Advocacy for Change: Together, We Can Make a Difference
At the Community FoodBank of New Jersey, our mission goes beyond just distributing food to feed families for today. We’re also dedicated to addressing the root causes of food insecurity through advocacy, policy change, and community empowerment. The road to ending hunger is not only about food — it’s also about the policies and programs that improve the lives of those we serve.
We encourage individuals, businesses, and community leaders to get involved through our website’s advocacy page. Right now, advocacy is more critical than ever. The uncertainty surrounding federal policy changes has the potential to profoundly impact families who rely on food assistance programs. We must act now to ensure that these programs remain strong and accessible for those who need them most.
The Uncertainty of Federal Policy Changes
Programs like SNAP are critical for individuals and families in need, but right now, members of Congress are pushing forward budget proposals that would slash funding for essential food aid. SNAP provides vital support to millions of Americans, including over 800,000 New Jerseyans. Yet, proposed cuts and eligibility restrictions threaten to undermine these programs, leaving many families vulnerable to hunger.
We know that hunger isn’t caused by a lack of food — it’s caused by systemic barriers that prevent people from accessing it. When programs like SNAP, WIC, and school meals are cut or restricted, those barriers become even harder to overcome. The stakes are high, and we can’t afford to wait. We need to ensure that food assistance programs remain intact so that all New Jerseyans can have access to the food they need.
Understanding Government Programs
Government programs at the federal, state, and local levels are essential in safeguarding our communities from hunger. It’s important to learn about how these programs function and understand how they’re funded.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
SNAP (formerly known as Food Stamps) provides assistance to over 800,000 individuals in New Jersey and is the first line of defense against hunger, supporting families, seniors, and people with disabilities who are food insecure. The program functions through a debit card (EBT) that can only be used to purchase food.
Women, Infants, Children (WIC)
WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) is a federal nutrition program that provides families with young children a cash value card to purchase essential healthy foods. It also offers nutrition education and additional services.
National School Meal Program
The National School Meal Program provides free lunch and breakfast to 395,000 children in New Jersey, ensuring they receive the nutrition needed to succeed in school.
How Are Nutrition Programs Funded?
The federal government primarily funds the benefit portion of these programs. The state helps with administering SNAP and also contributes to the cost of school meals. The Farm Bill, which Congress passes every five years, allocates funding for essential nutrition programs. Advocating for Congress to pass the most robust bill possible to fund SNAP is a critical priority.
Why Your Voice Matters Now More Than Ever
As advocates for New Jersey’s most vulnerable communities, we need your voice to make change. We need you to stand with us as we push for policies that will protect food assistance programs and ensure that they remain accessible to everyone who needs them. Every action you take makes a difference in the effort to end hunger. Your voice matters. When we speak out together, we can hold lawmakers accountable and demand policies that prioritize the health and dignity of New Jersey’s families.
How You Can Help Today
As we face potential changes to federal food assistance programs, now is the time to act. Here are a few ways you can help:
- Learn: Work to understand the current landscape of food insecurity and the public programs that address it.
- Connect with Legislators: Make your voice heard! Let lawmakers know that you support CFBNJ’s work and critical programs, like SNAP, WIC, and school meals. It’s critical for your representatives to hear from you that Congress should not cut the food security programs that feed individuals and families across the nation.Â
- Volunteer: Give your time to get hands-on in support of our misson.
- Donate:Â Your generosity makes a critical difference in the work we do.
This is a critical moment in the effort to end hunger in our state. By working together, we can protect the programs that help New Jerseyans in need, ensuring that no one is left behind. Now, more than ever, your involvement is needed to ensure that federal food assistance policies work for everyone.