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This work in approximately five words: Leadership, collaboration, sustainability, transparency, accessibility

The Rooted in Essex: A Community-Centered Coalition Data Hub project is supported by OFSA's NJ Food Security Research, Outreach, and Organizing for Trusted (Community) Engagement and Data (ROOTED) grant program. The Food & Health Equity Coalition of Essex County (FHEC), fiscally sponsored by Meeting Essential Needs with Dignity (MEND), alongside FHEC Steering Committee member organizations, Community Advisory Board members, and coalition partners, is strengthening countywide food security coordination through the creation of a publicly accessible food security data and resource hub serving Essex County.

Building on several years of coalition development, the project enhances FHEC's ability to connect residents, community organizations, public agencies, healthcare providers, educators, growers, and other partners working to address food insecurity. Project activities include supporting coalition operations through a dedicated Coalition Coordinator, implementing accessibility and navigation improvements to the FHEC website, and co-designing a new public-facing data and resource platform with residents who have lived and living experience navigating the local food system.

Through a series of Community Advisory Board co-design sessions, residents will help shape how food security information, service locations, and community resources are presented and shared. The award will help the Food & Health Equity Coalition of Essex County make its website (fhecessex.org) more accessible and useful - adding a food resource map and shared data tools so residents can more easily find help, and partners can more easily share information

By expanding opportunities for resident leadership and strengthening countywide collaboration, Rooted in Essex creates a sustainable, community-informed resource that supports more efficient food system planning and decision-making. This project supports the New Jersey Food Security Strategic Plan through Strategy 1.3 Data Visualization and Dissemination, Strategy 3.2 County-level Coordination, and Strategy 3.3 Bi-directional Community Engagement.

Strengthening food security coordination in Essex County through a community-designed data and resource hub, expanded resident engagement, and improved access to food security information and services

ROOTED

Strategy 1.3 Data Visualization and Dissemination,Strategy 3.2 County-level Coordination,Strategy 3.3 Bi-directional Community Engagement

This work in approximately five words: Connecting families through community-based outreach

The REPLENISH School Nutrition Outreach Initiative is supported by OFSA's Building Expanded Access to Nutritious School Meals (BEANS) grant program. REPLENISH, Middlesex County's county-operated food bank,  pantry partners and coalitions across the county, SNAP navigator organizations, county agencies, , and local schools, is strengthening access to school meals and other nutrition resources for underserved families in Middlesex County schools.

The project will strengthen coordination among schools, food pantries, SNAP navigators, county agencies, and community partners to increase awareness of available nutrition programs and reduce barriers to participation. REPLENISH will host family-centered community outreach events that bring multiple resources together in trusted school and community settings. Events will offer SNAP navigation assistance, school meal application support, information about local pantry resources, nutrition education, family activities, and community meals, providing families with multiple opportunities to connect with resources in one setting.

The project will also engage participating families through focus groups to better understand barriers to accessing school meals and SNAP. Feedback from families will help partners identify opportunities to strengthen outreach approaches, improve resource navigation, and ensure community engagement reflects the experiences and needs of families being served.

By coordinating school-based outreach with food assistance providers, SNAP navigators, county agencies,  and community partners, REPLENISH will create stronger pathways between families and available nutrition resources. The initiative will build on existing community relationships. REPLENISH will leverage our deep relationships to facilitate conversations with School Superintendents and Business Administrators to educate them on the benefits of participating in the Community Eligibility Program and Child and Adult Care Food Program.  These discussions will be driven by compelling school meal data facilitated by a Middlesex County Data Analyst. 

Through coordinated outreach, direct enrollment assistance, and family-informed engagement, the project will help reduce barriers to school meals and SNAP participation and strengthen connections among schools and community-based food resources.  This project supports the New Jersey Food Security Strategic Plan through 3.1 Tailored Education, Outreach, and Awareness Efforts and Strategy 3.3 Bi-directional Community Engagement.

Connecting families with school meals, SNAP, and food resources through school-based outreach, family events, navigation assistance, and community engagement.

