Food Assistance Resources in New Jersey

Last updated September 10, 2026

New Jersey residents facing food insecurity have access to a range of federal and state-supported programs, from monthly grocery benefits through SNAP to fresh produce support for pregnant women and young children through WIC. Whether you are newly struggling or have been managing on a tight budget for a while, there are programs designed to meet you where you are — and people who can help you navigate them.

If you are not sure where to start, calling 2-1-1 (or texting your zip code to 898-211) connects you to a trained specialist who can identify food pantries, meal programs, and benefit programs near you in New Jersey — at no cost, any time of day. The 2-1-1 New Jersey helpline is one of the fastest ways to find local emergency food resources, including community food banks and soup kitchens organized through Feeding America's New Jersey network.

Eligibility for most food programs is based on household size and income, and many people who qualify are surprised to learn they have not been enrolled. Applying for multiple programs at once — for example, SNAP alongside WIC or Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program benefits — is common and encouraged. A social worker or benefits counselor can help you apply for everything you may be entitled to in a single conversation.

Key programs in New Jersey

SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) – NJ Division of Family Development

Provides a monthly electronic benefit (loaded onto a SNAP EBT card) to help low-income individuals and families buy groceries at most supermarkets and many farmers' markets across New Jersey.

How to access: Apply online at mynjhelps.gov, visit your county Board of Social Services office, or call 2-1-1 for help locating your local office. You can also get application assistance from community organizations listed on the NJ Division of Family Development website.

WIC (Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children) – NJ Department of Health

Provides nutritious foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and referrals for pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and children up to age 5 who meet income guidelines.

How to access: Contact the NJ WIC Program through the NJ Department of Health at 1-800-328-3838, or use the WIC agency locator at fns.usda.gov/wic to find your nearest local WIC clinic in New Jersey.

Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) / Senior Food Boxes

Provides monthly boxes of nutritious USDA commodity foods — such as canned goods, cheese, and grains — to low-income adults aged 60 and older in participating New Jersey counties.

How to access: Availability varies by county. Call 2-1-1 or contact your local Area Agency on Aging through the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 to find out if CSFP distribution sites are operating near you.

Meals on Wheels / Congregate Meal Programs (via Area Agencies on Aging)

Delivers hot or cold meals to homebound older adults and offers group meals at senior centers across New Jersey, often including nutrition counseling and friendly check-ins for isolated seniors.

How to access: Contact the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 or visit eldercare.acl.gov to find the Area Agency on Aging serving your New Jersey county, which administers or refers to these programs locally.

Community Food Pantries and Food Banks (via 2-1-1 New Jersey and Feeding America)

Local food pantries, food banks, and emergency food distribution sites provide free groceries and prepared meals to individuals and families in need, regardless of immigration status in many cases.

How to access: Call or text 2-1-1 for an up-to-date list of food pantries near you, or use the Feeding America food bank finder at feedingamerica.org/find-your-local-foodbank to locate the regional food bank covering your New Jersey county.

Food Assistance resources for New Jersey

211 (United Way)

Nationwide

Free, confidential referral line for food, and other essential local services. Dial 211.

211
Visit

Feeding America

Nationwide

Nationwide network of food banks connecting people to local pantries and meal programs.

1-800-771-2303
Visit

SNAP (USDA Food & Nutrition Service)

Nationwide

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program — monthly benefits to buy food for eligible low-income individuals and families.

Visit
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