State, federal legislation aims to address hunger

There have been significant state and federal responses aimed at addressing hunger during the COVID-19 outbreak. While there is still more to do, we have put together a web page that details new state and federal legislation designed to make it easier for schools to feed students during this closure, help people keep and apply for food assistance and increase funding for these programs. 

We will update this page as more information becomes available. In the meantime, please share this information with your networks.

Reinvestment Fund Seeks Input

The Child Nutrition Fund, administered by Reinvestment Fund with support from Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, provides grants to organizations to feed children through the Child and Adult Care Food Program and the Summer Food Services Program.

Reinvestment fund is exploring ways to increase its responsiveness to assist organizations in continuing access to child nutrition during school closures. Please help identify immediate resource needs by filling out this brief survey: NJ Child Nutrition - COVID-19 Needs and Resources Survey.

Find Food Assistance

Both state and federal officials are working to provide more flexibility to feed people through federal nutrition programs. This includes waiving certain requirements for both applicants and current recipients of SNAP and WIC, as well as easing requirements for child nutrition programs. We don't have all the info yet, but this web page provides links to the major nutrition programs and New Jersey's food banks. 

Emergency Food Response

Food banks and pantries are trying to meet the growing need for emergency food assistance. Many are providing pre-packaged meals and bags on a drive-thru basis. Under new state legislation, New Jersey's major food banks will receive additional funds, but many still struggle to meet the demand. 

Our parent organization, Center for Food Action, is working hard to meet the demand and are providing regular updates to clients.