BEANS

Strategy 3.1 Tailored Education, Outreach, and Awareness Efforts,Strategy 3.2 County-level Coordination,Strategy 3.3 Bi-directional Community Engagement,Strategy 3.4 Screening and Referrals,Strategy 3.5 Multi-benefit Hubs

This work in approximately five words: Data harmonization for measurable change

The Passaic County Food Security Data Hub project is supported by OFSA's NJ Food Security Research, Outreach, and Organizing for Trusted (Community) Engagement and Data (ROOTED) grant program. The Passaic County Department of Human Services, in partnership with the Emergency Food Provider Coalition of Passaic County, is developing a centralized, public-facing data platform that supports collaborative food security planning and resource coordination throughout Passaic County.

The project brings together data from county agencies, nonprofit organizations, and community partners to create a comprehensive picture of food insecurity and food access across the county. Building upon the existing Food Access Map, the Passaic County Food Security Data Hub will integrate shared datasets, interactive dashboards, and visualization tools that help partners identify service gaps, monitor community needs, and make informed decisions about food security investments and initiatives.

In addition to expanding access to food security data, the platform will serve as a multi-sector resource directory that connects residents and service providers with a broad range of community supports and referrals. By making information more accessible and actionable, the Data Hub strengthens collaboration among food assistance organizations, public agencies, and community partners working toward shared food security goals. Through improved data sharing and coordination, partners are building a stronger foundation for countywide planning and collective action.

This project advances the New Jersey Food Security Strategic Plan through Strategy 1.1 Data Coordination, Strategy 1.3 Data Visualization and Dissemination and Strategy 3.3 Bi-directional Community Engagement.

Creating a countywide food security data hub that combines resource mapping, public dashboards, and shared data tools to support collaborative planning and community engagement

ROOTED

Strategy 1.1 Data Coordination,Strategy 1.3 Data Visualization and Dissemination,Strategy 3.3 Bi-directional Community Engagement

This work in five words: Expanding access through statewide outreach

The Nourishing NJ’s Children project is supported by OFSA's Building Expanded Access to Nutritious School Meals (BEANS) grant program. Hunger Free New Jersey (HFNJ) is working to expand access to school and summer nutrition programs by increasing family awareness, strengthening community engagement, and supporting schools and community organizations to participate in programs that connect children with nutritious meals.

HFNJ will conduct a statewide outreach and education campaign to increase awareness of school meal and Summer EBT benefits and encourage families to complete applications, including by educating families about New Jersey's Expanded Income Eligibility guidelines. The project will engage local partners and community leaders, such as the New Jersey Parent Teacher Association (NJPTA), libraries, nonprofit, faith-based, and community-based organizations to train and engage parents, community partners, and other trusted messengers in school meal application outreach and assistance in targeted school districts. Outreach will include tailored messaging and engagement strategies for immigrant families who may face additional barriers or concerns about applying for benefits. 

To increase participation in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) for the 2027–2028 school year, HFNJ will collaborate with the Food Research & Action Center (FRAC) and state education partners to conduct targeted outreach and provide training and technical assistance to CEP-eligible schools and districts. HFNJ will also engage school districts, community organizations, and local governments to identify and recruit potential CACFP At-Risk Afterschool Meal Program sponsors and sites in underserved communities, providing training and technical assistance to interested organizations.

By strengthening outreach, building local capacity, and engaging trusted community partners, the project will help reduce barriers to program participation and expand access to school and summer nutrition programs for children and families across New Jersey. This project supports the New Jersey Food Security Strategic Plan through Strategy 3.1 Tailored Education, Outreach, and Awareness Efforts; Strategy 3.2 County-level Coordination; and Strategy 3.4  Screening and Referrals.

Increasing participation in school meals, Summer EBT, CACFP At-Risk, and the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) through statewide outreach, education, training, and technical assistance

BEANS

Strategy 3.1 Tailored Education, Outreach, and Awareness Efforts,Strategy 3.2 County-level Coordination,Strategy 3.3 Bi-directional Community Engagement,Strategy 3.4 Screening and Referrals,Strategy 3.5 Multi-benefit Hubs

This work in approximately five words: 

The Increasing NJ Value-Added Processing Capacity for Local Food Security and Farm Sales project is supported by OFSA's New Jersey Food System Enhancements Program (FSEP). The Northeast Organic Farming Association of New Jersey (NOFA NJ), alongside Ironbound Farm, Organic Food Incubator, Foodshed Alliance, Rolling Harvest Food Rescue, and Farmers Against Hunger, is expanding opportunities for value-added food processing while strengthening food security efforts across New Jersey.

