Please note. This guide shares general information only. It is not legal, financial, tax or professional advice. Laws vary by state and city. For advice about your situation, talk with a licensed professional.
Hi friend. Nobody should have to worry about where the next meal comes from. If your cupboards are bare or money's tight this week, there is real help in New Jersey, and you deserve it. Let's find food for today, and then for the weeks ahead.
Here is the easy first step: dial 211, or use your food bank's pantry finder, to find food near you today. Then apply for SNAP at NJHelps.gov.
A few things to know
- You choose. Use what feels right for you and skip anything that doesn't.
- Each place decides who it can serve. We share what each place says it offers and how to reach it. We can't promise food, benefits or a spot in any program.
- Pantry hours change, especially around holidays. Call ahead when you can.
- In danger right now? Call 911. Thinking about suicide or in crisis? Call or text 988.
New Jersey has three big regional food banks. Each one works with local pantries, soup kitchens and mobile pantries, and each has a finder where you enter your ZIP code to see hours and addresses.
- Community FoodBank of New Jersey, with locations in Hillside and Egg Harbor Township, has a finder for its pantries, meal programs and partners.
- Fulfill, the FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties, says it lets you locate a pantry, soup kitchen or mobile pantry. Call 732.918.2600.
- Food Bank of South Jersey serves South Jersey. Call 856.662.4884.
You can also dial 211, or text your ZIP code to 898211, and ask what's open today.
Sources: https://cfbnj.org/ and https://fulfillnj.org/ and https://foodbanksj.org/ and https://nj211.org/get-help
How to find food today, step by step
- Dial 211, or use your food bank's pantry finder with your ZIP code.
- Pick a pantry or meal program near you, and check its hours.
- Call ahead if you can, and ask what to bring.
- Bring bags, and an ID or a piece of mail if you have one.
- Ask about the next date you can come back.
What to say when you call
"Hi. Is your pantry open today? What time?"
"Do I need to bring anything, like an ID or proof of address?"
"I have (number) people in my home, including (number) kids. Is there baby food or formula?"
Bring your own bags
Bring a few sturdy bags or a little cart. Some pantries give a lot! Easy peasy!
How do I apply for SNAP in New Jersey?
SNAP helps you buy groceries at most food stores and some farmers markets. In New Jersey, benefits come on the NJ Families First EBT card.
The state says eligibility depends on things like income and resources.
- Apply online at NJHelps.gov. It says a full application takes about 20 to 45 minutes.
- Or apply at your County Social Services Agency. Every county's office is at the end of this guide.
- After you apply, you'll usually have an interview. Answer your phone and open your mail.
Sources: https://www.njhelps.gov/ and https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/njsnap/
Before you apply for SNAP, gather what you can
Federal SNAP changes. New Jersey says changes to federal law may affect who can get SNAP, including the work rules for able bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs). If you get a letter about SNAP, read it right away and call your county agency with questions.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/njsnap/
What can I buy with SNAP?
SNAP can be used for foods for your household, like fruits and vegetables, meat, fish and poultry, dairy, breads and cereals, snacks and seeds and plants that grow food. You can't use it for alcohol, tobacco, vitamins, medicine, hot foods or things that aren't food, like soap or paper towels.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/eligible-food-items
What is WIC, and who can get it?
WIC is a nutrition program for moms and little ones. New Jersey's Department of Health says WIC gives wholesome food, nutrition education and community support to income eligible women who are pregnant and postpartum, infants and children up to five years old.
- The USDA says if you or your children get Medicaid, SNAP or TANF, you may already be income eligible for WIC.
- New Jersey's WIC page has a Participant Portal where you can see if you may be eligible. The pre screening takes about 15 minutes, and your information goes to your local WIC team.
- WIC also partners with farmers markets, so families can buy selected fresh farm goods.
Sources: https://www.nj.gov/health/fhs/wic/ and https://www.fns.usda.gov/wic/wic-eligibility-requirements
What WIC may ask you to bring
Say you're a mom of three little girls in Jersey City
Say you're a mom with three daughters, ages 1, 3 and 6, in Jersey City. Your two youngest could get WIC, because WIC serves children up to age five. You could use the WIC Participant Portal, and apply for SNAP through NJHelps.gov or the Hudson County Department of Family Services at 201.420.3000. Your oldest could get school meals.
This is an example to show how it can work. It is not about a real person, and every situation is different. Sources: https://www.nj.gov/health/fhs/wic/ and https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/dfd/counties/
How can my kids get food at school and over the summer?
- School meals. Ask your child's school about meals at no cost or a lower price. Fill out the school meal form, even if you aren't sure you qualify.
