At a time when more New Jerseyans are struggling to put food on the table, RWJBarnbas Health is the state’s first health care provider to expand efforts to reduce hunger and improve food security by enhancing access to healthy food and nutrition and health education for eligible residents through its Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Navigators.
RWJBarnabas Health is believed to be the only health system in New Jersey to offer SNAP Navigator services at each of its acute care hospitals.
SNAP Navigators assist community members, patients and employees in applying for SNAP food assistance benefits. Through this initiative, RWJBarnabas Health hospitals are recognized as approved SNAP Navigator sites by the New Jersey Department of Human Services’ Division of Family Development.
This designation allows highly trained navigators to provide comprehensive assistance, from initial application to recertification, helping individuals not only access but also maintain their SNAP food assistance benefits. Navigators work closely with individuals to connect them with other food access resources.
“We know that good health starts with access to healthy, nutritious foods, yet too many New Jerseyans struggle to feed themselves and their families,” RWJBH CEO Mark Manigan said.
“It is a privilege to partner with the New Jersey Department of Human Services’ Division of Family Development to address food insecurity as a critical social determinant of health. This partnership aligns with our core mission to improve the health and well-being of our patients and the communities we serve.”
In partnership with the New Jersey Department of Human Services’ DFD and support from the New Jersey Food Security Initiative, the program continues to grow, offering training and resources to sustain and enhance its impact.
Human Services Commissioner Sarah Adelman is thrilled.
“Affordable access to nutritious foods has a direct impact on the health of an individual, their family and the community,” she said. “I thank RWJBarnabas Health for their partnership and commitment to helping their patients who may struggle with the cost of
groceries to receive SNAP food assistance. I look forward to continuing to work with all of our SNAP Navigators to end hunger in New Jersey.”
