End Hunger NJ

Who needs food assistance?

Many New Jersey residents with low income seek help from local food pantries and soup kitchens.

What are Food Stamps and how do I get them?

Food Stamps can help you buy healthy food.
If your income is low, you can apply for food Stamps; click here to find out if you qualify.
To apply for Food Stamps, click here or you can apply at your local Board of Social Services.
Food Stamp recipients get a Family's First card. This card is like an ATM debit card and can be used to buy food at many stores.

What is Women, Infants and Children (WIC)?

WIC provides healthy food to low-income women, infants, and children up to age 5.
For information on your local WIC office click here .

What are school lunch and breakfast programs?

Healthy food is available free or at low-cost to school children. A summer food program is available in some areas.
Contact your local school district for more information.

What are the elderly food programs?

Many senior clubs and centers offer food programs.
The County Offices on Aging provide meals in group settings at locations in each county. They deliver meals to homebound individuals.
These programs are provided to persons age 62 or older without regard to income.
Contact your County Office on Aging or your local senior center for more information.

What are emergency food providers (EFP)?

Emergency food providers include food banks, soup kitchens, food pantries and shelters. They give food to people with low income.
Click here for a listing of local emergency food providers.

What is a food bank?

An agency that receives, stores and distributes food.
The food is sent to human service agencies, which provide the food directly to people with low income.
Click here for a listing of food banks.

What is a food pantry?

An agency that receives donated food and distributes it to people with low income.
The food is prepared at home. A soup kitchen, on the other hand, prepares and serves meals to their clients.
Click here for a listing of food pantries.

What is a soup kitchen?

An agency that receives donated food and provides prepared meals for people with low income. A food pantry provides food but does not prepare it.
Click here for a listing of soup kitchens.

Am I eligible for Food Stamps?

To find out if you are eligible for food stamps, click here for the Food Stamp screening tool.

How do I find a food pantry or soup kitchen near my home?

To find the food pantry or soup kitchen closest to your home click here .
Click here if you need information on public transportation to the food pantry or soup kitchen.

Are food pantries and soup kitchens open every day?

Each program has specific days and hours when they are open. Call the food pantry or soup kitchen to find out when they are open.
Click here for a list of food pantries and soup kitchens.

Do I need to bring anything with me to the food pantry?

Most pantries will require some form of identification such as a Social Security card, Public Assistance or picture I.D.
Many pantries also require a referral letter from a social service agency such as the welfare or food stamp office, a community organization, or your place of worship to show proof of your need for food assistance.

How much food will I receive for my family?

Most pantries offer a 3-5 day supply of healthy food for your family.
When possible, pantries provide special items for those family members on restricted diets.

Why are so many people hungry in New Jersey?

Housing and the high cost of living in New Jersey make it hard to have enough money for food.
Healthcare, fuel, and utility costs and/or a sudden emergency, illness, low wages, or fixed incomes make it hard for many New Jersey residents to afford food.

How can I make a donation?

Food pantries, soup kitchens and food banks welcome the donation of non-perishable foods, monetary donations, and volunteer time, contact the agency directly.
Click here for a listing of local food banks, food pantries, and soup kitchens.

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