- Summer EBT. New Jersey lists Summer EBT as a resource on its SNAP page. It helps families with school age kids buy groceries in the summer. Ask your county agency or your school if your kids qualify.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/njsnap/
Fill out the school form
Even if you think you don't qualify, fill out the school meal form. It only takes a few minutes. You've got this!
What food help is there for older adults?
- Senior nutrition programs. New Jersey's WIC office lists senior nutrition programs that help low income seniors with fresh foods.
- Meals on Wheels and senior meal sites. Dial 211 and ask what's in your county.
- SNAP. Older adults can apply too, at NJHelps.gov or your county agency.
Sources: https://www.nj.gov/health/fhs/wic/ and https://nj211.org/get-help
How do I make my food go further?
- Plan a few simple meals around what the pantry gave you.
- Buy store brands, and big bags of rice, beans and oats.
- Freeze bread, meat and leftovers before they go bad.
- Shop at farmers markets that take SNAP or WIC.
Say your family needs food for the week in Toms River
Say your family of four in Toms River is out of food. You could use Fulfill's pantry locator, or call 732.918.2600, to find a pantry or mobile pantry near you. Then you could apply for SNAP at NJHelps.gov, or call the Ocean County Board of Social Services at 732.349.1500.
This is an example to show how it can work. It is not about a real person, and every situation is different. Sources: https://fulfillnj.org/ and https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/dfd/counties/
How do I keep my EBT card safe?
New Jersey says its new NJ Families First EBT card is more secure. The state also says you can lock and unlock your EBT card to protect your SNAP and WFNJ benefits.
Keep your benefits safe
Questions people ask a lot
Where do I apply for SNAP in New Jersey?
Online at NJHelps.gov, or at your County Social Services Agency.
What card do New Jersey SNAP benefits come on?
The NJ Families First EBT card.
Who can get WIC?
Income eligible women who are pregnant or postpartum, infants and children up to five years old.
Is there food help in Monmouth and Ocean counties?
Yes. Fulfill helps you find pantries, soup kitchens and mobile pantries. Call 732.918.2600.
Is there food help in South Jersey?
Yes. Call the Food Bank of South Jersey at 856.662.4884.
Can I buy hot food with SNAP?
No. SNAP can't be used for hot foods.
Sources: https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/njsnap/ and https://www.nj.gov/health/fhs/wic/ and https://fulfillnj.org/ and https://foodbanksj.org/
You're taking care of your family
Getting food help is a smart, strong thing to do. Make it a great day, friend!
Here is your County Social Services Agency, food banks and other local help, starting with the biggest counties. Call ahead for hours.
Federal help (works in every state)
Here are some places to start.
SNAP (federal food benefits)
What it offers SNAP helps people with low incomes buy groceries. The USDA page explains who may qualify. In New Jersey you apply through the state.
How to reach Learn more at https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/recipient/eligibility
Source https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/recipient/eligibility
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
New Jersey
Here are some places to start.
NJ SNAP
What it offers New Jersey's food assistance program for families with low incomes. Benefits come on an EBT card you can use at most grocery stores and some farmers markets.
How to reach Learn more and find your county agency at https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/dfd/programs/njsnap/
Source https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/dfd/programs/njsnap/
Last checked October 22, 2026
MyNJHelps
What it offers The state's online screener and application for help such as SNAP, cash assistance and NJ FamilyCare.
How to reach Apply at https://www.mynjhelps.gov/
Source https://www.mynjhelps.gov/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Community FoodBank of New Jersey
What it offers A large food bank that works with local pantries. Its online map shows food pantry locations near you.
How to reach Find food at https://cfbnj.org/find-foods-services/.
Source https://cfbnj.org/find-foods-services/
Last checked October 22, 2026
NJ 211
What it offers New Jersey's statewide information and referral line. Trained staff connect you to housing, food, health care and other help, 24/7.
How to reach Dial 211. Chat, text and search at https://nj211.org/
Source https://nj211.org/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Bergen County (Hackensack and nearby)
Here are some places to start.
Center for Food Action
What it offers Emergency food, homelessness prevention and utility help for Bergen and Passaic County residents, with six food pantries.
How to reach Call 201.569.1804. Make a food appointment at https://cfanj.org/
Source https://cfanj.org/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Bergen County Board of Social Services
What it offers Apply for SNAP, General Assistance, TANF and NJ FamilyCare, and ask about Emergency Assistance.
How to reach Call 201.368.4200. 218 Route 17 North, Rochelle Park. Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.
Source https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/dfd/counties/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Middlesex County (New Brunswick and nearby)
Here are some places to start.
Community FoodBank of New Jersey
What it offers A large food bank that works with local pantries. Its online map shows food pantry locations near you.
How to reach Find food at https://cfbnj.org/find-foods-services/.
