Food Banks in New Jersey: Find Free Food Help Near You

Nearly 1.1 million New Jersey residents — including over 270,000 children — face food insecurity. That is 1 in 9 people in one of the wealthiest states in the country. High housing costs, rising grocery prices, and working wages that don’t stretch far enough after rent leave hundreds of thousands of New Jersey families struggling to put food on the table every month.

Free food is available in every county in New Jersey. The state has a robust network of food banks, food pantries, food rescue organizations, and community programs — and most serve everyone who needs help, no income verification required.

This guide covers every major food bank in New Jersey, which counties they serve, what programs they offer, who qualifies, and exactly how to find food near you today.

New Jersey Food Banks — Quick Answer

Dial 211 (free, 24/7) for food pantries near you right now. Or contact the food bank serving your county directly:

Food Insecurity in New Jersey — What the Numbers Show

New Jersey consistently ranks among the most expensive states to live in — and food insecurity reflects that reality. Nearly 1,100,000 people in New Jersey are food insecure, including over 270,000 children. The majority of households served by food banks have at least one member with a paying job — many work multiple jobs but still struggle to make ends meet, often making tough choices between food and other necessities.

Black and Hispanic families, as well as LGBTQ+ individuals, are disproportionately impacted by hunger, facing barriers to economic stability. College students, seniors, and residents of resort towns also face unique challenges that make them more susceptible to food insecurity.

A January 2026 report from Table to Table confirmed that 1 in 10 New Jersey households experienced food insecurity in the most recent reporting period — consistent with the Feeding America statewide estimate of 1 in 9.

Who Qualifies for Food Bank Help in New Jersey?

Most food pantries in New Jersey serve anyone who comes in need of food. There is no formal income test at the majority of partner pantry locations.

For federally funded TEFAP distributions, the income threshold is at or below 300% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines — a level that covers a very large share of NJ households given the state’s cost of living.

For CSFP (senior food boxes), the threshold is at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for seniors aged 60 and older.

For walk-in pantries and most community distribution programs, you do not need to prove your income. You may be asked for a zip code to confirm you live in the service area, and some pantries ask for basic household information on your first visit.

Regarding immigration status — the major New Jersey food banks serve everyone regardless of documentation status. Using food bank services is not considered a public benefit under immigration law and does not affect immigration cases.

Community FoodBank of New Jersey (CFBNJ)

The Community FoodBank of New Jersey is the largest anti-hunger organization in the state and a member of the national Feeding America network. Founded in 1975 — starting from the back of its founder’s station wagon — CFBNJ has grown to nearly 300 employees operating out of two distribution centers in Hillside and Egg Harbor Township.

CFBNJ is the hub of a robust network of more than 800 pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, and other feeding programs, distributing over 90 million nutritious meals annually. Approximately 34% of all food distributed is fresh produce.

Address (Northern Warehouse): 31 Evans Terminal, Hillside, NJ 07205 Address (Southern Warehouse): 6735 Black Horse Pike, Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234 Phone: (908) 355-7050 Website: cfbnj.org Find a pantry: cfbnj.org/find-food (ZIP code search)

CFBNJ serves 15 of New Jersey’s 21 counties. Its partner agencies — food pantries, soup kitchens, and meal programs — are the locations where individuals and families receive food directly.

Programs Offered by CFBNJ

Food Pantry and Partner Agency Network Over 800 partner agencies across 15 counties stock shelves using food from CFBNJ’s two warehouses. Use the ZIP code finder at cfbnj.org/find-food to locate the nearest pantry, soup kitchen, or meal program in your area — with current hours, addresses, and contact information.

Senior Nutrition Boxes Boxes of supplemental, nutritious food are packed by CFBNJ volunteers and distributed to more than 4,000 seniors in need each month who live on fixed incomes. These are distributed through CSFP-designated food bank sites across the state.

NJ SNAP-Ed Nutrition Education CFBNJ employs a large team of full-time nutrition educators who, through the NJ SNAP-Ed program, deliver more than nine different interventions addressing nutrition and physical activity education and policy, system, and environmental strategies.

SNAP Outreach and Enrollment CFBNJ operates one of the most active SNAP outreach programs in the state — helping eligible New Jerseyans apply for benefits, navigate recertification, and appeal denials. SNAP enrollment help is available at many CFBNJ partner sites and by calling (908) 355-7050.

Healthy Families Farmers Markets CFBNJ operates farmers markets in food desert communities, providing access to fresh, affordable produce for low-income families — including Double Up Food Bucks, which doubles SNAP purchasing power on fruits and vegetables.

Hunger as a Health Issue Initiative CFBNJ’s signature health initiative takes a holistic approach to food insecurity — connecting food access with free health screenings, nutrition education, and diabetes prevention programs. The program was designed specifically to address the connection between food insecurity and chronic health conditions like diabetes that disproportionately affect the communities CFBNJ serves.