The project creates new pathways for small, beginning, and underserved producers to transform excess or surplus crops into shelf-stable food products that can be distributed through hunger relief organizations and sold through local markets. Through collaborative processing activities, participating farms will gain access to expertise, facilities, and support that reduce barriers to entering value-added markets.

Ironbound Farm will serve as an aggregation and coordination hub, while food rescue and gleaning partners help identify and recover excess produce during peak growing seasons. Together, project partners are reducing food waste, increasing producer revenue opportunities, and expanding the availability of locally produced food products for food pantries, food banks, and community organizations. The initiative demonstrates how food security and agricultural economic development goals can be advanced simultaneously through collaborative food system investments.

This project advances the New Jersey Food Security Strategic Plan through Strategy 2.3: Market Channel Creation and Focus Area 2.4: Food Enterprise Investment.

Supporting farmers and hunger relief organizations through value-added food processing that reduces food waste, creates new market opportunities, and expands access to local food products

FSEP

Strategy 2.3 Market Channel Creation,Strategy 2.4 Food Enterprise Investment

This work in approximately five words: Shared fresh-food distribution network

The New Jersey Shared Cold Storage Infrastructure Pilot is supported by OFSA's New Jersey Food System Enhancements Program (FSEP). Move For Hunger, alongside America’s Gleaned Seafood, Atlantic Offshore Fishery, Mercy Center, and Somerset County partners, is expanding shared refrigerated and freezer storage capacity across Monmouth, Ocean, and Somerset counties to strengthen the movement and distribution of fresh New Jersey-sourced food.

The project addresses a common challenge facing hunger relief organizations: limited cold storage capacity for safely handling and distributing perishable foods. Through a hub-based model, partners are deploying shared refrigeration and freezer units that can be used by multiple organizations to store, aggregate, and redistribute fresh products from farms, fisheries, processors, and other food system partners.

Increased cold-chain infrastructure allows community organizations to accept and distribute larger volumes of fresh food while reducing spoilage and improving efficiency. The project also creates stronger connections between local food producers and hunger relief organizations, helping ensure more New Jersey-grown and New Jersey-harvested food reaches residents experiencing food insecurity. The project supports a more resilient regional food network capable of responding to community needs while supporting local producers. The project will generate lessons and best practices that may inform future infrastructure investments across the state.

This project advances the New Jersey Food Security Strategic Plan through Strategy 2.1: Food Access and Availability Infrastructure.

Expanding shared cold storage capacity in Monmouth, Ocean, and Somerset counties to improve the distribution of fresh New Jersey-sourced food through local hunger relief networks

FSEP

Strategy 2.1 Food Access and Availability Infrastructure

This work in approximately five words: Collective Impact

The New Brunswick Emergency Food System Strategic Coordination project is supported by OFSA's NJ Food Security Research, Outreach, and Organizing for Trusted (Community) Engagement and Data (ROOTED) grant program. New Brunswick Tomorrow, alongside REPLENISH, Emanuel Lutheran Church, Rutgers University’s Ralph W. Voorhees Center for Civic Engagement, and Rutgers University NJ Institute for Food, Nutrition, and Health, is strengthening coordination among a network of emergency food providers serving residents throughout Middlesex County, with a focus on the New Brunswick area.
 
Through the Feeding New Brunswick Network, project partners are building a more connected, efficient, and equitable emergency food system by improving communication, information sharing, and collaborative planning among food assistance organizations. Regular convenings, shared data practices, and strategic planning activities will help participating organizations better understand community needs, identify service gaps, and reduce duplication of efforts across the local food assistance network.
 
A key component of the project is the development of a virtual food resource map to help service providers, and community organizations locate available food assistance resources and better understand the local food access landscape. By creating a shared understanding of existing services and unmet needs, partners are better positioned to coordinate resources and direct support where it is needed most.
 
