Governor Phil Murphy • Lt. Governor Tahesha Way
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Get Help with Food for You or Your Family - Explore resource sites here.

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Graphic: Updated Resources. Primer on the Six Dimensions of Food Security in NJ and State of Food Security in NJ: A Data Chart Book
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It's more than a meal applicaiton it's important to submit the "school meals and summer ebt application" even if you qualified for free meals in the past or your school provides free meals for all.
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The Garden State Conference on Food Security: Setting a Table for All, for Always
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Woman holding apple in store

Get Help with Food for You or Your Family - Explore resource sites here.

Learn More
Graphic: Updated Resources. Primer on the Six Dimensions of Food Security in NJ and State of Food Security in NJ: A Data Chart Book
Learn More
It's more than a meal applicaiton it's important to submit the "school meals and summer ebt application" even if you qualified for free meals in the past or your school provides free meals for all.
Learn More
The Garden State Conference on Food Security: Setting a Table for All, for Always
Explore More

New Jersey Office of the Food Security Advocate

The New Jersey Office of the Food Security Advocate (OFSA) is a convener and collaborator building consensus across resident leaders, "food and" pantries, community kitchens, community-based organizations, the six state-designated food banks, legislators, state agencies, agriculture, food rescuers, and others to make true food security a reality for everyone.

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Food Security in New Jersey

"Food security exists when all people, at all times, have physical, social, and economic access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food which meets their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life."

Explore the state of food security in New Jersey and learn more about the origins of the above definition of food security.

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Mark Dinglasan
Executive Director of the New Jersey Office of the Food Security Advocate

Meet the OFSA Team

Explore OFSA's Work

OFSA works to provide updates on policies related to food security so community organizations, coalitions, philanthropy, and local decision makers can stay informed and engaged.

Policy

OFSA works to provide updates on policies related to food security so community organizations, coalitions, philanthropy, and local decision makers can stay informed and engaged.

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New Jersey Food Security Strategic Plan Overview

Strategic Plan for Food Security in New Jersey

The State of New Jersey is creating its first statewide Food Security Strategic Plan, a comprehensive, systems-oriented, 3-year, roadmap to guide the state toward lasting food security for all. Developed through deep collaboration with community members and partners across sectors, the plan is intended to unify efforts around shared priorities while respecting the unique role and expertise of each sector and contributor.

EXPLORE THE STRATEGIC PLAN PROCESS >
members next to a sign that reads Setting a Table for ALL, for Always

Annual Conference

Annually, OFSA hosts a statewide conference, the Garden State Conference on Food Security: Setting a Table for All, for Always. This conference brings together hundreds of change-makers across organizations and sectors throughout our state and beyond who are dedicated to improving food security in New Jersey.

EXPLORE THE CONFERENCE >
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Community Voices

OFSA is committed to strengthening relationships with NJ communities of all sizes and from every county to understand local food security goals and accomplishments, highlight community stories, and hear directly about local experiences and suggestions.

VIEW AND SHARE COMMUNITY PERSPECTIVES FROM ACROSS NJ >
map of nj showing food insecurity index

Supported Initiatives

OFSA is supporting efforts to encourage families to complete a 2025-2026 School Meals and Summer EBT Application. Applying for free school meals is fast, easy, and secure. Applications for the 2025-2026 school year are now available. Pick up a paper application copy at your school or visit your school website to learn more.

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Research

OFSA is committed to ensuring that information disseminated from the office and its work are grounded in research and evidence.

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Funding Opportunities

Explore funding opportunities available to support the food security activities of food pantries, community kitchens, community-based organizations, growers, farmers and producers, multi-sector community collaborations, and others in New Jersey.

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Featured Funding Opportunities

Food Security Access Fund

The Food Security Access Fund was launched in 2023 to strengthen the food security system in New Jersey, uniting private philanthropies and New Jersey state agencies via a partnership with New Jersey’s Office of the Food Security Advocate (OFSA). This first-of-its-kind initiative in New Jersey is funded by The Tepper Foundation, Community Foundation of New Jersey, Novo Nordisk, The Taub Foundation, Hyde & Watson Foundation, The Grotta Fund for Older Adults, The Campbell's Company Foundation, The O’Toole Family Foundation, M&T Bank, Partners for Health Foundation, and the Schumann Fund for New Jersey. The Call for Applications is currently closed. This spring, the Fund awarded its inaugural grants to help 16 nonprofit organizations and collaboratives build capacity and secure more public grant opportunities.

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Community Spotlight

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Hudson County Food Security Task Force: 4-H Family Learning Gardens
The 4-H Family Learning Gardens are designed to reach underserved communities in various neighborhoods across Hudson County who lack access to fresh food in their community due to multiple barriers by providing educational workshops on gardening and increased access to fresh, healthy produce. Made possible in partnership between Hudson County 4-H of Rutgers Cooperative Extension (RCE) and the Hudson County Department of Health and Human Services, with the support of the Parks Department, the 4-H Family Learning Gardens are a community resource offering free programs for youth and families.

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News, Updates, and Events

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