New Jersey Publishes 3-Year Food Security Strategic Plan

The New Jersey Office of the Food Security Advocate (OFSA) has published the New Jersey Food Security Strategic Plan.

The three-year plan outlines how the OFSA plans to coordinate statewide efforts to address the growing problem of food insecurity in New Jersey through a coordinated, cross-sector approach.

“This is not a plan that tells New Jersey what to do. Rather, this is a plan that invites all New Jerseyans to see their food security work and everyday connection to the food system through a more holistic lens that acknowledges food insecurity as a highly complex, socio-economic issue,” said Mark Dinglasan, Executive Director of the OFSA. “This is the beginning of a journey to build a better tomorrow for New Jersey families.”

The plan has several focus areas:

Focus Areas

• The Context of Food Security in New Jersey: This focus enhances and improves the exchange of information and access to improve the public’s awareness of food insecurity, optimize relief programs, and support data-driven decision-making.
• Planning and Evidence: This describes the guiding principles, data, and evidence that informed the plan and explores the Six Dimensions of Food Security in New Jersey.
• Strategic Direction: Outlines the plans focus areas and strategies, which help form a roadmap for advancing food security throughout New Jersey.
• Accountability and Action: Defines what success looks like for the strategic plan and invites partners to use the plan as a call to action to help coordinate efforts statewide.
• Strengthening Food Systems to Enhance Long-Term Stability: Includes improving the food supply chain to reduce food waste and enhance food security stability and sustainability, including sustainable farming practices and positioning food security efforts in climate action work.

The OFSA will be releasing a Implementation Tactics and Action Planning Toolkit in early 2026. This will provide guidance and practical tools for organizations to implement relevant strategies in their communities.

As New Jersey’s first and largest food rescue, our mission is to reduce food waste and provide nourishment to our food-insecure neighbors throughout North Jersey. We rescue millions of pounds of fresh, surplus food annually that would otherwise be wasted and end up in landfills. This rotting food emits methane gas, which contributes to climate change. We deliver this food to partner organizations who support the nearly 1.1 million people struggling with food insecurity in New Jersey.

Together, we can reduce food waste in our home and make a positive impact on the planet. Every little bit of effort — no matter how small — leads to change.

Related:

• 1 In 10 NJ Households Experienced Food Insecurity, New Report Shows
• Exploring the Six Dimensions of Food Security in New Jersey
• What Fruits and Vegetables Are Grown in NJ?