The project strengthens relationships among emergency food providers while creating new opportunities for data-informed decision-making and collaborative problem-solving. This project advances the New Jersey Food Security Strategic Plan through Strategy 1.3 Data Visualization and Dissemination and Strategy 3.2 County-level Coordination.

Improving coordination among emergency food providers in the New Brunswick area through shared planning, data-informed decision-making, and the development of a virtual food resource map

ROOTED

Strategy 1.3 Data Visualization and Dissemination,Strategy 3.2 County-level Coordination

This work in approximately five words: Connecting families to food resources

The Kids Meals Connection Project is supported by OFSA's Building Expanded Access to Nutritious School Meals (BEANS) grant program. Calvary Baptist Community Center, with schools, nonpublic schools, childcare providers, faith-based organizations, healthcare providers, libraries, and community-based organizations, is expanding access to nutritious meals and strengthening connections to food assistance resources for children and families throughout Passaic County.

The project will integrate nutrition outreach into Calvary Baptist Community Center's existing family engagement, youth development, workforce development, and community outreach programs. Through these trusted community settings, the project will connect families with school meal programs, Summer EBT, SNAP, WIC, local food pantries, and other food resources. Families will receive culturally responsive education, personalized referrals, and practical information to help them navigate available programs and reduce barriers to accessing assistance.

The project emphasizes relationship-building and family empowerment by meeting families where they are and engaging trusted community partners. Partnerships across schools, childcare, healthcare, faith communities, libraries, and community-based organizations will help expand the reach of nutrition outreach and create stronger connections between families and available resources. By incorporating food resource navigation into existing community-based programming, Kids Meals Connection will help families identify and access resources that support consistent food access.

Through these coordinated outreach and referral efforts, the project will increase awareness of nutrition assistance programs, strengthen community partnerships, and improve access to nutritious food for children and families experiencing food insecurity in Passaic County. This project supports the New Jersey Food Security Strategic Plan through Strategy 3.1 Tailored Education, Outreach, and Awareness Efforts and 3.4 Screening and Referrals

Connecting Passaic County families with nutritious meals and food resources through trusted community partnerships, culturally responsive outreach, and personalized referrals

BEANS

Strategy 3.1 Tailored Education, Outreach, and Awareness Efforts,Strategy 3.2 County-level Coordination,Strategy 3.3 Bi-directional Community Engagement,Strategy 3.4 Screening and Referrals,Strategy 3.5 Multi-benefit Hubs

This work in approximately five words: Coordinating communities to expand access

The K-12 School Meals for All project is supported by OFSA's Building Expanded Access to Nutritious School Meals (BEANS) grant program. The Hudson County Food Security Task Force (FSTF), within the Hudson County Department of Health and Human Services is strengthening participation in federal child nutrition programs by building the knowledge, capacity, and coordination of schools and trusted community partners. They are working with partners including the Interim Executive County Superintendent of Schools, Hudson County Department of Family Services and Reintegration, Community FoodBank of New Jersey, Hudson County school districts, public libraries, Hudson County Division of Children and Youth Services, faith-based organizations, food pantries and food distribution centers, and community-based organizations.

The initiative will establish a coordinated countywide approach to increasing access to school nutrition programs, informed by county data showing high levels of eligibility for free or reduced-price school meals across Hudson County school districts and continued gaps in participation in nutrition assistance programs. A consultant with expertise in State nutrition legislation, SNAP navigation, and school meal enrollment will provide technical assistance and professional development to school personnel, youth-serving organizations, and community partners.

Project activities will include multilingual outreach and enrollment assistance, as well as the distribution of educational resources developed by OFSA and Hunger Free New Jersey, including public service announcement videos. By equipping trusted community partners with accurate, accessible information and practical tools, the initiative will help organizations better support families in navigating school meal and other nutrition assistance programs.

