Our thanks to Rick Hager, LSW, Community Outreach Coordinator Office of Communications, Legislative and Public Affairs, New Jersey Department of Children and Families (DCF) for sharing the following important announcement: 

"The NJ Office of the Food Security Advocate is asking for assistance with spreading the word about the new law signed by the governor which expands the income eligibility for the free and reduced-price school meals.  This is expected to make an additional 60,000 children eligible for the program in New Jersey!  In addition, this year’s application rate will also determine eligibility for the 2025 Summer EBT program.  Since COVID, application rates have plummeted across the state which correlates to an increase in school meal debt held by families.  In an effort to reduce this trend (and hopefully reverse it) they have created a handy tool kit that organizations, community members, and advocates can use to help spread the word about the change in income eligibility requirements for the program.  That tool kit can be found here: https://hungerfreenj.org/schoolmealstoolkit/.  Also, there will be virtual trainings available for organizations to learn to assist families in completing school meal applications.

Thank you for helping to distribute this important information.

Rick

Rick Hager, LSW

Community Outreach Coordinator

Office of Communications, Legislative and Public Affairs

New Jersey Department of Children and Families (DCF)

PO Box 729

Trenton, NJ 08625     

C:  (609) 947-7505

Richard.hager@dcf.nj.gov "