The New Jersey Economic Development Authority announced $17.5 million in grants to 30 nonprofit organizations July 8 through Phase 3 of the Sustain & Serve NJ program.

The initiative provides eligible organizations with grants supporting the purchase of meals from Garden State restaurants that have been adversely affected by COVID-19, and the distribution of those meals at no cost to recipients.

With the new round of grants funding announced, the total program funding is now $52.5 million.

Sustain & Serve NJ was launched as a pilot program to help the state’s restaurant industry during the pandemic. This most-recent expansion is being funded by a combination of $10 million in American Rescue Plan money and $7.5 million in state funding.

Since February 2021, the program has supported the purchase of more than 3.5 million meals from over 400 restaurants in the state’s 21 counties. The third phase is expected to support the purchase of an additional 1.5 million meals.

“Sustain & Serve NJ has become a national model for addressing food insecurity, supporting small businesses that are in the heartbeat of our downtowns, and providing funding to the nonprofit entities that deliver vital services,” said acting Gov. Sheila Oliver. “Combatting hunger remains a top priority and it is more critical than ever that nonprofits have the resources they need to feed the people within their communities.”

“Throughout the pandemic, Gov. Murphy has challenged us to employ innovative methods for supporting businesses, nonprofits, and New Jerseyans in need and Sustain & Serve NJ has been a tremendous asset in helping us meeting that goal,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “We have an obligation to aid our fellow New Jerseyans who face food security every single day. Nonprofit organizations and restaurants are critical allies in that mission and supporting them is an important part of our commitment to eradicating hunger, creating jobs, and fueling the economic growth and security of our state.”

“Real economic prosperity can only be achieved when everyone’s needs are being addressed, including the most basic need for food security,” said NJEDA’s Executive Vice President of Economic Security Tara Colton. “Sustain & Serve NJ grantees are extraordinary nonprofit organizations who are committed to feeding their neighbors and supporting their communities with respect and dignity.”

A full list of organizations receiving Phase 3 grants is available here.