Official Site of The State of New Jersey

Under the leadership of Governor Murphy, legislation was drafted, in partnership with Speaker Coughlin and the legislature, to create OFSA in 2021, and the office began its work in September 2022. The New Jersey Food Security Strategic Plan was initiated in response to a statutory mandate that established the Office of the Food Security Advocate. As outlined in N.J.S.A. 52:27J-3, one of OFSA’s core charges is to:

“Work with State and community partners to develop a strategic plan to address identified gaps in areas that are underserved by current food insecurity programs.”

The plan builds on this directive by identifying actionable solutions that address both immediate food needs and the underlying systems and structures that impact food security across the state.

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. It speaks to a broad audience—from community organizations and farmers to philanthropy, health systems, schools, researchers, and government, inviting all to see their place in building solutions that reflect the state’s dynamic needs and strengths.

Rather than prescribing a single approach, the strategies outlined in this plan are intentionally wide-ranging, enabling counties, municipalities, and organizations across sectors to identify themselves in the work and tailor implementation to their unique contexts. The goal is not for any one organization or sector to take on all focus areas or strategies, but rather for each to contribute where possible, building on their strengths and areas of influence. 

The Strategic Plan serves as a directional guide that invites shared ownership, acknowledges and lifts up existing efforts, and encourages local adaptation. 

Strategies offer multiple entry points from planning and community engagement to direct programs and policy advocacy. The strategies and actions laid out in this Plan are designed to be implementable regardless of fluctuations in federal programs. The Plan is grounded in New Jersey’s existing tools, partnerships, and pathways to ensure progress at the state level continues. 

The final version of the Plan will include full narratives with background, intended outcomes, and model examples for implementation, providing a richer resource for stakeholders at all levels. This draft, released for community feedback, outlines five interconnected focus areas rooted in the dimensions of food security and seeks feedback on this high-level overview.