| Photo by Megan Thomas on Unsplash
TRENTON, NJ — The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) has expanded its FEED NJ Grants program, a statewide initiative aimed at improving access to healthy, affordable food in communities designated as Food Desert Communities. The program, formally known as Food Equity and Economic Development in New Jersey, provides grants ranging from $50,000 to $500,000 to nonprofits and businesses working to reduce food insecurity through infrastructure, programming, and innovative delivery models.
The FEED NJ program is part of a broader state effort to address persistent food insecurity affecting more than 500,000 residents across New Jersey’s 50 Food Desert Communities. These communities, identified through a statewide index, face barriers such as limited grocery options, high transportation costs, and a lack of fresh produce. The initiative is funded through a $30 million allocation, making it one of the largest state-level investments in food access in recent years.
According to the NJEDA, eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, for‑profit entities, and community‑based groups with at least two years of operational history. Projects must primarily serve one of the state’s 14 Primary Focus Food Desert Communities, including Newark, Camden, Trenton, Paterson, New Brunswick, Bridgeton, and Atlantic City. Applicants with a demonstrated track record in food access or food security receive priority consideration.
Program Targets Communities With Highest Need
The grants are designed to support a wide range of projects, from traditional food pantries to more innovative approaches such as mobile markets, urban agriculture, and meal recovery programs. Funding may be used for capital improvements, equipment purchases, program expansion, or operational support. In previous rounds, organizations have used FEED NJ funding to purchase refrigerated trucks, expand warehouse capacity, launch neighborhood‑based grocery delivery services, and build partnerships with local farmers.
State officials say the program is intended not only to address immediate food needs but also to strengthen long‑term food infrastructure. By supporting local organizations, the initiative aims to create sustainable systems that increase access to fresh food while stimulating local economic activity. The NJEDA has emphasized that the program is structured to meet communities where they are, allowing applicants to propose solutions tailored to local conditions.
Since its launch, the FEED NJ program has awarded $30 million across 73 organizations, with projects distributed throughout the state’s most underserved areas. The most recent application round opened on February 20, 2025, and closed on April 3, 2025. The NJEDA has not yet announced the next application window, but has indicated that demand for the program continues to grow as communities seek long‑term strategies to combat food insecurity.
Two Rounds of Funding Support 73 Organizations
In the program’s first round, the NJEDA approved 50 organizations, awarding $20.6 million in grants during its November 2025 board meeting. These projects focused heavily on the 14 Primary Focus Food Desert Communities and included expansions of food pantries, mobile markets, and cold‑chain infrastructure.
A second round of funding, approved in December 2025, awarded $9.3 million to 23 additional organizations. This round broadened the program’s reach, supporting projects in both the Primary Focus communities and the remaining Food Desert Communities across the state. With both rounds combined, the FEED NJ program has now endorsed 73 organizations working to expand food access.
Food advocates say the program fills a critical gap by providing flexible funding that supports both infrastructure and innovation. Many organizations serving food desert communities operate with limited resources and rely heavily on volunteers. The grants allow them to scale operations, modernize equipment, and reach more residents who struggle with access to nutritious food.
“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. “
Fills A Critical Gap
Food advocates say the program fills a critical gap by providing flexible funding that supports both infrastructure and innovation. Many organizations serving food desert communities operate with limited resources and rely heavily on volunteers. The grants allow them to scale operations, modernize equipment, and reach more residents who struggle with access to nutritious food.
As New Jersey continues to address the economic and social factors contributing to food insecurity, the FEED NJ Grants program remains a central component of the state’s strategy. Officials say the initiative reflects a commitment to ensuring that every resident, regardless of ZIP code, has access to healthy and affordable food.
“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.”
