Bill
Bill > A2245
NJ A2245
NJ A2245Makes FY2026 supplemental appropriation of $30 million from General Fund to Food and Hunger Programs in Department of Agriculture.
summary
Introduced
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026-2027 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill supplements the Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations act to make an appropriation of $30 million from the General Fund to the Department of Agriculture, to be used for food and hunger programs. The funds would be distributed to the State's six regional food banks, which solicit, store, and distribute donations of edible but unmarketable surplus food. The food is then distributed to food pantries and other nonprofit organizations that feed the needy. In November 2025, due to the federal government shutdown, the U.S. Department of Agriculture halted benefit payments under the federal SNAP program, citing insufficient funds. Approximately 800,000, or one in nine, New Jersey residents rely on SNAP benefits to purchase groceries each month. The delay in funding will impact the entire State as food banks become overwhelmed and New Jersey residents stop paying certain bills in order to pay for food. This funding will provide meals to low-income families, senior citizens, disabled individuals, and children throughout the State.
AI Summary
This bill provides an additional $30 million from the state's General Fund to the Department of Agriculture for food and hunger programs during Fiscal Year 2026, supplementing existing appropriations. This funding is intended to support the state's six regional food banks, which collect and distribute surplus food to food pantries and other organizations that serve those in need. The bill's context highlights a recent federal government shutdown that caused the U.S. Department of Agriculture to halt benefit payments for the federal SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), a program that assists approximately 800,000 New Jersey residents with purchasing groceries. The delay in federal funding has led to increased strain on food banks and potential financial hardship for residents, making this state appropriation crucial for providing meals to low-income families, seniors, disabled individuals, and children across the state.
Committee Categories
Education
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Children, Families and Food Security Committee (on 01/13/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/A2245 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/A2500/2245_I1.HTM |
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