Food Bank of South Jersey

The Food Bank of South Jersey serves Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, and Salem counties — the four southernmost counties of New Jersey. Each year, the Food Bank distributes almost 19 million pounds of food to people in these counties. According to Feeding America, one in seven children face hunger in these regions.

Address: 1501 John Tipton Blvd, Pennsauken, NJ 08110 Phone: (856) 662-4884 Website: foodbanksj.org Find food near you: foodbanksj.org/get-help/find-food

In 2025, demand for food assistance in South Jersey continued to reach historic highs — driven by the same cost-of-living pressures affecting the rest of the state.

Programs Offered by the Food Bank of South Jersey

Food Distribution Network The Food Bank supplies pantries, soup kitchens, and meal programs across Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, and Salem counties. Use the pantry finder at foodbanksj.org to locate the nearest distribution site to your address.

Kids Cafe and Children’s Programs Free after-school meals and snacks are provided to children at community sites through the Kids Cafe program — specifically targeting children who are food insecure outside of school meal hours.

Health and Wellness Programs The Food Bank’s Health and Wellness program offers initiatives on building nutrition awareness, including cooking instruction — helping families not only get food but learn to prepare nutritious, affordable meals.

SNAP Enrollment Assistance On-site SNAP outreach workers help South Jersey residents apply for and maintain SNAP benefits. Ask about SNAP assistance when you visit any partner pantry or call the Food Bank directly.

Fulfill — Monmouth and Ocean Counties

Fulfill (formerly the Food Bank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties) serves Monmouth and Ocean counties along the Jersey Shore and in the Pinelands. Fulfill supplies over 972,000 meals per month by distributing food to nearly 300 feeding agencies in Monmouth and Ocean Counties, including soup kitchens, food pantries, shelters, and by delivering food to families, children, seniors, and veterans.

Address (Monmouth HQ): 3300 Route 66, Neptune, NJ 07753 Address (Ocean County — B.E.A.T. Center): 1769 Hooper Ave, Toms River, NJ 08753 Phone: (732) 918-2600 SNAP/Services Appointments: (732) 643-5888 Website: fulfillnj.org Text to find food: Text “findfood” or “comida” to 888-918-2729 (English and Spanish)

Programs Offered by Fulfill

Food Pantry Network Nearly 300 partner pantries, soup kitchens, and feeding programs serve Monmouth and Ocean County residents. Use the pantry locator at fulfillnj.org or text “findfood” to 888-918-2729 for immediate local results in English or Spanish.

People’s Pantry (Client-Choice Model) Fulfill’s People’s Pantry is a choice model food pantry — clients select food for their families from items on the shelf, choosing shelf-stable items, baked goods, meat, dairy, and produce rather than receiving pre-packaged bags. This model gives families control over what food they take home.

Pop-the-Trunk Drive-Through Distribution Every Friday from approximately 1–2:30 PM at Fulfill’s Neptune headquarters, a drive-through food distribution is open to anyone who needs it. No appointment needed — drive up and food is loaded into your trunk.

Backpack Program The Backpack Program feeds more than 760 chronically hungry schoolchildren in 29 local schools by providing them with a backpack of nutritious, easy-to-prepare food, usually filled on Fridays or before school vacations.

Kids Cafe Students in Fulfill’s Culinary Training Program work beside food bank chefs to prepare an average of 240 daily hot meals for children at after-school programs.

Senior Food Program (CSFP) Fulfill delivers monthly 30-pound boxes of food for very low-income seniors — food provided by the USDA’s Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP). Contact Fulfill at (732) 918-2600 to enroll or ask about a distribution site near you.

Culinary Training Program Fulfill’s culinary training provides hands-on career education in food service — connecting food insecurity support with pathways to employment in the restaurant and food industry.

Financial Success Center The Financial Success Center at the Freehold Raceway Mall provides Monmouth and Ocean County residents with comprehensive FREE resources under one roof to help them move from financial difficulty to economic well-being — including SNAP enrollment, affordable healthcare, Medicaid, housing applications, budgeting, and utility assistance. Phone: (732) 414-6745.

Volunteer Garden Fulfill distributes fresh produce grown in its own half-acre volunteer garden to neighbors in need — a locally grown supplement to warehoused food distributions.

Mercer Street Friends — Mercer County

Mercer Street Friends is the designated food bank and CSFP site for Mercer County, serving the Trenton area and surrounding communities.

Address: 3 Graphics Drive, Trenton, NJ 08628 Phone: (609) 278-5542 Website: mercerstreetfriends.org

Mercer Street Friends operates food pantries, TEFAP distribution, CSFP senior food boxes, and community meal programs in Mercer County. They are among the longest-operating hunger relief organizations in the Trenton area.

