NJEDA Expands Funding for Food Desert Tax Credit Auction Due to High Demand

Auction will support food desert relief efforts

TRENTON, N.J. (October 7, 2026) – Due to greater than anticipated demand, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) will increase the amount of tax credits available to a total of $30 million for the Food Desert Relief Tax Credit Auction. Applications will close on Friday, October 9, 2026. 

WHAT: Up to $30 million in tax credits, an increase from $25 million, will be available for purchase through the Food Desert Relief Tax Credit Auction, allowing bidders to offset their New Jersey tax liability by up to 15%. 

Proceeds will fund programs that strengthen food access and reduce hunger in communities across the state where these challenges are most acute. These future grant, loan, and/or technical assistance opportunities will advance the priorities established by the Food Desert Relief Act and complement the NJEDA’s robust toolkit of existing food security programs, including FEED NJ, which was funded by proceeds from past tax credit auctions and is investing $30 million to catalyze innovative, sustainable, and scalable food access initiatives in underserved areas. 

WHO: New Jersey Corporate Taxpayers or Insurance Companies that want to reduce their New Jersey 2026 tax liability. Companies do not need to be located in a food desert, be in the food industry, or make any ongoing commitments beyond the purchase transaction to buy tax credits through the auction. 

WHEN: Applications for the Food Desert Relief Tax Credit Auction will close on Friday, October 9, 2026, at 5 p.m. Applications and additional information can be found here. 

To learn more about NJEDA resources for businesses, call NJEDA Customer Care at 844-965-1125 or visit https://www.njeda.gov and follow @NewJerseyEDA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

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