Major investment from FEED NJ will support initiatives that improve residents’ ability to access fresh, affordable, and healthy food

TRENTON, N.J. (November 14, 2025) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) Board recently approved more than $20.6 million in grant awards to 50 organizations under the Food Equity and Economic Development in New Jersey (FEED NJ) Pilot Program. The awards are the first set of approvals under the $30 million FEED NJ program and will support food security projects in New Jersey’s 14 most acute Food Desert Communities (FDCs), catalyzing innovative, sustainable, and scalable food access initiatives in underserved areas. The total funding of $30 million is one of the largest investments in recent years dedicated to strengthening New Jersey’s food security infrastructure.  

“My administration has been laser-focused on erasing systemic barriers that limit access to affordable, healthy food options,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “By expanding food access in New Jersey communities, we will improve quality-of-life for residents and strengthen our economic security, creating a stronger and fairer Garden State.”

“Under Governor Murphy’s leadership, the NJEDA has expanded our robust food security toolkit to combat hunger through innovative approaches, which is helping improve the well-being of New Jerseyans, while strengthening our economy and expanding access to new opportunities for residents,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “From establishing mobile markets to renovating community food pantries, the creative initiatives to bolster food security funded through FEED NJ will give a boost to local organizations and ensure they have the resources to support underserved communities for the long-term.”

Each of the 50 awardees under FEED NJ will receive awards of up to $500,000 and will primarily focus their projects on serving residents of one or more of the highest-need FDCs, which are spread across seven counties, comprise portions of 12 municipalities, and are home to 567,349 residents. Primary Focus FDCs include portions of Bridgeton, Camden, Fairfield Township, Lawrence Township, Newark, New Brunswick, Passaic City, Paterson, Pennsauken, Salem City, Trenton and Woodlynne.  

The first round of awards approved by NJEDA’s board will also serve 25 additional FDCs such as Elizabeth, Irvington, Jersey City, Lakewood and Perth Amboy, though the primary focus of each applicant’s project will remain on at least one of the Primary Focus FDCs. Atlantic City/Ventnor, the second-highest ranked FDC, is not designated as a Primary Focus FDC as it is the sole focus of NJEDA’s existing Atlantic City Food Security Grants Pilot Program. Additional awards totaling approximately $9.4 million will be made at a later date. Grantee’s projects include creating new or expanded food pantries and mobile markets, partnering with farmers to bring locally-grown food to New Jersey residents, buying new delivery vehicles and trucks, and growing meal recovery initiatives.

Click here to view the full list of awardees and descriptions of their proposed projects.

“Through innovative and community-driven programs like FEED NJ, the NJEDA continues to make historic investments to bolster food security efforts across the state, recognizing that access to fresh, affordable food is both an economic and social imperative,” said NJEDA Chief Economic Security Officer Tara Colton. “The awards under FEED NJ will expand incredible food access initiatives by nonprofits and private companies into underserved communities, helping expand economic opportunity for countless families.”

The NJEDA’s list of New Jersey’s 50 FDCs, which was created in consultation with the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs and the New Jersey Department of Agriculture, considers more than 24 variables related to the food retail environment, demographics, and economic, health, and community factors. A full list and map of all 50 FDCs is available on the FEED NJ website.

“Far too many families in our state wake up every morning carrying the quiet fear of not knowing how they will feed their children, and that is a reality we should never accept in a place as strong and as resourceful as New Jersey,” said Assembly Speaker Craig J. Coughlin. “The Food Desert Relief Act was built on a recognition that food insecurity is both a symptom of the pressures that make life harder for working families and a barrier to future opportunity, and that the state has a responsibility to intervene with meaningful investments to ensure every neighborhood has the resources to keep people fed. Through FEED NJ, we are honoring that commitment by giving these organizations the resources they need to grow their reach and deliver food straight to the communities that need it most.”

“Expanding access to fresh, affordable food is a key priority for this administration. Recent events have underscored just how critical it is for every family to have dependable access to nutritious food,” said New Jersey Department of Human Resources Commissioner Sarah Adelman. “These grants will enable community organizations to expand their reach and enhance their impact, directly addressing hunger in neighborhoods that lack reliable access to healthy food. I commend NJEDA for this innovative program, which supports the organizations already doing the hard work on the ground to close the hunger gap and ensure that families in underserved communities have access to nutritious, affordable food.”

“The FEED NJ grants are a big step in New Jersey’s continued efforts in closing the gaps in our emergency food system” said Ed Wengryn, NJ Secretary of Agriculture. “With New Jersey being a top producer of fruits and vegetables in this country, these grants are making investments that ensure what we produce in this State can address the food needs of our citizens from our rural communities to our urban centers.”