NORWESCAP — Hunterdon, Sussex, and Warren Counties

NORWESCAP (Northwest New Jersey Community Action Program) is the food bank and community action agency serving the three northwestern counties of New Jersey.

Address: 350 Marshall Street, Phillipsburg, NJ 08865 Phone: (908) 454-7000 Website: norwescap.org

NORWESCAP operates food pantries and CSFP senior food box distribution in Hunterdon, Sussex, and Warren counties. As a community action agency, they also provide connections to utility assistance, housing support, and other emergency programs alongside food services.

Center for Food Action (CFA) — Bergen and Upper Passaic Counties

Center for Food Action (CFA) is one of the most comprehensive hunger relief organizations in northern New Jersey, serving Bergen County and upper Passaic County with food pantries and wraparound social services.

Phone: (201) 569-1804 Website: cfanj.org To register and schedule a food appointment: cfanj.org or call your local CFA site directly

CFA operates multiple food pantry locations across Bergen County and upper Passaic. If you live in Bergen County or Upper Passaic County and would like help, you can register your household and make an appointment for food online at cfanj.org or by calling your local site.

Programs Offered by CFA

Food Pantries CFA’s pantries are appointment-based at most locations. Register online or call to schedule your first visit. Staff help you select food that meets your household’s needs.

Weekend Snack Pack Program Many children who receive free or reduced-price school meals are left without adequate nutrition when not at school. CFA’s Weekend Snack Pack Program fills this gap with nutritious food for children at risk of hunger, distributed through school feeding programs, community organizations, and agency partners.

Hunger Free New Jersey CFA’s statewide program, Hunger Free New Jersey, works to change policy and practice to ensure that all New Jerseyans have healthy food to eat, every single day.

Table to Table — Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Passaic, and Union Counties

Table to Table is one of New Jersey’s leading food rescue organizations, operating for over 25 years. Table to Table picks up fresh, high-quality food that would otherwise be discarded and delivers it to partners such as soup kitchens, homeless shelters, and senior facilities.

Phone: (201) 569-4360 Website: tabletotable.org

Table to Table focuses on food rescue from restaurants, caterers, grocery stores, and food businesses — routing surplus food to hunger relief partners in Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Passaic, and Union counties rather than letting it go to waste. They do not operate walk-in pantries but supply the meal sites and shelters that do.

Other Notable Food Organizations in New Jersey

Franklin Food Bank (Somerset County)

A community food bank serving Franklin Township and Somerset County residents. Executive Director Derek Smith received the 2025 Community Champion Hunger Leadership Award from the Congressional Hunger Center. Website: franklinfoodbank.org

Interfaith Food Pantry of Morris County

Serves eligible Morris County residents with food, nutrition education, and referral resources. Website: interfaithfoodpantry.org

TASK (Trenton Area Soup Kitchen)

Feeds those who are hungry in the Trenton area and offers programs to encourage self-sufficiency. Website: trentonsoupkitchen.org

Mercy Center (Asbury Park — Monmouth County)

Located in Asbury Park, Mercy Center’s food pantry recently expanded to increase access for people with disabilities and provides emergency services. In addition to healthy food, Mercy Center addresses crucial needs such as personal care items and clothing.

MEND — Anti-Hunger Network (Essex County)

Supports 22 food pantries in Essex County, providing fresh and healthy food, funds, volunteers, and resources to the county’s pantry network.

Federal Food Programs in New Jersey

SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)

SNAP provides monthly benefits on an EBT card for use at most grocery stores. New Jersey also participates in the Double Up Food Bucks program at participating farmers markets — SNAP recipients can double their benefits when purchasing local fruits and vegetables.

Apply for SNAP in New Jersey: myunemployment.nj.gov or NJ DHS at (609) 588-2000 SNAP Enrollment Assistance: Contact any of the food banks listed above — all offer free SNAP outreach help.

TEFAP (The Emergency Food Assistance Program)

TEFAP provides free USDA-donated food to income-qualifying households through food bank partner sites across New Jersey. Eligibility: household gross income at or below 300% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Self-certification required — no income documentation needed.

CSFP (Commodity Supplemental Food Program)

CSFP provides monthly food packages for low-income seniors age 60 and older. New Jersey CSFP sites include CFBNJ (15 counties), Food Bank of South Jersey (Atlantic and Cumberland counties), Fulfill (Monmouth and Ocean counties), Mercer Street Friends (Mercer County), and NORWESCAP (Hunterdon, Sussex, Warren counties).

To find your CSFP site: Contact the food bank serving your county from the table above, or call 211.

WIC (Women, Infants, and Children)

WIC provides nutrition benefits, healthy food, and support to pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and children under 5. Apply through the NJ Department of Health WIC program at nj.gov/health/fhs/wic or call (609) 292-7837.

