Community Food Systems

A sustainable and equitable food system ensures all have access to nutritious food while preserving resources. The New Jersey food system has evolved with urbanization, land use changes, and demographics. FCHS promotes sustainability and equity through urban farms, school gardens, local food procurement, and waste reduction programs.

Resources

• Find Jersey Fresh
• FoodCorps
• Rutgers Community Farmers Market
• Community Food Bank of NJ
  • Find food near you
• Summer Feeding Sites
• Senior Meal Sites
• Jersey Fresh
• SNAP & WIC Applications

Program Spotlight

Rutgers SNAP Gap Project

The Rutgers SNAP Gap Project explored perceived barriers to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in families with children participating in the Free and Reduced-Price School Meal program. Focus groups were held in English and Spanish at twelve school districts across New Jersey. The research team interviewed SNAP administrators at the county level and school administrators to learn more about their perspectives on SNAP. Finally, schools were given funding to hold events and create projects that promoted SNAP to their communities in a culturally appropriate and stigma-free manner.

Engagement

In the 2024-2025 year, FCHS staff hosted 6 programs related to community food systems, reaching over 800 NJ residents in this topic alone.