“Successfully tackling food insecurity requires multi-pronged initiatives that focus on innovation, economic mobility, and public health,” said NJ Office of the Food Security Advocate (OFSA) Executive Director Mark Dinglasan. “At OFSA, we believe that food security truly exists when all people, at all times, have physical, social and economic access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food for both dietary and cultural preferences for both an active and healthy lifestyle. I believe that the FEED NJ program and all the efforts of the NJEDA encompass such multi-pronged approaches that bring this definition of food security to life. I congratulate all the FEED NJ grantees and OFSA stands committed to continually supporting the NJEDA and all of its grantees.”

FEED NJ complements the NJEDA’s robust toolkit of existing programs taking different approaches to expanding food access, which includes the Food Security Planning Grant Program, Atlantic City Food Security Grants Pilot Program, and the Food Desert Relief Supermarket Tax Credit Program. Additionally, the NJEDA announced this month that it provided $900,000 to support the State’s six Emergency Feeding Organizations as they faced increased demand due to the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits crisis caused by the federal government shutdown.

FEED NJ is funded with $30 million in proceeds from the NJEDA’s 2023 and 2024 Food Desert Relief Tax Credit Auctions, which were authorized by the Food Desert Relief Act of 2021. For more information on the NJEDA’s food security programs, visit https://www.njeda.gov/food-security-programs.

About the NJEDA

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) serves as the State’s principal agency for driving economic growth. The NJEDA is committed to making New Jersey a national model for inclusive and sustainable economic development by focusing on key strategies to help build strong and dynamic communities, create good jobs for New Jersey residents, and provide pathways to a stronger and fairer economy. Through partnerships with a diverse range of stakeholders, the NJEDA creates and implements initiatives to enhance the economic vitality and quality of life in the State and strengthen New Jersey’s long-term economic competitiveness.

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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FEED NJ will provide grants of up to $500,000 to entities at the forefront of food access work

Information and application webinar will be held on January 27^th

TRENTON, N.J. (January 16, 2025) – Last month, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) Board approved the creation of the Food Equity and Economic Development in New Jersey (FEED NJ) Pilot Program, a $30 million competitive grant program that will support food security projects in New Jersey’s Food Desert Communities (FDCs). Building on the success of the NJEDA’s Atlantic City Food Security Grants Pilot Program, FEED NJ will award grants of up to $500,000 to for-profit and nonprofit entities working to improve residents’ ability to access fresh, affordable, and healthy food.

“Expanding access to healthy and affordable food in every New Jersey community is crucially important to the continued economic security and health of our state,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “The projects that will receive grant funding through FEED NJ will increase availability of affordable food in the communities that need it most, alleviating the strain on families and creating a stronger and fairer New Jersey.”

“Under Governor Murphy’s leadership, the NJEDA is focused on supporting those living in New Jersey’s Food Desert Communities by creating innovative programs that increase access to nutritious, affordable food and support local organizations committed to ending hunger,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “FEED NJ expands the NJEDA’s robust toolkit of programs that bolster food security in the state, improving the well-being of countless families, uplifting communities, and contributing to economic vitality.”

Applicants to FEED NJ must primarily focus their projects on serving residents of the highest-need FDCs, which are spread across eight counties, comprise portions of 11 municipalities, and are home to 567,349 residents. Four cities — Camden, Newark, Trenton, and Paterson — are represented more than once, encompassing 10 of the top FDCs. The Primary Focus FDCs are:

Applicants may also elect to serve additional FDCs, provided the primary focus remains on at least one of these 14 FDCs. Atlantic City/Ventnor, the second-highest ranked FDC, is excluded from this list as it is the sole focus of NJEDA’s existing Atlantic City Food Security Grants Pilot Program.

A map showing geographic boundaries of the Primary Focus FDCs can be accessed here.

The NJEDA’s list of New Jersey’s 50 FDCs, which was created in consultation with the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs and the New Jersey Department of Agriculture and approved by the NJEDA Board in 2022, considers more than 24 variables related to the food retail environment, demographics, and economic, health, and community factors. A full list and map of all 50 FDCs is available on the FEED NJ website.

“Dismantling food insecurity in New Jersey remains our top priority, as every resident deserves access to nutritious and reliable food sources,” said Speaker Craig J. Coughlin (D-Middlesex). “FEED NJ demonstrates the power of investing in local solutions and community-driven initiatives. By targeting the regions of the state most in need, we are able to provide tailored support that directly addresses even the most unique challenges.”

