Bill > A2254

Introduced Session

This bill establishes the Food Security Coordination and Response Program, in the Department of Human Services, to ensure access to food and nutrition resources for SNAP and WIC recipients during a crisis, such as when a widespread disruption to the distribution of State or federal food assistance benefits occurs. The bill requires the Department of Human Services to enter into interagency agreements with the Department of Health, Department of Children and Families, Office of the Food Security Advocate, and any other relevant State or local entity. The Commissioner of Health is to establish a Food Security Coordination and Response Working Group to guide the implementation of the New Jersey Food Security Coordination and Response Program. The working group is to include: (1) the Commissioner of Department of Human Services; (2) the Commissioner of Department of Health; (3) the Commissioner of Department of Children and Families; (4) the Commissioner of Department of Education; and (5) at least five public members appointed by the Commissioner of Human Services who is to include one person representing a food bank, a maternal health care provider, a representative of a child care or after-school program, and two community-based service providers. The bill establishes a fund to be utilized by the department to administer and oversee emergency grant programs, and to coordinate with State agencies and community partners to support activities that enhance food access, assist with SNAP and WIC enrollment, and provide maternal and family nutrition support during a crisis. The Department of Human Services is to, in consultation with the Food Security Coordination and Response Working Group, develop and maintain a publicly accessible online dashboard that tracks: (1) Statewide and county-level food insecurity rates; (2) SNAP and WIC enrollment, renewals, and any benefits interruptions; and (3) maternal and infant health indicators related to nutrition access. The Department of Human Services is to publish an annual report to the Governor and the Legislature summarizing the data collected and recommending strategies to reduce food insecurity. The bill requires the Department of Human Services, in coordination with appropriate State agencies and community partners, to develop and implement a Statewide public awareness campaign to inform residents about available food and nutrition assistance programs and the process for applying for such benefits. This bill appropriates money from the General Fund to the Department of Human Services such as are available and appropriate, to implement the provisions of this act and establish the Emergency Food Security and Community Partnership Fund.

AI Summary

Committee Categories

Shanique Speight (D)*, 

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Children, Families and Food Security Committee (on 01/13/2026)

Official Document