This article first appeared in New Jersey Monitor, a nonprofit content-sharing partner of NJ Spotlight News.
New Jersey’s investment in nutrition benefits has paid off in multiple ways, reducing families’ stress, boosting revenue at grocery stores and generating economic activity that surpasses taxpayer investment, according to a university report.
Researchers at Montclair State University measured the impact of the state’s commitment of nearly $60 million from March 2023 through May 2025 for a minimum benefit of $95 a week after the federal government reduced its contribution to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP.
Almost 40,000 households, many located in more rural counties, benefited each month from the extra state spending. Many recipients were single, female, spoke English and worked outside the home, according to the report. The study was commissioned by the state Department of Human Services, which oversees SNAP.
Overall, this investment prompted some $33 million in direct spending and generated an estimated $93 million in economic activity over the two-year period, the university’s Center for Research and Evaluation on Education and Human Services found. Of those receiving the $95 monthly minimum food benefit, 8 in 10 said it was “very” or “extremely” important to their survival.
Lifeline for families
Human Services Commissioner Stephen Cha, who has warned of the impact that other planned federal funding cuts could have on New Jersey’s nutrition system, called it a lifeline for families. In all, nearly 400,000 households receive food stamps here, with the average monthly benefit of $194.
“This report reinforces what we already know: SNAP helps people in need by improving access to nutritious food and easing financial strain. It also supports local economies by driving broader economic activity in communities,” Cha said in a statement.
Gov. Mikie Sherrill has called for the state to commit an extra $71 million in the coming fiscal year to cover the loss of federal support for administering the program, money that pays for county social service offices to enroll participants. Her budget proposal, which lawmakers must finalize by July 1, includes $30.2 million to sustain the $95 minimum benefit.
“As food prices continue to rise, we’re glad to provide individuals and families with a monthly benefit that helps them stretch their dollars and meet their food needs throughout the month,” said Natasha Johnson, an assistant Human Services commissioner.
The Biden administration reduced federal food stamp support in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, prompting officials in New Jersey and some other states to cover the gap starting in 2023.
Under President Donald Trump, food stamp benefits were held up in the fall during a lengthy government shutdown. While the program has since restarted, about 47,000 New Jersey enrollees are expected to be forced out of the program due to funding cuts and new rules requiring many beneficiaries to document that they are working, volunteering or attending school, Cha has warned.