FEED NJ is a competitively scored program. Applicants must be for-profit or nonprofit entities that have been in existence for at least two years. Grant funding, which can be used for direct or indirect costs, can be utilized for both new and existing food security initiatives including, but not limited to, expanding access to locally grown produce, purchasing equipment for food provision, or establishing a food co-op or mobile market. For a complete list of program requirements and scoring criteria, and to sign up for FEED NJ updates, visit https://www.njeda.gov/feednj.

The NJEDA is hosting a FEED NJ information and application webinar on Monday, January 27^th at 2 P.M. The webinar will provide further details on program specifics, eligibility requirements, and applications. To register for the webinar, click here.

“True food security becomes a reality when all New Jerseyans, at all times, have physical, social and economic access to safe and nutritious food. Through its tax incentive programs and direct funding initiatives such as FEED NJ, the NJEDA has been a leader in building food security in our state,” said NJ Office of the Food Security Advocate Executive Director Mark Dinglasan. “FEED NJ is the latest example of the NJEDA’s and the Murphy Administration’s ongoing commitment to helping all NJ families live healthier, fuller lives, no matter which community they call home. My team and I are eager to support our NJEDA colleagues and the FEED NJ program in every way possible.”

“The FEED NJ Pilot Program represents a vital step toward addressing hunger and food security as a public health priority,” said New Jersey Department of Health Commissioner Kaitlan Baston, MD, MSc, DFASAM. “By expanding access to nutritious and affordable food in food desert communities, this initiative has the potential to significantly improve health outcomes, reduce disparities, and enhance the well-being of families across our state. The Department of Health is proud to support this transformative program, and we look forward to its impact under Governor Murphy’s leadership.”

“Communities cannot thrive without access to grocery stores that provide fresh produce and high-quality food for residents and workers,” said New Jersey Department of Community Affairs Commissioner Jacquelyn A. Suárez. “The Department of Community Affairs believes in a ‘Housing First’ approach, which encompasses all essential elements that contribute to a stable household, including access to nutritious food. We understand that improving food access will have a profound and positive impact on the health and well-being of those living in these communities.”

“Every New Jersey resident deserves to have easy access to healthy and nutritious food,” New Jersey Department of Agriculture Secretary Ed Wengryn said. “The Governor’s FEED NJ initiative will continue to build upon investments made by the state and federal government supporting local food purchase opportunities. The Department of Agriculture is committed to strengthening the relationships between consumers and the state’s farmers, by working with the EDA on programs like FEED NJ, we ensure that the state’s agriculture community grows as we improve access and distribution of healthy foods to our communities.”

“FEED NJ continues the Murphy Administration’s whole-of-government commitment to improve access to affordable and nutritious food for all residents. Healthy food should not be a luxury and yet there are still communities that lack access to this very basic necessity,” said New Jersey Department of Human Services Commissioner Sarah Adelman. “The FEED NJ program will not only help improve food access in communities that need it, but will provide organizations on the frontlines of food access work with the support needed to grow.”

FEED NJ is funded with $30 million in proceeds from the NJEDA’s 2023 and 2024 Food Desert Relief Tax Credit Auctions, which were authorized by the Food Desert Relief Act of 2021. FEED NJ will complement the NJEDA’s robust toolkit of existing programs taking different approaches to expanding food access, which includes the Food Security Planning Grant Program, Atlantic City Food Security Grants Pilot Program, Food Desert Relief Supermarket Tax Credit Program, and the Food Retail Innovation in Delivery Grant (FRIDG) Program. 

For more information on the NJEDA’s food security programs, visit https://www.njeda.gov/food-security-programs.

About the NJEDA

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) serves as the State’s principal agency for driving economic growth. The NJEDA is committed to making New Jersey a national model for inclusive and sustainable economic development by focusing on key strategies to help build strong and dynamic communities, create good jobs for New Jersey residents, and provide pathways to a stronger and fairer economy. Through partnerships with a diverse range of stakeholders, the NJEDA creates and implements initiatives to enhance the economic vitality and quality of life in the State and strengthen New Jersey’s long-term economic competitiveness.

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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Tax credit auction will support programs to alleviate food deserts and make nutritious foods more accessible & affordable

TRENTON, N.J. (July 29, 2024) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) will auction up to $20 million in corporate and insurance premiums tax credits through the Food Desert Relief Tax Credit Auction. Applications for the auction will open on August 28, 2024. The proceeds of the auction will fund programs aimed to improve and increase access to healthy and affordable food throughout New Jersey’s 50 Food Desert Communities (FDCs).

