Taking Steps to Address Food Insecurity

As we know, the global pandemic highlighted inequities across the state. Access to healthy and affordable food is an issue in our urban centers and other communities labeled “food deserts.”  And the COVID pandemic has make it abundantly clear that not only is access to fresh healthy food an issue, but access to any food is an issue in some communities. 

Currently, New Jersey is attempting to tackle the issues of food insecurity by delineating food deserts and offering tax incentives and other assistance for grocers to locate their stores in these identified food deserts.  This program is being administered by the NJ Economic Development Authority and was part of the New Jersey Economic Recovery Act of 2020.

Additionally, we anticipate Governor  Murphy signing a bill (A5884) to establish a Food Insecurity Advocate. This position would play a pivotal role in the coordination of all the food insecurity programs across the State including WIC and SNAP. In addition to the federally funded programs that are in desperate need of a refresh, coordination, and increased resources, our hope is that the State leadership keeps in mind the local nature of food security. Programs like Farm to School, nutrition programs, cooking classes, and community gardens are all components of a thriving food system. Without the education and the experience of growing your own food, we are choosing to give the community a fish, instead of teaching them to fish.