The project will also strengthen referral systems between schools, community organizations, and food assistance providers to improve coordination and follow-through. By establishing sustainable referral pathways and strengthening cross-sector collaboration, K-12 Meals for All will support more equitable access to school nutrition programs and other food resources for children and families throughout Hudson County. This project supports the New Jersey Food Security Strategic Plan through Strategy 3.1 Tailored Education, Outreach, and Awareness Efforts

Strengthening school meal participation in Hudson County through coordinated outreach, technical assistance, enrollment support, and cross-sector partnerships

BEANS

Strategy 3.1 Tailored Education, Outreach, and Awareness Efforts,Strategy 3.2 County-level Coordination,Strategy 3.3 Bi-directional Community Engagement,Strategy 3.4 Screening and Referrals,Strategy 3.5 Multi-benefit Hubs

This work in approximately five words: Food Access in Action

The Good Food Bucks Expansion to Farmers Market Nutrition Program benefits project is supported by OFSA's New Jersey Food System Enhancements Program (FSEP). City Green is expanding the statewide Good Food Bucks nutrition incentive program by distributing matching incentives for participants using WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) and Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (Senior FMNP) benefits at participating farm-direct retail partners across New Jersey. 
  
Building on the success of the existing Good Food Bucks SNAP Nutrition Incentive Program, the project allows WIC FMNP and Senior FMNP participants to receive additional purchasing power when buying fresh fruits and vegetables from participating farmers markets, farm stands, and other farm-direct retailers throughout the state. The initiative leverages an established network of partners such as Senior Nutrition Sites and local WIC agencies and long-standing program infrastructure to efficiently expand access to locally grown produce. 
  
By doubling the value of FMNP benefits, the project supports purchasing opportunities for households with limited food budgets and benefits participating farmers benefit through increased sales and stronger connections to local consumers. At the same time, the project encourages greater participation in federal nutrition programs.  The expansion strengthens local food systems by creating additional demand for New Jersey-grown products and increasing the flow of nutritious foods into communities experiencing food insecurity.
 
This project advances the New Jersey Food Security Strategic Plan through Strategy 2.1 Food Access and Availability Infrastructure and Strategy 2.3 Market Channel Creation.

Expanding Good Food Bucks incentives statewide to increase the purchasing power of FMNP and Senior FMNP participants while supporting New Jersey farmers and local food systems

FSEP

Strategy 2.1 Food Access and Availability Infrastructure,Strategy 2.3 Market Channel Creation,Strategy 3.2 County-level Coordination

This work in approximately five words: Supporting farmers, Repurposing Surplus, Nourishing Neighbors

The Full Circle Kitchen project is supported by OFSA's New Jersey Food System Enhancements Program (FSEP). Table to Table, alongside Urban Agriculture Cooperative, Foodshed Alliance, and Meeting Essential Needs with Dignity (MEND), is launching a community-based prepared meal initiative to be piloted at Essex County small business Love & Plates.

The project transforms rescued, gleaned, and locally sourced food into nutritious ready-to-heat meals for individuals and families experiencing food insecurity. Working from a commercial kitchen facility, culinary apprentices will gain hands-on workforce development experience while preparing meals under the guidance of trained culinary professionals. Community members will help inform meal development to ensure offerings reflect local preferences and needs.

Prepared meals will be distributed through nonprofit partners with a focus on reaching seniors, families with young children, and residents who may face barriers to cooking, including limited access to kitchen facilities or cooking equipment. By combining food recovery, local food purchasing, workforce development, and meal distribution, the project creates multiple benefits across the food system.

The initiative also strengthens markets for local farmers and producers by purchasing ingredients while simultaneously reducing food waste through the use of rescued food. Through its phased implementation approach, Full Circle Kitchen is establishing a scalable model that can support long-term food security and community resilience.

This project advances the New Jersey Food Security Strategic Plan through Strategy 2.1 Food Access and Availability Infrastructure and Strategy 2.2 Agriculture Workforce and Land Access.

Transforming rescued and locally sourced food into nutritious prepared meals while supporting culinary workforce development, reducing food waste, and increasing food access in Essex County

FSEP

Strategy 2.1 Food Access and Availability Infrastructure,Strategy 2.2 Agriculture Workforce and Land Access

This work in approximately five words: Supporting farmers, Repurposing Surplus, Nourishing Neighbors

The Fueling Futures Somerset County: School Meals Access & Equity Project is supported by OFSA's Building Expanded Access to Nutritious School Meals (BEANS) grant program. The County of Somerset is working with community-based agencies to strengthen access to free and reduced-price school meals across 21 municipal school districts in Somerset County by improving screening, referral, outreach, and coordination systems.