WHAT:            The 2024 tax credit auction was approved by the NJEDA Board in February, following the successful sale of $15 million in tax credits during the first tax credit auction in 2023.Proceeds from the 2023 and 2024 auctions will be used to fund programs that will advance the priorities established by the Food Desert Relief Act.

These future grants, loans, and/or technical assistance initiatives will complement the Food Desert Relief Tax Credit Program, a tax credit program to support the development and operation of new supermarkets in FDCs, by supporting small and mid-sized food retailers and other entities involved in strengthening food security.

WHO:              Eligible bidders must be New Jersey Corporation Business Tax or Insurance Premiums Tax filers. Companies do not need to be in a food desert or in the food industry to buy tax credits through the auction. Companies can bid for tax credits at a discount of up to 15 percent.

WHEN:           Applications will open on August 28, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. and close on September 27, 2024 at 5:00 p.m.

                        A sample application and details about the auction process can be found here. Questions may be submitted to FDRTCAuction@NJEDA.gov until August 15, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. Answers will be posted no later than August 22, 2024 at 5:00 p.m.

About the NJEDA

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) serves as the State’s principal agency for driving economic growth. The NJEDA is committed to making New Jersey a national model for inclusive and sustainable economic development by focusing on key strategies to help build strong and dynamic communities, create good jobs for New Jersey residents, and provide pathways to a stronger and fairer economy. Through partnerships with a diverse range of stakeholders, the NJEDA creates and implements initiatives to enhance the economic vitality and quality of life in the State and strengthen New Jersey’s long-term economic competitiveness.

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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TRENTON, N.J. (March 28, 2024) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) will open applications for the Atlantic City Food Security Grants Pilot Program on Tuesday, April 2, at 10:00 a.m., with an application deadline of Wednesday, May 15, at 5:00 p.m. The $5.25 million pilot program is part of a broader initiative to expand food access in Atlantic City.

WHAT:          The Atlantic City Food Security Grants program will provide grants ranging from $50,000 to $500,000 to fund projects to strengthen food security and food access in Atlantic City. Grants can be used for direct and indirect project costs and may cover 100 percent of the proposed project cost. The pilot program is meant to act as a more immediate response to the food access crisis in Atlantic City and to bring nutritious food options to the city as residents await the construction of a full-fledged supermarket.

Governor Phil Murphy announced the creation of the program last fall, as part of a broader initiative to bring fresh, healthy foods to Atlantic City residents. The Atlantic City/Ventnor Food Desert Community (FDC) is home to 41,000 residents and is the second-most acute in the state.

WHO:             Eligible applicants include for-profit, nonprofit, and government entities that have been in existence for at least two years at the time of applying. Applicants must currently be serving residents in the Atlantic City/Ventnor FDC and must be able to demonstrate existing programming or services related to food access and/or food security.

WHEN:          Applications for the Atlantic City Food Security Grants program will open on Tuesday, April 2, at 10:00 a.m. with an application deadline of Wednesday, May 15, at 5:00 p.m. Grants will be made to the highest-scoring eligible applications, not in a first-come, first-served manner. Interested applicants can click here to learn more and apply.

About the NJEDA

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) serves as the State’s principal agency for driving economic growth. The NJEDA is committed to making New Jersey a national model for inclusive and sustainable economic development by focusing on key strategies to help build strong and dynamic communities, create good jobs for New Jersey residents, and provide pathways to a stronger and fairer economy. Through partnerships with a diverse range of stakeholders, the NJEDA creates and implements initiatives to enhance the economic vitality and quality of life in the State and strengthen New Jersey’s long-term economic competitiveness.

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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Innovative programs will expand access to fresh groceries for residents in NJ’s second-most-acute food desert community

TRENTON – Governor Phil Murphy today announced that the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) will commit over $5.5 million in funding to support a multi-faceted approach to immediately expand access to fresh, healthy grocery shopping options for Atlantic City residents. Out of 50 Food Desert Communities (FDCs) in the state, Atlantic City is the second-highest-ranked, demonstrating a significant need for interventions designed to reduce rates of food insecurity. The suite of programs that will be launched by the NJEDA will increase affordable access to produce and healthy food options, ensuring more residents of Atlantic City can purchase groceries right in their community.

“Every New Jerseyan deserves equitable access to affordable groceries regardless of their zip code,” said Governor Murphy. “The funding announced today will support several innovative programs that will alleviate the pressure on countless Atlantic City residents who travel miles out of their community to buy the groceries they need for their families. My administration continues to be committed to expanding access to fresh and healthy foods in Atlantic City and across the state.”