Source https://cfbnj.org/find-foods-services/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Middlesex County Board of Social Services
What it offers Apply for SNAP, cash assistance and NJ FamilyCare, and ask about Emergency Assistance.
How to reach Call 732.745.3500. 181 How Lane, New Brunswick. Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:15 pm.
Source https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/dfd/counties/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Essex County (Newark)
Here are some places to start.
Essex County Division of Family Assistance and Benefits
What it offers Formerly called Welfare. Helps with SNAP, cash assistance and emergency help with shelter, food and medical needs.
How to reach Call Center 973.395.8000.
Source https://essexcountynj.org/welfare/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Hudson County (Jersey City and Hoboken)
Here are some places to start.
The Hoboken Shelter
What it offers Meals, emergency shelter, case management and permanent supportive housing. The entrance is on 3rd Street, down the wheelchair ramp.
How to reach Call 201.656.5069. 300 Bloomfield Street, Hoboken.
Source https://hobokenshelter.org/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Hudson County Welfare Agency
What it offers Apply for SNAP, cash assistance and other county help in Hudson County.
How to reach Call 201.420.3000.
Source https://www.hcnj.us/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Monmouth County (Freehold and nearby)
Here are some places to start.
Fulfill (FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties)
What it offers Food through more than 300 pantries and soup kitchens in Monmouth and Ocean counties, plus mobile pantries and a no cost culinary job training program.
How to reach Find a pantry or mobile pantry at https://fulfillnj.org/get-help/ or call 732.918.2600.
Source https://fulfillnj.org/get-help/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Monmouth County Division of Social Services
What it offers Apply for SNAP, cash assistance, NJ FamilyCare and Emergency Assistance. After hours, dial 211.
How to reach Call 732.431.6000. 3000 Kozloski Road, Freehold, and 2405 Route 66, Ocean. Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
Source https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/dfd/counties/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Ocean County (Toms River and Lakewood)
Here are some places to start.
Fulfill (FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties)
What it offers Food through more than 300 pantries and soup kitchens in Monmouth and Ocean counties, plus mobile pantries and a no cost culinary job training program.
How to reach Find a pantry or mobile pantry at https://fulfillnj.org/get-help/ or call 732.918.2600.
Source https://fulfillnj.org/get-help/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Ocean County Board of Social Services
What it offers Apply for SNAP, cash assistance, NJ FamilyCare and emergency housing help. Offices in Toms River, Lakewood and Manahawkin.
How to reach Call 732.349.1500. After hours, dial 211 or call 877.652.1148. 1005 Hooper Avenue, Toms River.
Source https://co.ocean.nj.us/oc/socialservices/frmContact.aspx
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Union County (Elizabeth and Plainfield)
Here are some places to start.
Union County Division of Social Services
What it offers Apply for SNAP, cash assistance, NJ FamilyCare and Emergency Assistance. Offices in Elizabeth and Plainfield.
How to reach Elizabeth: 342 Westminster Avenue, 908.965.2700. Plainfield: 200 West 2nd Street, 908.791.7000.
Source https://ucnj.org/dhs/social-services/ss-contact/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Camden County (Camden and Cherry Hill)
Here are some places to start.
Camden County Board of Social Services
What it offers Apply for SNAP, cash assistance and NJ FamilyCare. Emergency Assistance can help people on GA, TANF or SSI with temporary shelter, rent help and utility deposits.
How to reach Call 856.225.8800. 101 Woodcrest Road, Suite 161, Cherry Hill, near the PATCO Woodcrest Station. Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
Source https://www.camdencounty.com/service/social-services/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Passaic County (Paterson and Passaic)
Here are some places to start.
Center for Food Action
What it offers Emergency food, homelessness prevention and utility help for Bergen and Passaic County residents, with six food pantries.
How to reach Call 201.569.1804. Make a food appointment at https://cfanj.org/
Source https://cfanj.org/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Passaic County Board of Social Services
What it offers Apply for SNAP, cash assistance and NJ FamilyCare, and ask about Emergency Assistance. Offices in Paterson, Haskell and Passaic.
How to reach Call 973.881.0100. 80 Hamilton Street, Paterson. Monday to Friday, 7:30 am to 4:00 pm.
Source https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/dfd/counties/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Morris County (Morristown and Dover)
Here are some places to start.
Morris County Office of Temporary Assistance
What it offers Apply for SNAP, cash assistance and NJ FamilyCare, and ask about Emergency Assistance. Ask about mobile services if getting there is hard.
How to reach Call 973.326.7800. 340 West Hanover Avenue, Morristown. Dover office: 973.682.4990.
Source https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/dfd/counties/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Other counties (call your county agency)
Here are some places to start.