The project will conduct culturally responsive and multilingual outreach to help families understand school meal eligibility requirements and navigate the application process. At the same time, the project will build the capacity of school districts to integrate food insecurity screening into existing student support touchpoints. Training and technical assistance will equip school administrators, counselors, nurses, family liaisons, and other school staff with the knowledge and tools to provide informed, stigma-free guidance and connect students and families with food assistance resources.

The project will also strengthen referral pathways between schools and community-based food assistance organizations, supporting more coordinated, bi-directional referrals and improving follow-through for families seeking assistance. By embedding screening and referral practices within school systems and strengthening connections among schools, families, and community organizations, the project will reduce barriers to accessing school meals and other food resources and support increased participation in available programs.

This project supports the New Jersey Food Security Strategic Plan through Strategy 3.4 Screening and Referrals.

Strengthening school meal access and equity across Somerset County through coordinated screening, referrals, outreach, and school district capacity-building

BEANS

Strategy 3.1 Tailored Education, Outreach, and Awareness Efforts,Strategy 3.2 County-level Coordination,Strategy 3.3 Bi-directional Community Engagement,Strategy 3.4 Screening and Referrals,Strategy 3.5 Multi-benefit Hubs

This work in approximately five words: Farms and Food Access, Atlantic City, NJ

The Food Hub on Farmer's Row: Community-Rooted Food Infrastructure and Market Expansion in Atlantic City project is supported by OFSA's New Jersey Food System Enhancements Program (FSEP). Communities Revolutionizing Open Public Spaces (C.R.O.P.S.).), in collaboration with Reed’s Organic Farm and neighborhood, nonprofit, healthcare, business, and food-system partners, is strengthening local food infrastructure rooted in Atlantic City’s Pacific Avenue corridor and Chelsea neighborhood while expanding farm-to-market pathways across Atlantic County.

The project advances The Food Hub on Farmer’s Row as a community-centered aggregation and distribution hub that connects New Jersey farms with neighborhood organizations, retailers, restaurants, institutional buyers, and community food access points. Activities include strengthening produce aggregation, expanding cold storage and transportation capacity, testing produce-moving logistics, piloting ordering and fulfillment software, and coordinating relationships between producers and purchasers.

The project builds on existing Farmer’s Row activity, including the UCAN Farmer Training Program's indoor hydroponic production and outdoor growing, community education, green job training, Farm Share programming, farmers markets, and food access initiatives. In 2026, partners are using produce-moving logistics to test transporting orders from Reed’s Organic Farm to C.R.O.P.S. Food Hub operations while preparing for expanded warehouse, staffing, technology, and distribution capacity.

By centralizing logistics, improving market channels, and expanding reliable pathways for New Jersey-grown food, the project will help move fresh food into Atlantic City neighborhoods while supporting local farmers, emerging growers, and community-rooted food enterprises. This project advances the New Jersey Food Security Strategic Plan through Strategy 2.4: Food Enterprise Investment and also supports market channel creation through producer-to-buyer coordination.

Strengthening food distribution infrastructure in Atlantic City to connect local farms with neighborhoods, businesses, and institutions while expanding access to fresh food

FSEP

Strategy 2.1 Food Access and Availability Infrastructure,Strategy 2.4 Food Enterprise Investment

This work in approximately five words: Mobile screening connecting families to meals

The Family Nutrition Access & Stability Initiative (FNASI) is supported by OFSA's Building Expanded Access to Nutritious School Meals (BEANS) grant program. Acenda is working with NJ Statewide Student Support Services (NJ4S) Hubs, community advocacy groups, faith-based organizations, and other community resource partners to strengthen awareness of and access to school meal programs for families in Cape May, Cumberland and Salem Counties.
 