In 2022, the NJEDA designated 50 FDCs across New Jersey. The Atlantic City/Ventnor FDC, comprised of 41,000 residents, is ranked second-highest in the state based on its food desert factor score, a measure of acuity of need. Atlantic City has been without a full-service supermarket for nearly two decades. The programs announced today will serve as pilot programs, which could be expanded to other FDCs throughout the state.

“Through my Nurture NJ initiative, New Jersey is working hard to strengthen underserved communities so that every child has a supportive and healthy environment to grow up in,” said First Lady Tammy Murphy. “I am excited that a portion of today’s funding will allow the Department of Health to expand their Healthy Corner Store Initiative in Atlantic City. The initiative has already brought healthy food and beverage choices to communities across the state and this additional funding will allow hardworking families struggling to make ends meet access the groceries they need to feed their households.”

“Every New Jerseyan deserves access to affordable groceries and nutritious foods regardless of where they live,” said Senator Vince Polistina. “This multimillion-dollar investment by the NJEDA will significantly improve food security in Atlantic City, help end food inequality, and expand access to disadvantaged communities across Atlantic County.”

“The residents of the Great City of Atlantic City deserve easy access to quality and nutritious foods right here in their hometown,” said City of Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small, Sr. “As my administration continues our quest to combat food insecurity issues, we are extremely grateful Governor Murphy, the First Lady, and the NJEDA recognize this glaring need exists in our city and are committed to ensuring our families do not struggle to put fresh food on the table.”

“For far too long, Atlantic City families have had limited options to buy fresh groceries. Under Governor Murphy and First Lady Murphy’s leadership, New Jersey is taking concrete steps to ensure every resident has access to convenient, affordable, and healthy grocery options,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “The innovative programs the NJEDA is supporting will strengthen food security in Atlantic City, creating stronger, healthier families and a more prosperous community. I appreciate the commitment of our state and local partners and look forward to working with them as we bring these new, creative ideas to Atlantic City.”

The NJEDA will sponsor initiatives led by two major healthcare systems in South Jersey to expand mobile and community-based food retail options, bringing fresh and affordable foods directly into Atlantic City communities. AtlantiCare is a South Jersey-based healthcare system which has long been addressing food insecurity by operating the Pantry in the Plex in Midtown from which it serves hundreds of local families on a weekly basis. With this sponsorship, AtlantiCare is able to further expand its food programming to include a retail mobile grocery. AtlantiCare will implement a multi-pronged approach including a weekly market and educational event featuring health education, incentives for purchasing healthy items, cooking demonstrations and classes, and assistance with online ordering. Combined, these efforts will support access to healthy food as well as teach community members about meal planning, preparation, and more.

NJEDA’s sponsorship with Virtua Health will allow the South Jersey-based healthcare system to bring their “Eat Well” mobile grocery store to Atlantic City, in addition to Virtua’s core operations in Burlington and Camden counties. Virtua’s mobile grocery store, which is a 40-foot refurbished New Jersey Transit bus, will allow Atlantic City residents to shop twice a week for fresh fruits and vegetables, fresh and frozen meat, dairy, eggs, and other basic grocery staples below-market prices.

The NJEDA will also launch the new $5.25 million Atlantic City Food Security Grants Pilot Program, which will provide grants ranging from $50,000 to $500,000 to fund projects to strengthen food security and food access in Atlantic City. Grants can be used for direct and indirect project costs. The pilot program, which the NJEDA Board approved in October, is meant to act as a more immediate response to the food access crisis in Atlantic City and to bring nutritious food options to the city as residents await the construction of a full-fledged supermarket, which can take years. The NJEDA is using American Rescue Plan Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery Funds and general state funds to support the Atlantic City Food Security Grants Pilot Program.

The NJEDA Board also approved providing the New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) up to $250,000 to expand their Healthy Corner Store Initiative for stores in Atlantic City. The Healthy Corner Store Initiative, which is part of First Lady Murphy’s Nurture NJ food security initiative, works to improve access to healthy food and beverages in underserved communities, which often experience higher rates of chronic disease such as heart disease and diabetes.

In the coming months, the NJEDA plans to begin accepting applications for its Food Desert Supermarket Tax Credit program, which features a Supermarket Financing Gap Tax Credit for the development or rehabilitation of new supermarkets in FDCs and a Supermarket Initial Operating Costs Tax Credit to support the first three years of operations for these supermarkets. The tax credits are expected to create a feasible, sustainable path forward for a long-awaited supermarket in Atlantic City.

The NJEDA launched the Food Retail Innovation in Delivery Grant (FRIDG) program earlier this year, which helps food retailers to purchase and install temperature-controlled lockers to expand food delivery options for residents living in FDCs. Supermarket operators in the Atlantic City region are encouraged to apply for the FRIDG program, where recipients can receive up to $250,000 to purchase the lockers.

