Hunger Free New Jersey

09/03/2026

Thank you to Congressman Herb Conaway, MD, for inviting Hunger Free New Jersey director Lisa Pitz to participate in a conversation about childhood hunger and the critical importance of federal child nutrition programs.

We were glad to join representatives from the NJ Department of Human Services, New Jersey Office of the Food Security Advocate and New Jersey Education Association for this important discussion.

08/18/2026

When H.R.1 was enacted last July, unprecedented cuts and structural changes to SNAP posed harm to families, older adults, and veterans across the nation.

According to April 2026 data, New Jersey SNAP participation has declined by more than 40,000 residents. This includes 21,815 children. Nationwide, SNAP participation has declined in every state, with more than 4.5 million people losing access to this critical nutrition support.

Sources: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, Food Research & Action Center

08/10/2026

Don’t Let Your Summer EBT Benefits Expire!

You have 122 days (4 months) to use your Summer EBT funds. If you do not use all of the funds within that time, the money will be removed from your card.

The 122-day countdown starts when the money is added to your card, not when the card arrives in the mail.

Issue and expiration dates are not printed on the card, so it’s important to check your account.

How to check your card:
· Use the ConnectEBT app on your phone
· Visit NJFamiliesFirst.com
· Call EBT Card Customer Service: 1-800-997-3333

We also recommend using NJFamiliesFirst.com and the ConnectEBT app to lock your card in between purchases to prevent your benefits from being stolen.

08/10/2026

Look for your new Families First EBT card coming soon. Make easy, secure payments with an encrypted chip.
Visit nj.gov/humanservices/dfd/chipcard for more information.

07/22/2026

New Jersey has launched SimpleFile to make it easier for families to claim the state Child Tax Credit. Qualifying households can receive up to $1,000 per child or dependent, and the application can be completed in as little as 15 minutes.

This tool is especially helpful for lower-income households that aren’t required to file taxes and may have previously missed out on the NJ Child Tax Credit.

Visit www.SimpleFile.NJ.gov to learn more and see if you qualify. Applications must be submitted by October 15.

07/15/2026

All children in New Jersey deserve access to school breakfast so they can start their day ready to learn. That’s why Hunger Free New Jersey is proud to lead the School Meals for All New Jersey campaign advocating for no-cost breakfast for every student in the state.

Read our recent op-ed, written with members of the School Meals for All New Jersey Steering Committee (Food Research & Action Center, NJ School Nutrition Association, and American Heart Association--New Jersey): https://www.njspotlightnews.org/2026/07/op-ed-no-cost-nj-school-breakfast-a-step-against-food-insecurity/

A nutritious meal before classes leads to better learning for kids in need, and offering it to all eliminates stigma

07/13/2026

Our director, Lisa Pitz, recently joined Advocates for Children of New Jersey's Let's Talk Kids podcast to discuss the importance of child nutrition programs. Thank you to ACNJ for the opportunity to share more about this important work and highlight why continued investment in child nutrition matters for children, families, and schools.

Watch the full interview here:

Lisa Pitz, Director of Hunger Free New Jersey, shares unique insigh...

06/24/2026

Is your school or district eligible for the Community Eligibility Provision?

CEP allows schools and districts in low-income areas to provide free breakfast and lunch to all students. This helps families save money, reduces school meal debt and administrative burden, and ensures more students have access to the nutritious meals they need to learn, grow, and thrive.

June 30th is the deadline to opt in to CEP for the 2026-2027 school year! To see if your school or district is eligible, visit: www.nj.gov/agriculture/divisions/fn/childadult/cepnotification.shtml

06/23/2026

Hunger Free New Jersey was honored to be present when Governor Sherrill signed a bill that will make it easier for parents to complete the school meal application process. This will help more eligible children receive free breakfast and lunch at school, providing the nourishment they need to learn, grow and thrive! We thank Governor Sherrill, Assembly Speaker Coughlin and Senate Majority Leader Ruiz for their leadership and continued commitment to fighting hunger and food insecurity in the Garden State.

06/18/2026