NJ WIC Program

Food Assistance · New Jersey · Free

NJ WIC provides nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and supplemental food benefits to pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and children under 5 who meet income guidelines. Call 1-866-446-5942 for your nearest clinic; WIC clinics in all 21 NJ counties require an appointment. Benefits are loaded onto an EBT card for eligible foods including fruits, vegetables, dairy, whole grains, and infant formula. Income eligibility at or below 185% of the federal poverty level. Both parents can participate in nutrition education.

Contact & Details

Address: WIC clinics throughout all 21 NJ counties

Phone: 1-866-446-5942

Hours: Varies by local WIC clinic; appointment required

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About Food Assistance for Fathers

Food assistance programs for US fathers and families include SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly food stamps), WIC (Women, Infants, and Children — which serves custodial fathers of children under 5), the National School Lunch Program, food banks through the Feeding America network, and Meals on Wheels. SNAP is administered state-by-state; eligibility is generally based on household income below 130% of the Federal Poverty Level. Food banks operate in every state and are the fastest way to access food without an application — most require no ID or income verification for initial visits. TEFAP (The Emergency Food Assistance Program) supplies food banks with USDA commodities. Summer Food Service Programs feed children during school breaks. This directory includes each state's SNAP office, regional food bank networks, and WIC clinics.

Food Assistance in New Jersey

New Jersey Superior Court Family Part handles family law in each of its 15 vicinages. The Office of Child Support Services operates under DHS. Newark, Jersey City, Paterson, Elizabeth, and Trenton are the largest cities. Legal Services of New Jersey coordinates six regional LSC-funded programs covering all 21 counties.

More Food Assistance in New Jersey

  • NJ SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance) — NJ SNAP provides monthly food assistance benefits to eligible low-income NJ residents for purchasing healthy food at authorized grocery stor
  • Community FoodBank of New Jersey — New Jersey's largest anti-hunger organization distributing over 90 million pounds of food annually through 800 or more community partners ac
  • Food Bank of South Jersey — Food Bank of South Jersey serves Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, and Salem counties through 200 or more partner agencies distributing food a
  • Fulfill (formerly FoodBank of Monmouth & Ocean Counties) — Fulfill food bank serves Monmouth and Ocean counties through 300 or more partner programs providing food distribution, SNAP outreach, and be
  • Table of Hope (Newark) — Table of Hope is Newark's largest emergency food provider serving over 5,000 meals per week through hot meal distribution, a food pantry, an
  • Feeding America - NJ Food Banks — Feeding America is the national hunger relief network with multiple NJ member food banks. Find your nearest NJ food bank and local food pant

Food Assistance — Common Questions

How do I apply for SNAP?
Apply through your state's Department of Human Services — online, in person, or by phone. Approval for basic cases can happen in 30 days; expedited SNAP is available within 7 days for households in severe need. Bring ID, proof of income, rent/mortgage, and utilities.
Can I use a food bank without applying?
Yes. Most food banks and pantries don't require income verification, ID, or applications for initial visits. Feeding America's online locator (feedingamerica.org) finds nearby pantries by ZIP code. Most pantries let you visit once or twice a month.
Are custodial fathers eligible for WIC?
Yes. WIC covers custodial parents (including fathers and grandparents) of children under 5, and breastfeeding or postpartum mothers. It's commonly assumed to be mother-only — it isn't. Apply at your local WIC clinic. Income limit is 185% of the Federal Poverty Level.
What is summer food service?
USDA's Summer Food Service Program feeds children 18 and under during school breaks. No application required — kids just show up at a participating site (schools, parks, libraries). Text FOOD to 304-304 to find a nearby site, or call 211.