Hunger Free New Jersey

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Englewood, NJ
Hunger Free New Jersey

Hunger Free New Jersey works to change public policy and practice to ensure every New Jersey resident has healthy food to eat, every single day.

HFNJ has been the leading voice on hunger and food insecurity in NJ for over 30 years.

11/04/2026

Attention SNAP recipients: Don't forget to activate your new EBT card!

Old EBT cards were deactivated on October 20th. The new chip-enabled cards offer added protection against skimming and benefit theft.

To activate your new card, use the ConnectEBT app, visit NJFamiliesFirst.gov, or call 1-800-997-3333 for assistance.

10/29/2026

We're hiring! Hunger Free New Jersey is seeking a Part-Time Community Outreach Coordinator to help expand access to federal nutrition programs for children and families across New Jersey.

This role will work with school districts, community organizations, families, and other partners to strengthen outreach and increase program participation. This is a part-time position with regular travel.

Know someone who would be a great fit? Please share this opportunity with your network!

https://www.indeed.com/job/community-outreach-coordinator-child-nutrition-8497854251eb156d

10/14/2026

Yesterday, Assembly Speaker Craig J. Coughlin announced plans to introduce legislation to provide Free School Breakfast to every child enrolled in New Jersey public schools.

Through our School Meals for All NJ campaign, Hunger Free New Jersey has worked with partners to advocate for School Breakfast for All, and we’re excited to see this priority move forward.

New Jersey is a leader in advancing food security, and this meaningful step will build on the progress already made to expand access to free school meals. Thank you, Speaker Coughlin, for your continued commitment to New Jersey’s children. We look forward to supporting this legislation and continuing the work to ensure every child has access to the nutrition they need to learn, grow, and thrive.

10/07/2026

We’re excited to share that Hunger Free New Jersey has been awarded a grant through the New Jersey Office of the Food Security Advocate’s Building Expanded Access to Nutritious School Meals (BEANS) program!

Thank you, NJOFSA, for supporting our work to expand access to child nutrition programs throughout the state.

Learn more about our BEANS project: https://nj.gov/foodsecurity/food-security/strategic-plan/grant-initiatives/approved/nourishing-njs-children.shtml

10/06/2026

Have you completed a School Meals & Summer EBT application for this school year?

Completing an application can help eligible students qualify for free school meals, saving families about $1,500 per child each year. Some students may also qualify for Summer EBT, which provides $120 per child to help purchase groceries when school is out.

The New Jersey Office of the Food Security Advocate (OFSA) has created a comprehensive, step-by-step video to walk families through the application process.

Watch today so you have the information you need to get started: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NUowGmNRJVA&list=PLAOU_KIPrpE8&index=1

A Step-by-Step Guide to Completing the School Meals and Summer EBT ...

10/05/2026

Our director, Lisa Pitz, joined Replenish and the New Jersey Office of the Food Security Advocate to share information with Middlesex County School Superintendents and Business Officials to increase awareness about childhood food insecurity and the importance of expanding access to child nutrition programs, including raising awareness about NJ’s Expanded Income Eligibility (NJEIE) for free school meals.

🏫 Thank you to our partners and Middlesex County school leaders for having us and for your commitment to strengthening access to school meals for students and families.

10/02/2026

🍎 Healthy students are better learners! One of the best ways to ensure students have the energy they need to succeed in the classroom is to complete a School Meal & Summer EBT Application! Submitting an application qualifies eligible students for free school meals, saving families about $1500 per child during the school year.

🏫 School Meal & Summer EBT Applications can also bring in more funding for schools and school districts.

09/29/2026

HFNJ Outreach Coordinator Phyllis Crawley joined families at the Belleville Green Fair to share information about the School Meals Application and encourage more families to apply.

Phyllis connected with dozens of families, answered questions, and helped raise awareness about how completing the application can help eligible students access free school meals and other benefits.

Thank you to Belleville Public Schools and all of the community partners working to connect families with important resources!

09/23/2026

Today, Hunger Free New Jersey released The State of Afterschool Meals in New Jersey. The report examines participation in the CACFP At-Risk Afterschool Meals Program, highlights gaps in access, and identifies opportunities to reach more children across the state.

In 2025, New Jersey reached just 4 of every 100 children participating in free or reduced-price school lunch with afterschool meals. Reaching the Food Research & Action Center benchmark of 15 per 100 could connect approximately 43,498 more children with nutritious meals and bring an estimated $36 million in additional federal reimbursement to New Jersey.

The report includes statewide trends, county and municipality-level maps, examples from communities already expanding access, and recommendations for strengthening participation.

🔗 Read the full report: hungerfreenj.org/blog/2026/09/23/the-state-of-afterschool-meals-in-new-jersey/

Address

192 West Demarest Avenue
Englewood, NJ
07631

Telephone

(201) 569-1804

Website

https://hungerfreenj.org/

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