“We are proud to partner with the Administration in our shared commitment to eliminating health disparities for our residents who are dealing with food insecurity and living in food deserts,” said Acting Health Commissioner Dr. Kaitlan Baston. “By increasing access and availability to nutritious, affordable food, we are empowering residents to improve their own health.”

“I commend Governor Murphy, the First Lady and the NJEDA for continuing to invest in innovative approaches to better serve New Jerseyans and solve persistent challenges. These initiatives will help achieve food and nutrition security by bringing affordable, healthy, and nutritious foods directly to Atlantic City communities that do not have access to local grocery stores or markets today,” said Human Services Commissioner Sarah Adelman. “I also want to acknowledge the health care and community partners involved in these projects who recognize that regular access to healthy foods means healthier people and communities. Addressing barriers like transportation and affordability will make the difference for many families who right now have little to no access to healthy food options that are vital to their health.”

“Atlantic City cannot reach its full potential without grocery shopping options that offer fresh produce and high-quality food to the people who live and work in the community,” said New Jersey Department of Community Affairs Acting Commissioner Jacquelyn Suárez. “We understand that access to nutritious food will make a huge and positive impact on the health of people who live in Atlantic City, particularly the city’s youth. It will also make the city more attractive to visitors and potential residents. We thank Governor Murphy, First Lady Murphy, and the NJEDA for their creative approach to addressing food insecurity in Atlantic City.”

“The CRDA supports efforts for Atlantic City residents to have access to fresh and healthy food options,” said Casino Reinvestment Development Authority Executive Director Sean Pattwell. “The Murphy administration is taking important steps that will ensure they have the options they need to achieve this goal.”

“I applaud Governor Murphy and the NJEDA for deploying these trailblazing strategies to address food insecurity in Atlantic City,” said Mark Dinglasan, Executive Director of the NJ Office of the Food Security Advocate. “The Atlantic City Food Security Grants Pilot Program is a holistic approach to supporting innovative strategies that can bring partners together to collectively address community needs in one of New Jersey’s key cities. My team and I stand ready to support the NJEDA in whatever capacity as this program rolls out.”

“The social determinants of health are barriers to the well-being of our entire community and AtlantiCare is excited to partner with Governor Murphy and the New Jersey Economic Development Authority to address these underlying factors. Together, we can make a significant difference to those that need it most,” said Michael Charlton, president and CEO of AtlantiCare. “This funding will not only enable us to expand our food security initiatives and education programs, but more importantly, it will help us to address the root causes of health disparities that are so prevalent in Atlantic City. The health of our community extends beyond our medical facility. I am committed to addressing these issues and am confident that with the support and involvement of our staff, patients, and local partners, we can create a healthier, more equitable community for everyone we serve.”

“At Virtua Health, we view food as fundamental to health and wellness. Our Eat Well programs help ensure that South Jersey residents not only have access to fresh, affordable foods, but that they also receive guidance and support for embracing good nutrition as a lifestyle,” said Dennis W. Pullin, FACHE, president and CEO of Virtua Health. “We are honored to collaborate with Governor Murphy and the New Jersey Economic Development Authority to bring Virtua’s Eat Well Mobile Grocery Store to Atlantic City and explore new opportunities for food access.”

Governor Murphy’s innovative $57.6 million program supported purchases from hundreds of local restaurants to feed families throughout New Jersey

TRENTON, N.J. (August 1, 2023) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) announced today that it has reached the remarkable milestone of supporting the purchase and distribution of more than five million meals through its Sustain & Serve NJ program. Launched by Governor Phil Murphy in late 2020 as a $2 million pilot program to support restaurants impacted by COVID-19, Sustain & Serve NJ grew into a $57.6 million program that has enabled 36 organizations to purchase meals from nearly 450 restaurants and distribute those meals at no cost to New Jerseyans facing food insecurity. The Garden State is the only state in the country to launch a program of this scale.

“Sustain & Serve NJ brings out the best in our communities – nonprofit organizations working together with their local restaurants to ensure neighbors have access to nutritious meals,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “The enormous benefits of this recovery-focused program can simply not be overstated.”

Through three rounds of funding, Sustain & Serve NJ has enabled 36 grantees to purchase meals from 449 restaurants in 179 municipalities across all 21 counties, distributing nearly 5.4 million meals to New Jerseyans in need. As New Jersey emerges from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and following the conclusion of Phase 3 of Sustain & Serve NJ in August, the lessons of Sustain & Serve NJ will continue to inform and guide NJEDA’s continued efforts to support food security.