Atlantic County Department of Family and Community Development
What it offers The county agency for SNAP, Work First New Jersey cash help, Emergency Assistance and other benefits in Atlantic County. During business hours, it's also the first call if you're homeless or about to lose your home.
How to reach 1333 Atlantic Avenue, Atlantic City. Call 609.348.3001. Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
Source https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/dfd/counties/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Burlington County Board of Social Services
What it offers The county agency for SNAP, Work First New Jersey cash help, Emergency Assistance and other benefits in Burlington County. During business hours, it's also the first call if you're homeless or about to lose your home.
How to reach 795 Woodlane Road, Mount Holly. Call 609.261.1000. Monday to Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm.
Source https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/dfd/counties/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Cape May County Department of Social Services
What it offers The county agency for SNAP, Work First New Jersey cash help, Emergency Assistance and other benefits in Cape May County. During business hours, it's also the first call if you're homeless or about to lose your home.
How to reach 3801 Route 9 South Unit 4, Rio Grande. Call 609.886.6200. Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
Source https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/dfd/counties/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Cumberland County Board of Social Services
What it offers The county agency for SNAP, Work First New Jersey cash help, Emergency Assistance and other benefits in Cumberland County. During business hours, it's also the first call if you're homeless or about to lose your home.
How to reach 275 North Delsea Dr., Vineland. Call 856.691.4600. Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
Source https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/dfd/counties/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Gloucester County Division of Social Services
What it offers The county agency for SNAP, Work First New Jersey cash help, Emergency Assistance and other benefits in Gloucester County. During business hours, it's also the first call if you're homeless or about to lose your home.
How to reach 400 Hollydell, Drive Sewell. Call 856.582.9200. Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 3:30 pm.
Source https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/dfd/counties/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Hunterdon County Department of Human Services
What it offers The county agency for SNAP, Work First New Jersey cash help, Emergency Assistance and other benefits in Hunterdon County. During business hours, it's also the first call if you're homeless or about to lose your home.
How to reach 6 Gauntt, Place Flemington. Call 908.788.1300. Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
Source https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/dfd/counties/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Mercer County Board of Social Services
What it offers The county agency for SNAP, Work First New Jersey cash help, Emergency Assistance and other benefits in Mercer County. During business hours, it's also the first call if you're homeless or about to lose your home.
How to reach 200 Woolverton, Street Trenton. Call 609.989.4320. Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:15 pm.
Source https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/dfd/counties/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Salem County Department of Social Services
What it offers The county agency for SNAP, Work First New Jersey cash help, Emergency Assistance and other benefits in Salem County. During business hours, it's also the first call if you're homeless or about to lose your home.
How to reach 147 South Virginia Avenue, Penns Grove. Call 856.299.7200. Monday to Friday, 8 am to 4 pm.
Source https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/dfd/counties/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Somerset County Board of Social Services
What it offers The county agency for SNAP, Work First New Jersey cash help, Emergency Assistance and other benefits in Somerset County. During business hours, it's also the first call if you're homeless or about to lose your home.
How to reach 73 East High, Street Somerville. Call 908.526.8800. Monday to Friday, 8:15 am to 6 pm.
Source https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/dfd/counties/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Sussex County Division of Social Services
What it offers The county agency for SNAP, Work First New Jersey cash help, Emergency Assistance and other benefits in Sussex County. During business hours, it's also the first call if you're homeless or about to lose your home.
How to reach 83 Spring Street Suite 203, Newton. Call 973.383.3600. Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
Source https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/dfd/counties/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Warren County Division of Temporary Assistance and Social Services
What it offers The county agency for SNAP, Work First New Jersey cash help, Emergency Assistance and other benefits in Warren County. During business hours, it's also the first call if you're homeless or about to lose your home.
How to reach 3 Shotwell Dr., Belvidere. Call 908.475.6301. Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
Source https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/dfd/counties/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
What to bring to a food pantry, if you can
My food plan for this week
Fill this in with a pen, or snap a photo and keep it on your phone. You've got this!
Food today and this week
Calls I made
Key numbers to keep
Please let me know if you have any questions
If something in this guide is out of date, tell us and we'll fix it. Make it a great day, friend!
About this guide
Made by the Bunklow team. No sign up, no paywall, no cost. Please share it with anyone who could use it. Bunklow does not run these programs and cannot speak for them. We list what each place says it offers and how to reach it, and you decide what to use. This is not a full list of every place that can help. Every source was checked on October 22, 2026. If something has changed, please tell us so we can fix it. We are always happy to hear from you!
Please note. This guide shares general information only. It is not legal, financial, tax or professional advice. Laws vary by state and city. For advice about your situation, talk with a licensed professional.
Affordable living. Simplified
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