Best Grants for Food Pantries in New Jersey

Grants from Womens Foundation of New Jersey help New Jersey food access and hunger programs support women, children, and families with food distribution and related services. Small, independent programs, including food pantries and delivery services, can request US $2,000 - US $5,000 through the Action Against Hunger fund’s annual fall grant cycle.

Focused on food access and shelter, UNICO Foundation invites New Jersey food pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters that are registered nonprofits to apply for funding. Eligible programs must be community-based, meet health regulations, operate in approved UNICO states, and use 100% of funds to provide food or shelter to low-income or otherwise vulnerable people.

Nonprofit organizations advancing equitable, sustainable food systems in New Jersey, New York, or Connecticut can receive the Community Food Funders Champions Award to support their work. With a mission to strengthen regional food systems, North Star Fund provides a US $10,000 grant plus visibility and networking opportunities, which may benefit New Jersey food pantries engaged in systemic food justice efforts.

The New Jersey Department of Agriculture provides New Jersey nonprofit organizations with funding to support gleaning activities that recover crops from local farms and distribute them to organizations feeding hungry residents. Eligible nonprofits gleaning from New Jersey farms and delivering that food within the state may benefit from this State Food Purchase Program opportunity.

Charitable organizations in New Jersey working on humanitarian, social, educational, environmental, or cultural projects may be eligible for philanthropic support that can strengthen community services and development. La Roche supports accredited charities through its Corporate Donations and Philanthropy program, prioritizing innovative, sustainable initiatives where local Roche affiliates can be actively involved alongside community partners.

The Cold Chain Grants for Emergency Food Assistance, funded by the Agricultural Marketing Service, aim to support eligible organizations in enhancing cold storage capabilities within the food supply chain. This initiative focuses on providing essential nutrition assistance to low-income individuals through subawards to food banks and nonprofit organizations. By investing in cold storage equipment, the program seeks to improve the management and distribution of food resources, ensuring that vulnerable populations receive adequate support.

Joseph G Markoly Foundation Inc

When Joseph Markoly originally established the foundation more than thirty years ago, its focus was on Alzheimer’s and heart disease support, funded through a number of the larger national disease-related organizations. Over time the focus has shifted to helping small to mid-size organizations in our local communities which support children and seniors in a variety of effective ways. 

Markoly Foundation was established in honor of Joseph G. Markoly, an entrepreneur and philanthropist who wanted to make a positive impact in people’s lives. Joseph’s family was affected directly by both Alzheimer’s and heart disease having lost a family member to each condition. For that reason, the foundation dedicates a majority of their resources to providing grants to organizations that focus on the treatment of each of these diseases. In addition, Markoly Foundation supports a variety of programs dedicated to helping children and seniors by providing services, supplies, programs and research in areas impacting these demographics.

Joseph G. Markoly Foundation Grant Support for Elder Organizations

The Markoly Foundation takes pride in supporting local organizations that provide services for elders in our community. Seniors face a number of challenges that come with aging, especially when they don’t have loved ones who are able to assist them with their needs. We provide grants for a variety of senior-related programs from Caregiver Education and Support to Emergency Meal Delivery and Transportation Services.

We are dedicated to providing funding for local nonprofit programs that improve the quality of life for all, but particularly for the children and elders in our community.

New Jersey community-based nonprofit food pantries and food access programs can access funding through Save Mart Cares to support fresh food, food access, and food distribution services. Grants of US $500 - US $10,000 are available, and organizations engaged in food delivery or distribution efforts may be especially well-suited to apply.

BIPOC-led and BIPOC-allied community-based organizations and Tribal nations in New Jersey working on food delivery, distribution, and food security can seek support for planning or implementing equitable good food procurement projects. Grants from Growing Justice Fund back infrastructure, policy and organizing, and traditional food pathways initiatives that connect community-serving institutions with historically marginalized producers, awarding US $10,000 - US $25,000.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations operating food security, refugee services, free health clinics, or community development programs in the U.S., including New Jersey food pantries, can seek funding to expand summer meal access for children. Islamic Relief Usa’s support supplements USDA’s Summer Food Service Program (SUN), helping start or grow USDA-approved summer meal sites and sponsorships.

New Jersey 501(c)(3) food pantries and community organizations providing food delivery and distribution services can access funding through Islamic Relief Usa to support Thanksgiving turkey distributions and related food security efforts. Eligible U.S.-based nonprofits must have three years of activity, serve people in need within the U.S., and avoid direct religious activities.

New Jersey 501(c)(3) nonprofits, religious organizations, and public schools that distribute food to people in need can receive ongoing donations of unsold bread and baked goods through the Day-End Dough-Nation program. Panera Bread Foundation partners with organizations like food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, and meal programs that can commit to weekly pick-ups.

Food retailers and food enterprises planning or expanding healthy food access projects in underserved New Jersey communities can apply for grants of US $20,000 - US $250,000. Grants from Reinvestment Fund help U.S. organizations improve food delivery and distribution, strengthen food supply chain resiliency, and access technical assistance for planning, predevelopment, and business support costs.

