The New Jersey Economic Development Authority Board approved Dec. 17 more than $9.3 million in grant awards to 23 groups under the Food Equity and Economic Development in New Jersey (FEED NJ) Pilot Program.
The approvals mark the second round of awards under the $30 million program and will expand the NJEDA’s support for food security projects in New Jersey’s 14 most acute food desert communities (FDCs) and underserved areas. The first round of 50 approvals totaling $20.6 million was made during the NJEDA’s November board meeting. The total funding of $30 million to 73 organizations is one of the largest investments in recent years dedicated to strengthening New Jersey’s food security infrastructure.
“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. “The funding approved today will support a range of projects, including grocery delivery and urban farming programs, empowering local partners and providing lasting support to communities that need it most.”
Each of the 23 grant recipients 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 second round of awards approved by the NJEDA board will also serve 36 additional FDCs such as Dover, Jersey City, Irvington, East Orange and Perth Amboy. All 50 of the state’s designated FDCs will be served by FEED NJ projects, which 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 strengthening meal recovery initiatives.
“With community-driven initiatives like FEED NJ, the NJEDA is continuing to make transformative investments to advance food security, recognizing that access to fresh, affordable food is essential for both economic stability and social well-being,” said NJEDA Chief Economic Security Officer Tara Colton. “FEED NJ will empower nonprofits and private partners to bring meaningful food access programs to underserved areas, opening the door to greater 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, economic health, and community factors.
