The multi-lingual Resource Access Team at Community FoodBank of New Jersey is dedicated to ensuring that people in New Jersey get the assistance they need on a state and federal level. We offer free on-site pre-screenings to see if you qualify for SNAP (distributed via EBT, formerly food stamps), cash assistance, and the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). We will also talk to you about free school lunches and other assistance available to you. If you’re from one of our network partners, our team is here to help you learn more about how you can assist your clients directly. Head to our Find Food page if you are looking for a local food pantry, soup kitchen, or shelter.
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. Check out our schedule for in-person SNAP application help.
SNAP is the first line of defense against hunger, reducing poverty and malnutrition by improving community health and family financial security.
Apply for SNAP
If you would like to be screened for benefits in Atlantic, Bergen, Cape May, Cumberland, Essex, Hudson, Middlesex, Morris, Passaic, Somerset, and Union counties please call 1-908-838-4831. We are open Monday through Friday from 8AM – 5PM.
Read our step-by-step walkthrough of how to apply for SNAP.
For additional information or to apply for SNAP online, please go to www.njsnap.gov.
Our Resource Access programs are possible due to support from ACME Markets Foundation and The Tepper Foundation.
About SNAP
About SNAP
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (food stamps) serves as a front-line defense against hunger, providing critical support to help families make ends meet. 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 bilingual 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.
Summer SNAP Benefits for Kids (Summer EBT)
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.
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.
- Gives families the flexibility to select foods that fit their culture and lifestyle.
- 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.
Benefits of SNAP Participation
If you or a member of your household participates in SNAP, there are other benefits that you are eligible for. Click the links below to find out more!
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 https://museums4all.org/ 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 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, click here.
More Food Benefits
Learn more about other food benefits that your household may be entitled to.
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.
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.
Need further assistance?
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.