Apply for SNAP Food
Assistance with CFBNJ
Multi-lingual SNAP Navigators at the Community FoodBank of New Jersey are dedicated to ensuring that people in New Jersey get the food assistance they need. We offer free in-person or virtual SNAP application assistance. We will also talk to you about utilities assistance, free school lunches, and other assistance available to you.
Our team visits food pantries, senior centers, healthcare facilities, schools, and other community sites to provide education and information about benefits, eligibility requirements, and application procedures.
How We Can Help
Our Community Connections programs are possible due to support from ACME Markets Foundation and The Tepper Foundation.
More Information
About SNAP
Research shows that participating in SNAP, the largest nutrition assistance program administered by the USDA, plays a critical role in alleviating food insecurity and improving dietary intake and health.
Our multilingual Resource Access team visits food pantries, soup kitchens, senior centers, churches and other community sites serving low-income families to offer free pre-screening for SNAP eligibility. We help those who are likely eligible for benefits complete the online SNAP application and provide guidance to prepare them for eligibility interviews. We also provide help applying for energy assistance and other benefits.
The following items are necessary to facilitate the application process:
- Identification (for everyone in the household)
- Social Security numbers (for everyone in the household)
- Utility bills (gas, electric, oil, water and telephone)
- Rent receipt/agreement, mortgage statement and/or tax bill
- Proof of income (for everyone in the household)
- Medical expenses (if 60 or older and/or disabled)
- Children’s daycare expenses
Clients must have at least five years of residency in the United States to qualify for SNAP. If undocumented and with children who are American citizens, clients can apply for benefits on their behalf.
SNAP Emergency Allotments Ended March 1, 2023
In March 2020, SNAP benefits (formerly known as food stamps) increased to help neighbors meet emergency needs during the pandemic. This was known as Emergency Allotments (EA) and has continued for nearly three years. As of March 1, 2023, EA will no longer be provided to SNAP households. All SNAP benefits will return to their regular, pre-COVID benefit amounts. These additional emergency benefits have been in effect since March 2020. The last SNAP emergency allotment will be issued to households in February.
What is the Impact on Neighbors in Need?
It is estimated that households will see an average decrease of about $82 per person per month once the SNAP EA ends. In New Jersey, the minimum monthly SNAP benefit is $95, meaning no SNAP household will receive less than $95 per month in benefit.
The New Jersey Department of Human Services has distributed more than $2 billion in additional SNAP benefits since March 2020. Many New Jerseyans greatly benefited from EA and were able to go grocery shopping with these extra dollars. With the cost of food and other necessities continuing to rise, this will have a devastating impact on families and seniors who struggle to put food on the table.
All SNAP households will receive a letter in the mail in February notifying them of these changes and their new benefit amount.
What To Know
Before Applying To SNAP
- Check the guidelines about current income for SNAP (formerly food stamps)
- Allow approximately 45 minutes to work with one of our team members
- Have social security numbers, birth dates, and monthly income of all household members that you want to apply for SNAP benefits
- Be sure to read this full page to prepare for completing a SNAP application with a member of our team
- If you cannot meet us in your community, you can schedule a virtual appointment with a SNAP Navigator
CFBNJ SNAP Outreach Schedule
Benefits of SNAP Participation
If you or a member of your household participates in SNAP, there are other benefits that you are eligible for.
School Lunch and Breakfast Program
If you are a SNAP household with school-aged children, then you are also eligible for the free school breakfast and lunch program. To apply for free school meals, contact your local school district for an application.
Women Infants and Children (WIC)
The New Jersey Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children is commonly known as WIC. It’s a successful program that helps eligible women who are pregnant or have recently given birth, as well as infants and children up to five years old. WIC provides them with good and healthy food, along with nutrition education and community support. If you’re already part of SNAP and have a pregnant woman or young children in your household, you might be eligible for WIC too. Click here to apply for WIC.
Moreover, if you’re part of WIC, you’ll also get an extra benefit called the New Jersey Farmers Market Nutrition Program. This benefit gives each eligible WIC participant in your household $30 to spend at farmers markets. You can use this money to buy locally grown fruits, vegetables, and herbs from authorized farmers. If you want to know more about the benefits of WIC, click here.
Summer SNAP Benefits for Kids (Summer EBT)
In June 2024, New Jersey will launch Summer EBT, a child nutrition program intended to reduce hunger and food insecurity for children during the summer when school is not in session.Â
Most families will get these benefits automatically, but some parents will need to apply. The new program is in addition to free meals that kids of all ages can get at summer meal sites in their communities.
Benefits of Summer EBT
- Helps parents and caregivers buy healthy foods for their children.Â
- Gives families the flexibility to select foods that fit their culture and lifestyle.Â
- Improves food security and diet quality for children.
Eligibility and Enrollment
Children are eligible for the program if:
- the household already participates in SNAP, FDPIR, TANF, etc., OR
- the child attends a school that offers the National School Lunch or School Breakfast Program and the household income meets the federal requirements for free or reduced-price school meals.
Many families will get NJ Summer EBT automatically, but some families may need to apply.
How Summer EBT Works
The benefits will be mailed on a new EBT card for each child and can be used to buy groceries. Families will receive $120 per eligible child for the summer. Benefits can be used at authorized retailers, like grocery stores and farmers markets, to purchase healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, meats and other protein sources, whole grains, and dairy. Click here to learn more.
The Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program
If you’re a senior who’s 60 years old or older and your household income meets certain requirements, you can apply for the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) in New Jersey. This program is designed to help seniors like you buy fresh fruits and vegetables at farmers markets. You’ll get $50 in benefits to spend from June to October. If you want to know more about the program and apply for your voucher, make sure to contact your local County Office on Aging.
The Affordable Connectivity Program
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a new federal program that helps low-income households with their internet expenses. It can help pay for a new internet service or an existing one, and even provide one-time discounts on devices like laptops or tablets.
To be eligible for the ACP, your household’s income should be below 200% of the Federal Poverty Line. If someone in your household already receives benefits like SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, WIC, Pell Grant, or Free and Reduced-Price Lunch, you may also qualify.
With the ACP, you can get:
- Up to a $30/month discount on your broadband service.
- A one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet if your household contributes more than $10 but less than $50 towards the purchase.
To find out more about how to apply, you can watch this video or visit AffordableConnectivity.gov.
Museums for All
Through Museums for All, those receiving food assistance (SNAP benefits) can gain free or reduced admission to more than 1,000 museums throughout the United States simply by presenting their EBT card and a photo ID. Visit Museums for All to learn more.
Amazon Prime
If you receive SNAP, Medicaid, or other qualifying government assistance, you can save more with Prime Access. Qualifying households can access ALL of Amazon Prime benefits for $6.99/month. Visit  Amazon Prime to learn more.
Comcast Internet Essentials Program
You might be able to join Comcast’s Internet Essentials Program if you are eligible for certain public assistance programs. Some of these programs include the National School Lunch Program, Housing Assistance, Medicaid, SNAP, SSI (Supplemental Security Income), and others. If you want to find out more about this program, visit the Comcast Broadband Opportunity Program.
How Do I Apply For SNAP Benefits In New Jersey?
1. Call CFBNJ for a Benefit Screening
CFBNJ’s multi-lingual Resource Access team will see if you are eligible for SNAP benefits (formerly known as food stamps). We provide SNAP application help in the following NJ Counties: Atlantic, Bergen, Cape May, Cumberland, Essex, Hudson, Middlesex, Morris, Passaic, Somerset, and Union.
We are open Monday through Friday from 8AM-5PM. Call us today.
2. Complete a SNAP Application Online with a CFBNJ Team Member
Apply for SNAP benefits online or with the help of a CFBNJ team member. If you need help with a SNAP application, CFBNJ’s Resource Access team can provide direct assistance to you in-person and technical help over the phone. You can also mail your application to your local County Board of Social Services.
3. Provide Documents Required for SNAP Application
A SNAP application is not complete until the required verification documents have been submitted. Every household member applying for benefits must show the following:
- Valid ID (driver’s license, birth certificate, government ID)
- Immigration status
- Student Status
- Social security number
- Proof of housing (lease, rental agreement, utility bill)
- Earned and unearned income (paystubs, tax records, employment or benefits award letter)
- Resource statements (bank statements)
Supporting documents include:
- Housing, phone, and/or utility costs (bills)
- Medical expenses for anyone in your household 60+ or disabled
- Child and adult care costs
- Child support paid by a person in your household
These documents can be uploaded online from a computer, internet-enabled cell phone, or tablet as soon as you are finished with your application. You can upload documents up to 60 days after you submit your application by going to the SNAP application website, logging into your account, and clicking Upload Documents.
- Enter your application confirmation number and birth-date
- Enter your name and email address
- Click Add Document to begin uploading documents
- Select the type of document you are uploading from the drop-down list, click Choose File, and navigate to where you saved the photo, select the photo and click Submit. You can also send your verification documents to your County Board of Social Services via mail, fax or email.
You will receive a letter from your County Board of Social Services informing you what documents you still need to submit. DO NOT send original documents. In most counties, you can mail, fax, or drop off copies of your documents.
Team members from CFBNJ can help you with document collection and submission.
4. SNAP Application Interview
5. Receive your SNAP Benefits
Clients may be eligible for benefits within 7 days for high-priority cases, such as:
- Income less than $150 per month and liquid resources less than $100
- Housing costs higher than both monthly income and liquid resources
- Migrant or seasonal farm workers with less than $10
- Liquid resources: cash or those assets that may readily be converted to cash, such as a life insurance policy that has a cash value, stock certificates, or a guaranteed line of credit from a financial institution.
CFBNJ is committed to educating our greater community about available resources. Along with pre-screening for SNAP eligibility, we work closely with you to see if your household qualifies for any New Jersey child nutrition programs such as free school meals and after-school meal programs. We are here to answer your questions and assist you directly.
In addition, CFBNJ partners with NJ SNAP-Ed to teach New Jersey residents how to make the most of the food available to them with SNAP benefits. This includes a live cooking show where NJ SNAP-Ed educators prepare healthy meals and bring viewers valuable tips on nutrition. Tune in on CFBNJ’s Facebook every third Wednesday of the month, or go to our YouTube channel to see our collection of NJ-SNAP Ed cooking videos!
If you need immediate food assistance, CFBNJ has over 800 community partners across the state of New Jersey. Find a food pantry near you today. If you think it’s time to submit a SNAP application, contact the CFBNJ Resource Access Team at 908-838-4831.
To check the status of your application, call NJ Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Hotline at 1-800-687-9512. Here is a list of other important phone numbers.
Contact Our SNAP Outreach Team
Fill out the form below to make a virtual appointment with our SNAP experts, or check our in-person SNAP application help schedule to see when our team will be in your community.