Nonprofit organizations in New Jersey providing food pantries, food distribution, or nutrition education can apply for Alpha Gamma Delta Foundation’s Fighting Hunger Grants, with awards up to US $10,000 per program. U.S. and Canadian groups focused on direct food assistance, food rescue, or related nutrition education may be eligible.

Whole Kids Foundation provides New Jersey school districts in the National School Lunch Program with support to shift from processed meals to scratch-cooked, fresh whole foods, including technical and equipment assistance up to US $250,000. Districts must run self-operated food service programs and show strong leadership commitment to improving student nutrition, which may benefit pantry-connected school efforts.

New Jersey 501(c)(3) food pantries and other nonprofits working in food delivery and distribution can access funding through Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation’s Storytelling Grant; awards are more than US $50,000 to showcase their community impact through storytelling. Eligible U.S. organizations must align with the foundation’s preservation, education, or wellness program areas.

Focused on food delivery and distribution, New Jersey 501(c)(3) nonprofits operating food pantries or hunger-relief programs can access funding via Ameriprise Financial to support basic needs like meals and related services. Organizations must serve U.S. clients, align with Ameriprise’s Meeting Basic Needs focus, demonstrate measurable outcomes, and may receive priority if they engage Ameriprise volunteers or are near key employee centers.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations running food distribution, nutrition, diabetes, housing, or education programs in New Jersey may be eligible for this national grant opportunity. FDC Foundation supports U.S. charities focused on improved nutrition, diabetes treatment, alternative medicine, early childhood development, returning scholars, literary achievement, and housing access, which can include food pantry and hunger-relief services.

New Jersey 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on food access, sustainable agriculture, or related environmental health can seek general operating support through the Clif Family Foundation Open Call, with awards of US $5,000 - US $50,000. Focused on grassroots, community-based change, this funding may benefit food pantries engaged in broader food systems and healthy food access work.

Nonprofit 501(c) organizations in New Jersey operating established therapeutic garden programs can access funding through National Garden Bureau, with awards of US $1,000 - US $3,000. Eligible applicants include schools, hospitals, community centers, food pantries, and similar groups in the U.S. and Canada that use gardening for therapy, education, job training, or socialization.

The Hearst Foundation: Culture Grant aims to support outstanding nonprofits that enhance cultural engagement and artistic talent in the U.S. With a focus on programs that reach young people, the grant prioritizes organizations that create lasting impacts in the arts and sciences. The Foundation allocates 25% of its funding to cultural initiatives, favoring established organizations with a history of significant results. Eligible nonprofits must encourage inclusivity and sustainability in their programs.

The John Ben Snow Memorial Trust Grant supports educational programs and initiatives that assist individuals demonstrating financial need. Founded in 1975, it prioritizes funding for organizations that enhance educational opportunities, arts, culture, and community initiatives, particularly for youth and disadvantaged populations. The Trust encourages proposals from 501(c)(3) organizations, with grants typically ranging from $10,000 to $20,000. It also considers limited proposals in disabilities, environmental protection, and historic preservation, focusing on educational impact.

The Kroger Foundation is dedicated to uplifting communities through significant charitable contributions, having donated over $1.9 billion in the past six years. Their focus on combating hunger through the Zero Hunger | Zero Waste initiative exemplifies their commitment to social impact. Annually, they provide over $300 million to nonprofit organizations aligned with their mission, promoting health, education, and disaster relief while fostering diversity and inclusion. This initiative reflects Kroger's belief that strong communities are a shared responsibility.

The Costco Wholesale Charitable Contributions program prioritizes support for children, education, and health services within local communities. Nonprofit organizations seeking assistance must be 501(c)(3) certified and focus on monetary requests. Applications are reviewed within 4-6 weeks, factoring in community needs and collaboration. However, Costco limits grants to 10% of the program budget and typically restricts organizations to one request per fiscal year. They do not fund individuals or direct aid for various specific purposes.

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation provides grants to organizations focused on improving the lives of children in urban poverty in the U.S., India, and South Africa. They prioritize projects in education, health, and family economic stability. Grants typically do not exceed 25% of a project's budget or 10% of an organization's annual expenses. The foundation seeks to partner with organizations already making an impact, ensuring funding supports impactful social enterprises.

The Sidney Stern Memorial Trust Grant supports charitable, scientific, medical, and educational organizations that are 501(c)(3) certified. This private funder emphasizes impactful service to diverse populations without discrimination. Grants must be utilized within the United States and cannot be awarded to individuals, political candidates, or lobbying efforts. The Trust is dedicated to enhancing the general welfare through soundly-managed initiatives that contribute significantly to community needs.

The Nordstrom Community Grant focuses on supporting youth and families by providing over $1 million in grants annually. It aims to assist grassroots organizations that address essential community needs such as food, shelter, and clothing, as well as creating opportunities for economic mobility through mentorship and workforce development. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in areas where Nordstrom operates. Applications are encouraged for those meeting these criteria.