The project will use Acenda's existing CommCare platform to create a mobile-enabled Nutrition Access Screening and Referral Workflow. Community partners will distribute flyers containing information that allows families to complete a brief screening focused on school meal participation, awareness, and barriers to accessing resources. Following the screening, families will be connected directly to online or downloadable school meal applications for their district. Automated follow-up messages will be sent at 10-day, 30-day and 60-day intervals to assess application completion, identify additional barriers, and provide continued support.
 
The initiative will establish a centralized navigation hub within CommCare to streamline connections between families and available resources. Community resource partners will provide additional family navigation support, helping families address barriers that may prevent them from completing applications or accessing school meals. NourishLink kiosks placed in high-traffic community locations will provide an additional point of access for families who may benefit from in-person or community-based resource navigation.
 
The project will also incorporate community feedback and continuous improvement through CommCare, allowing the initiative to learn from families' experiences and refine the screening, referral, and navigation process over time. By combining mobile technology, community-based outreach, personalized navigation, and continuous feedback, FNASI will reduce barriers to school meal enrollment and create a model that can be sustained and adapted for use in other New Jersey communities.
 
This project supports the New Jersey Food Security Strategic Plan through Strategy 3.1 Tailored Education, Outreach, and Awareness Efforts; Strategy 3.3 Bi-directional Community Engagement; and Strategy 3.4 Screening and Referrals.

Connecting families to school meals through mobile screening, streamlined referrals, community navigation support, and follow-up engagement.

BEANS

Strategy 3.1 Tailored Education, Outreach, and Awareness Efforts,Strategy 3.2 County-level Coordination,Strategy 3.3 Bi-directional Community Engagement,Strategy 3.4 Screening and Referrals,Strategy 3.5 Multi-benefit Hubs

This work in approximately five words: Mobile outreach for school meals

The Cool B.E.A.N.S. project is supported by OFSA's Building Expanded Access to Nutritious School Meals (BEANS) grant program. Loving Our Cities (LOC) is expanding awareness and participation in school meal programs by connecting families with information and enrollment assistance through its established community food access programs across South Jersey.

LOC operates a regional food hub and multiple mobile pantries serving ten designated food desert communities and six Abbott School Districts including those in Gloucester county. LOC will build on the trusted relationships developed through these programs and its KIDflix Summer Meals Program, which provides meals and entertainment for children during the summer and engages hundreds of children and families each year.

By integrating school meal education and enrollment assistance into an established, trusted community setting, Cool B.E.A.N.S. will help families navigate available benefits and strengthen connections between emergency food resources and school nutrition programs. This project supports the New Jersey Food Security Strategic Plan through Strategy 3.1 Tailored Education, Outreach, and Awareness Efforts and Strategy 3.5 Multi-benefit Hubs.

Using summer meals, family-friendly outreach, and enrollment assistance to connect South Jersey families with school meal programs and benefits.

BEANS

Strategy 3.1 Tailored Education, Outreach, and Awareness Efforts,Strategy 3.2 County-level Coordination,Strategy 3.3 Bi-directional Community Engagement,Strategy 3.4 Screening and Referrals,Strategy 3.5 Multi-benefit Hubs

This work in approximately five words: Connecting families through screening and outreach

The Connecting Atlantic County Families to School Meals project is supported by OFSA's Building Expanded Access to Nutritious School Meals (BEANS) grant program. AtlantiCare is expanding awareness of school meal programs and supporting enrollment among Atlantic County families through community-based outreach, direct application assistance, and integrated eligibility screening within existing youth services.

To build awareness of school meal programs, AtlantiCare will leverage its countywide network of school partners, Teen Centers, pediatric clinics, and food pantries to connect families with nutrition education and information about free and reduced-price school meals. The project will provide hands-on application assistance at community and school events, including Back-to-School Nights and the National Night Out event, helping families navigate the enrollment process and complete applications. Outreach will also use school communication platforms, including ClassDojo and Infinite Campus, as well as public service announcements that explain eligibility requirements, the benefits of participation, and step-by-step application guidance.

The project will further strengthen access by integrating standardized food security and/or school meal eligibility screening into AtlantiCare youth services settings. Individuals identified as potentially eligible will receive timely referrals or direct enrollment assistance, creating a more consistent pathway from screening to connection with available nutrition resources.