“Sustain & Serve NJ started as an innovative model for helping restaurants endure the economic emergency created by COVID-19 and grew to provide over five million meals to hungry individuals and families all over the state,” said NJEDA Chief Economic Officer Tim Sullivan. “We are grateful to Governor Murphy and the New Jersey Legislature entrusting us to deliver on the promise of Sustain & Serve NJ, which has expanded the capacity of our grantees to serve the New Jerseyans that depend on them for food, while lifting up the restaurants that are a source of jobs, culture, and vitality in our communities.”

The NJEDA today issued a report and a video outlining the impact Sustain & Serve NJ has on grantees, restaurants, and New Jerseyans facing food insecurity. A copy of that report and the video can be found here.

Sustain & Serve NJ has been a key part of Governor Murphy’s whole-of-government approach to strengthen the food security of all New Jerseyans. As part of that effort, the NJEDA is putting forth a multi-pronged strategy to eliminate food deserts within the state, supported by funding designated through the New Jersey Economic Recovery Act of 2020, which Governor Murphy signed into law in January 2021. More information about the Food Desert Relief Program can be found here. The NJEDA has also launched programs to support food access in Food Desert Communities through the Food Retail Innovation in Delivery Grant (FRIDG) and Food Security Planning Grant. Future food security efforts will be funded through the Food Desert Relief Tax Credit auction, launching later this year. More information about the auction can be found here.

Assembly Speaker Craig J. Coughlin has long championed the creation of programs to combat hunger and has hailed Sustain & Serve NJ as “an integral part of our battle against food insecurity.” 

“Sustain & Serve NJ is a model example of the effective partnership between our state, local restaurants, and nonprofits in the fight against food insecurity. The program’s success has been twofold: putting hot meals on the plates of those struggling while also supporting small, often family-owned businesses,” said Speaker Coughlin. “Since it was launched in 2020, Sustain & Serve NJ has helped deliver five million fresh, nutritious meals to those in need. Resources like this are critical as we continue to combat hunger in our communities.”

“Sustain & Serve NJ is a phenomenal example of Governor Murphy’s innovative, solutions-oriented and whole of government approach to helping New Jersey families achieve food security,” New Jersey Department of Human Services Commissioner Sarah Adelman said. “I congratulate CEO Sullivan and the NJEDA for the incredible success of Sustain & Serve NJ, which has provided financial support to so many small restaurant businesses and non-profits and most importantly, has now delivered five million meals to those in need across New Jersey. And as always, I urge anyone in need of assistance affording groceries to visit www.njsnap.gov.”

“True food security exists when all people, at all times, have physical, economic and social access to safe, sufficient and nutritious food,” said Mark Dinglasan, Executive Director of the New Jersey Office of the Food Security Advocate (OFSA). “The Sustain and Serve NJ program supercharged local economies, especially our restaurant industry, while helping provide social services organizations to provide physical and social access to healthy and nutritious food. Not only this, Sustain and Serve NJ also helped our restaurant and nonprofit sectors innovate and co-create solutions. I applaud the NJEDA for their leadership with this program and OFSA is looking forward to continuously supporting their food security efforts.”

In the video, grantees and restaurant owners shared sentiments on the significant impact Sustain & Serve NJ has had on their organizations and communities.

“At the Coalition for Food and Health Equity, we mobilize food,” Coalition for Food and Health Equity Founder & CEO Dr. Leeja Carter said. “We think about not just food security being food on the table, but it’s how do we get food from point A to Point B, the logistics around food. The Sustain & Serve NJ program helped us evolve the work that we were doing here in Hudson County.”

“At the start of COVID, our organization was only providing about 120 to 150 meals per week and then when COVID hit, we were taxed and the demand for meals rose up to 900 to 1,000 meals per week,” A Need We Feed President Mark Blackwell said. “We knew long-term that that wasn’t sustainable in our budget. Then the NJEDA’s Sustain & Serve NJ grant became available, the timing of that was just perfect.”   

“Revenue from the meals purchased through Sustain & Serve NJ helped us keep our doors open and our employees paid throughout the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Mohamed Elrawy, owner of Pita Square, a restaurant in Newark working with multiple Sustain & Serve NJ grantees. “It’s been an honor working with local organizations like Coalition for Food and Health Equity, Newark Working Kitchens, and University Hospital to get our food into the hands of people who need it most. I cannot speak highly enough about this program.”

More information about Sustain & Serve NJ can be found at https://www.njeda.gov/sustain-and-serve/.

