April 13, 2022
3 minute reading
Established pilot program offering up to $1.5 million
Improving food access and food security in New Jersey
Trenton, NJ (April 13, 2022) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) Board of Directors today approved the creation of the Food Security Planning Grants Program. new jersey. Established under the New Jersey Economic Recovery Act (ERA) of 2020, the program provides up to $125,000 to local governments, county governments, and/or redevelopment agencies that serve areas including New Jersey’s food deserts. grants competitively. Community (FDC). The Food Security Planning Grant Program is NJEDA’s first pilot program designed to fund the development of plans to improve food access across the state’s FDC.
Today, nearly 1 in 11 New Jersey households report not having enough to eat within seven days of the week. Additionally, of the approximately 9 million people living in New Jersey, approximately 1 million live in her NJEDA-designated FDC. Ensuring access to nutritious, affordable, and culturally appropriate food is a key component in building a stronger, more equitable New Jersey economy and sustainable in all communities. The Food Security Planning Grant Program is one of the tools deployed by NJEDA. Enables local governments and redevelopment agencies to develop and submit plans to improve access to food while retrofitting distressed assets that hinder economic growth.
“Reducing food insecurity will serve as a key component in building a stronger, fairer, and more equitable New Jersey economy,” he said. New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy“Creative and methodical approaches like this planning grant position New Jersey as a national leader in the fight to alleviate food insecurity. By doing so, this program will develop solutions-driven, geographically appropriate plans that will serve New Jerseyans for generations to come.”
“Many of us tend to take it for granted that we don’t have to worry about when and where our next meal will come from,” he said. Speaker of Congress Craig J. Coughlin“By approving the Food Security Planning Grant program, New Jersey is taking an important step toward reducing the prevalence of food insecurity in our communities. We are defending each municipality, zip code, and family currently within the designated FDC.”
“Currently, about 10% of New Jersey households report not having enough food each week. NJEDA CEO Tim Sullivan“Under the leadership of Governor Murphy, New Jersey has taken a comprehensive approach to designating 50 FDCs. It aims to empower governments, anti-hunger advocates and others to start thinking about location-based strategies that can lower food insecurity rates. We need access to healthy, nutritious food, and today’s pilot program is a testament to our state’s commitment to ensuring that communities are not left behind or forgotten.”
“NJEDA’s Food Security Program grant program is proof in New Jersey that economic security is directly related to the health and success of our communities,” he said. Tara Colton, Executive Vice President, Economic Security, NJEDA“Access to healthy, nutritious food is not only a public health necessity, but vital to community development. It’s an important step.”
Learn more about the Food Security Plan Grant Program here here.
About NJEDA
The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) serves as the state’s primary agency for promoting economic growth. NJEDA empowers New Jersey by focusing on key strategies to build strong, dynamic communities, create good jobs for New Jersey residents, and provide a pathway to a stronger and just economy. We are committed to becoming a national model for inclusive and sustainable economic development. Through partnerships with various stakeholders, NJEDA creates and implements initiatives to increase the state’s economic vitality and quality of life, and to strengthen New Jersey’s long-term economic competitiveness.
For more information on state resources available to New Jersey entrepreneurs and early stage businesses, please visit: https://www.njeda.com Follow @NewJerseyEDA Facebook, twitter, InstagramWhen LinkedIn.
###