NJEDA Seeks Input on Strategies to Address Food Insecurity in New Jersey’s Food Deserts
NJEDA specifically reached out to NJFPA and asked us to share with anyone in the food & beverage sector, including farms, animal production & fishing companies, bakeries, food manufacturers, retail & foodservice markets, wholesalers, logistics & supply chain. They need YOUR voice and perspective to find the best ideas to make #NJfood work for everyone.
TRENTON, N.J. (March 15, 2021) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) today issued a Request for Information (RFI) seeking insight into food security challenges faced by communities across the Garden State, including specific obstacles and disparities within communities that are considered “food deserts.” Responses to the RFI are due no later than 5:00 p.m. on April 12, 2021. The RFI can be found at https://www.njeda.com/bidding/#OET.
The NJEDA issued the RFI in conjunction with Governor Phil Murphy’s office and the New Jersey departments of Community Affairs (NJDCA) and Agriculture (NJDA), to gather information and ideas regarding the implementation of the Food Desert Relief Act, part of the NJ Economic Recovery Act of 2020 that Governor Murphy signed into law in January 2021.
The Food Desert Relief Act directs the NJEDA to address the food security needs of communities across New Jersey by providing up to $40 million per year for six years in tax credits, loans, grants, and/or technical assistance to increase access to nutritious foods and develop new approaches to alleviate food deserts. The information gathered from this RFI will help inform the creation of a New Jersey-specific definition of food deserts and offer potential solutions to increase the accessibility and affordability of healthy, nutritious foods for all NJ residents.
“Communities throughout New Jersey will benefit greatly from the ideas that arise as a result of this RFI and the NJDCA stands ready to work with our partner agencies to map out a course forward based on the feedback we receive.” - Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver
Read the full press release at NJEDA.