About the New Jersey Economic Development Authority

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) serves as the State’s principal agency for driving economic growth. The NJEDA is committed to making New Jersey a national model for inclusive and sustainable economic development by focusing on key strategies to help build strong and dynamic communities, create good jobs for New Jersey residents, and provide pathways to a stronger and fairer economy. Through partnerships with a diverse range of stakeholders, the NJEDA creates and implements initiatives to enhance the economic vitality and quality of life in the State and strengthen New Jersey’s long-term economic competitiveness.

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

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Funding will help local and county governments improve food access in New Jersey’s Food Desert Communities

Trenton, N.J. (May 9, 2023) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) has awarded nine grants totaling over $1 million to seven county and municipal governments to support the development of plans to improve food access and food security by leveraging and repurposing distressed assets in New Jersey’s Food Desert Communities (FDCs).

Established under the New Jersey Economic Recovery Act of 2020 and signed into law by Governor Phil Murphy, the Food Security Planning Grant Program provides grants of up to $125,000 to municipal governments, county governments, and/or redevelopment agencies to fund development of plans to decrease food insecurity in designated FDCs. All of the grants that have been awarded thus far have gone to entities servicing seven of the top 20 FDCs, including three of the highest-ranked FDCs (Camden, Atlantic City and Newark), which have the greatest acuity of need.

“Connecting every New Jerseyan with equitable access to nutritious food is a core component of Governor Murphy’s strategy for building a stronger and fairer New Jersey economy,” NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan said. “Through the Food Security Planning Grant Program, we are providing funding to help local government leaders design creative and sustainable reuses that transform their distressed assets into resources that will aid in the fight against hunger and support local economic development.”

The Food Security Planning Grant Program is one tool that the NJEDA is deploying in order to empower local governments to develop and submit plans to improve food access while transforming distressed assets that have historically hindered economic growth.

NJEDA Executive Vice President of Economic Security Tara Colton noted that the NJEDA will leverage the findings and outcomes from awardees’ plans to help develop and deploy future comprehensive food security initiatives and economic development across the state while equipping municipalities with the tools to think about how to repurpose distressed assets.

“Thanks to Governor Murphy and the New Jersey Legislature, we have $300 million in resources that enable us to take a comprehensive approach to addressing food insecurity,” Colton said. “This robust toolkit to combat hunger includes innovative community-driven initiatives like this planning grant and our Sustain & Serve NJ program, which gives grants to local organizations to buy meals from local restaurants and distribute them for free into the community. It also includes tax credits to build new supermarkets in food deserts and our innovative Food Retail Innovation in Delivery program to broaden access to a booming grocery e-commerce industry.”

The following planning grants have been awarded through the program:

Atlantic City (two grants in different parts of the city), #2 ranked FDC: A $125,000 grant will be used to pay costs associated with planning the development of Midtown Co-op Market. Additionally, an $89,000 grant will help plan the development of Mighty Uptown Food Pantry.

City of Camden, #1 ranked FDC: A $125,000 grant will support preliminary building plans and a market feasibility study to develop a state-of-the-art multi-purpose food market, eatery, and indoor farm facility.

Newark (two grants in different parts of the city), #3 and #8 ranked FDCs: A nearly $125,000 grant will pay for the development of a business plan for a new food co-op in the City of Newark. Additionally, Newark intends to use a grant of approximately $112,000 to complete a feasibility study and identify the best use of ground floor retail space in an existing parking deck to increase food security.

City of Passaic, #10 ranked FDC: A $125,000 grant will be used to develop the Passaic City Food Access and Security Action Plan, which will provide a framework for the successful transformation of the selected distressed property into a thriving supermarket center of the Eastside Neighborhood.

Passaic County, #15 ranked FDC: A $125,000 grant will be used to develop a feasibility study for a supermarket, food retailer, or farmers market to be located within a mixed-use development site in Paterson.

Penns Grove, #20 ranked FDC: A $100,000 grant for a feasibility study for a full-service grocery store.

City of Salem, #9 ranked FDC: A $125,000 grant will be used to conduct a feasibility study to bring food from local producers to Salem residents to boost the local supply chain for the region.

About the NJEDA

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) serves as the State’s principal agency for driving economic growth. The NJEDA is committed to making New Jersey a national model for inclusive and sustainable economic development by focusing on key strategies to help build strong and dynamic communities, create good jobs for New Jersey residents, and provide pathways to a stronger and fairer economy. Through partnerships with a diverse range of stakeholders, the NJEDA creates and implements initiatives to enhance the economic vitality and quality of life in the State and strengthen New Jersey’s long-term economic competitiveness.

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

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