—the agency works toward policy shifts supporting job creation amid challenging times (official site). More information about these programs can be found on the Authority’s website.