Summer EBT

Summer EBT provides additional food benefits to families with school-age children who qualify for free or reduced-price school meals — specifically to address the nutrition gap during summer when school meals are unavailable. Contact your local food bank or school district for enrollment information.

How to Find a Food Pantry in New Jersey — Step by Step

Step 1: Dial 211. Free, available 24/7 in New Jersey. Tell the operator you need food and your city or zip code. They have a live database of pantries and meal programs currently operating near you.

Step 2: Find the food bank serving your county. Use the county coverage table at the top of this page to identify which food bank serves your area, then use their pantry finder tool or call directly.

Step 3: For Monmouth and Ocean County — text “findfood” to 888-918-2729. Fulfill’s text-based pantry locator responds in English and Spanish with real-time pantry information for your area.

Step 4: Call ahead before your first visit. Some pantries are walk-in, others require appointments. Calling ahead confirms current hours, whether an appointment is needed, and what to bring.

Step 5: Bring basic information. Your address or zip code, a photo ID (optional at most locations), and basic household information (number of people, ages of children). Bring a bag or box to carry food home.

Step 6: Ask about other programs. SNAP enrollment, WIC, utility assistance, and healthcare access are available through many NJ food bank partner sites. Ask what other resources are available when you visit.

Food Banks by County in New Jersey

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find a food pantry near me in New Jersey?

Dial 211 and ask for food pantries near your address — free, 24/7. Or go to cfbnj.org/find-food and enter your ZIP code for a complete list of partner pantries near you with hours and contact information. If you are in Monmouth or Ocean County, text “findfood” to 888-918-2729.

Do I need to show income documentation to get food in New Jersey?

No, at most pantries. Walk-in pantries and partner agencies across New Jersey generally serve anyone who needs food. For TEFAP-funded distributions, you self-certify income on a simple form — no income documents are required. Call ahead to confirm your specific pantry’s requirements.

Can undocumented immigrants get food from NJ food banks?

Yes. All major New Jersey food banks — CFBNJ, Food Bank of South Jersey, Fulfill, and others — serve everyone regardless of immigration status. Using food bank services does not affect immigration cases under current federal policy.

What counties does the Community FoodBank of New Jersey serve?

CFBNJ serves 15 of New Jersey’s 21 counties through its Hillside and Egg Harbor Township warehouses. The six counties not primarily served by CFBNJ are Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, and Salem (Food Bank of South Jersey), Monmouth and Ocean (Fulfill), and Mercer (Mercer Street Friends), Hunterdon, Sussex, and Warren (NORWESCAP).

Is there a drive-through food distribution in New Jersey?

Yes. Fulfill runs a Pop-the-Trunk Drive-Through Distribution every Friday from approximately 1–2:30 PM at their Neptune headquarters at 3300 Route 66, Neptune, NJ. No appointment needed — drive up and food is loaded directly into your car.

How do I apply for SNAP in New Jersey?

Apply online at myunemployment.nj.gov, call NJ DHS at (609) 588-2000, or visit any local DHS office. For free in-person help with your application, contact any food bank listed above — all offer SNAP outreach and enrollment assistance at no cost.

Does New Jersey have Double Up Food Bucks?

Yes. New Jersey participates in the Double Up Food Bucks program at participating farmers markets. SNAP recipients can double their spending power when buying fresh fruits and vegetables. Ask at your nearest SNAP office, food bank, or participating farmers market about current locations and hours.

Are there food programs specifically for children in New Jersey?

Yes. CFBNJ, Food Bank of South Jersey, Fulfill, and CFA all operate children-specific programs including Backpack Programs (food sent home with students on Fridays), Kids Cafe (free after-school hot meals), school pantries, and Summer EBT (additional benefits during school breaks). Ask your child’s school or contact your local food bank for programs near you.

Final Thoughts

New Jersey’s food bank network is one of the most developed in the country — with clearly defined coverage by county, multiple access points in every part of the state, and programs designed for every situation including working families, seniors, children, and people experiencing homelessness.

If you need food in New Jersey, start here:

Dial 211 right now for the pantry closest to you. Use the ZIP code finder at cfbnj.org/find-food for North and Central NJ. Call Food Bank of South Jersey at (856) 662-4884 for Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, or Salem. Call Fulfill at (732) 918-2600 for Monmouth or Ocean County.

No income proof required. No judgment. Just food.

Last Updated: 2026 | Sources: Community FoodBank of New Jersey (cfbnj.org), Food Bank of South Jersey (foodbanksj.org), Fulfill (fulfillnj.org), Center for Food Action (cfanj.org), Table to Table (tabletotable.org), Mercer Street Friends (mercerstreetfriends.org), NORWESCAP (norwescap.org), NJ Office of the Food Security Advocate (nj.gov/foodsecurity), Feeding America NJ State Profile

Program hours, pantry locations, and eligibility details change frequently. Always call ahead or dial 211 to confirm current availability near you.