Official Site of The State of New Jersey

Building on a previously developed tri-county food insecurity index in Mercer, Middlesex, and Somerset counties, the New Jersey Statewide Food Insecurity Index was launched in June 2025 by the Trenton Health Team (THT) with support from the NJ Office of the Food Security Advocate. This Index highlights the intensity of food insecurity throughout New Jersey and is a powerful resource designed to support communities across the state in understanding where food access challenges are most urgent. By highlighting the areas where New Jerseyans are facing interconnected hardships, the Index helps community organizations, advocates, and decision-makers identify opportunities for outreach and impact and make data-informed decisions about how best to meet the community's food needs.

The NJ Statewide Food Insecurity Index was constructed in multiple steps including variable selection, variable reduction, and block group clustering. The index incorporates feedback and input from over 75 community organizations in New Jersey, formalizing their local expertise. By engaging with diverse community partners and leveraging comprehensive data, the Index brings a first-of-its kind mapping of food insecurity and its intensity to all 21 New Jersey counties.