By combining broad community outreach with direct enrollment support and screening within trusted youth-serving settings, the project will help reduce barriers to school meal participation and connect more Atlantic County families with available benefits. This project supports the New Jersey Food Security Strategic Plan through Strategy 3.1 Tailored Education, Outreach, and Awareness Efforts and Strategy 3.4 Screening and Referrals.

Expanding school meal access through community outreach, application assistance, and integrated eligibility screening across youth-serving settings in Atlantic County.

BEANS

Strategy 3.1 Tailored Education, Outreach, and Awareness Efforts,Strategy 3.2 County-level Coordination,Strategy 3.3 Bi-directional Community Engagement,Strategy 3.4 Screening and Referrals,Strategy 3.5 Multi-benefit Hubs

This work in approximately five words: Countywide coordination to expand participation

The Burlington County Food Security Coalition project is supported by OFSA's Building Expanded Access to Nutritious School Meals (BEANS) grant program. Burlington County, with emergency food providers and local and regional food banks, is establishing a countywide Food Security Coalition to strengthen coordination among organizations working to address food insecurity and expand access to school nutrition programs.

Building on the County's existing partnerships and outreach infrastructure, the project will increase awareness and utilization of New Jersey Expanded Income Eligibility (NJEIE), improve school meal application submission rates, and expand participation among eligible public and non-public schools. Outreach will promote the National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, and other available child nutrition programs while helping families understand and access available benefits.

The Food Security Coalition will coordinate outreach and engagement among school districts, non-public schools, healthcare providers, food assistance organizations, and other community partners. Project activities will include technical assistance and educational presentations, targeted outreach through the County's LIFT UP program and Summer Meals events, and distribution of multilingual school meal enrollment materials. Partners will also strengthen referral networks to connect families with nutrition benefits and supportive services.

The project will use available data to identify and prioritize communities with the greatest need, helping partners target outreach and resources where they can have the greatest impact. By bringing organizations together through a coordinated countywide framework, the Coalition will strengthen communication and referral pathways, increase awareness and participation in school nutrition programs, and support more equitable access to nutritious school meals for Burlington County families.

This project supports the New Jersey Food Security Strategic Plan through Strategy 3.2 County-level Coordination.

Building countywide coordination, outreach, and referral systems to increase participation in school meals and connect families with nutrition benefits and supportive services.

BEANS

Strategy 3.1 Tailored Education, Outreach, and Awareness Efforts,Strategy 3.2 County-level Coordination,Strategy 3.3 Bi-directional Community Engagement,Strategy 3.4 Screening and Referrals,Strategy 3.5 Multi-benefit Hubs

This work in approximately five words: Multilingual outreach to increase enrollment

The Simple Path to School Meal Benefits project is supported by OFSA's Building Expanded Access to Nutritious School Meals (BEANS) grant program. Greater Newark Conservancy is expanding access to school meals by increasing awareness of eligibility and supporting families in completing school meal applications, with a focus on non-English-speaking families and communities experiencing higher levels of food insecurity.

The project will develop a multilingual, animated informational video that explains the benefits of participating in the school meal programs, New Jersey's expanded eligibility requirements, and how families can complete the application process. The videos will also highlight local resources available to support families throughout Essex County. To maximize accessibility and reach, the campaign will distribute the videos through multiple outreach channels, including QR codes incorporated into USPS mailers, social media, website hosting, billboards, and other community-facing promotional materials. Greater Newark Conservancy will also facilitate the distribution of school meal applications in school districts with the greatest need. 

The project will use community-level information to tailor outreach, identify potential barriers to application completion, and focus resources where they can reach families most effectively. This project supports the New Jersey Food Security Strategic Plan through Strategy 3.1 Tailored Education, Outreach, and Awareness Efforts.

Expanding school meal enrollment in Essex County through multilingual application education, targeted outreach, and accessible information for families

BEANS

Strategy 3.1 Tailored Education, Outreach, and Awareness Efforts,Strategy 3.2 County-level Coordination,Strategy 3.3 Bi-directional Community Engagement,Strategy 3.4 Screening and Referrals,Strategy 3.5 Multi-benefit Hubs