The state announced Nov. 14 a commitment of more than $5.5 million in funding to support a multi-pronged effort to combat food insecurity and increase access to fresh, healthy grocery shopping in Atlantic City.

Gov. Phil Murphy said the funding will be distributed through the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, which will launch a suite of programs – in addition to ones it already offers – to ensure more residents of Atlantic City can purchase groceries in their community.

Just last year, when the NJEDA designated 50 Food Desert Communities in the Garden State, the Atlantic City/Ventnor FDC – comprising 41,000 residents – was ranked as the second-highest based on its food desert score, which is a measure of need.

For nearly two decades, Atlantic City has been without a full-service supermarket.

“Every New Jerseyan deserves equitable access to affordable groceries regardless of their zip code,” Murphy said. “The funding announced today will support several innovative programs that will alleviate the pressure on countless Atlantic City residents who travel miles out of their community to buy the groceries they need for their families.”

The NJEDA will address the issue in a number of ways, including by sponsoring initiatives led by two major South Jersey health care systems – AtlantiCare and Virtua Health – to expand mobile and community-based food retail options to bring fresh and affordable foods directly into the city.

AtlantiCare already operates the Pantry in the Plex in Midtown – serving hundreds of local families every week. Through the sponsorship, AtlantiCare will be able to expand its food programming to include a retail mobile grocery as well as implement a multi-pronged approach that will include a weekly market and educational event.

“The social determinants of health care barriers to the well-being of our entire community and AtlantiCare is excited to partner with Governor Murphy and the New Jersey Economic Development Authority to address these underlying factors. Together, we can make a significant difference to those that need it most,” said Michael Charlton, president and CEO of AtlantiCare. “This funding will not only enable us to expand our food security initiatives and education programs, but more importantly, it will help us to address the root causes of health disparities that are so prevalent in Atlantic City.”

The arrangement with Virtua Health will allow the health care system to bring its “Eat Well” mobile grocery store to Atlantic City. The 40-foot refurbished New Jersey Transit bus will offer residents the opportunity to shop twice a week for fresh groceries and staple items at below-market prices.

“Our Eat Well programs help ensure that South Jersey residents not only have access to fresh, affordable foods, but that they also receive guidance and support for embracing good nutrition as a lifestyle,” said Dennis Pullin, president and CEO of Virtua Health. “We are honored to collaborate with Governor Murphy and the New Jersey Economic Development Authority to bring Virtua’s Eat Well Mobile Grocery Store to Atlantic City and explore new opportunities for food access.”

Some other aspects of the NJEDA’s food efforts in Atlantic City will include:

• The launch of a new $5.25 million Atlantic City Food Security Grants Pilot Program, which will provide grants ranging from $50,000 to $500,000 to fund projects to strengthen food security and food access in Atlantic City;
• Providing the New Jersey Department of Health up to $250,000 to expand their Healthy Corner Store Initiative, a part of First Lady Tammy Murphy’s Nurture NJ food security initiative, for stores in Atlantic City;
• In the coming months, the agency will begin accepting applications for its Food Desert Supermarket Tax Credit program, which officials say will create a feasible, sustainable path forward for a long-awaited supermarket in Atlantic City;
• Earlier this year, the NJEDA launched the Food Retail Innovation in Delivery Grant program, which helps food retailers to purchase and install temperature-controlled lockers to expand food delivery options for people living in FDCs.

The NJEDA notes that the programs will serve as pilots, which could be expanded to other FDCs throughout the Garden State.

“For far too long, Atlantic City families have had limited options to buy fresh groceries. Under Governor Murphy and First Lady Murphy’s leadership, New Jersey is taking concrete steps to ensure every resident has access to convenient, affordable, and healthy grocery options,” said NJEDA chief executive officer Tim Sullivan. “The innovative programs the NJEDA is supporting will strengthen food security in Atlantic City, creating stronger, healthier families, and a more prosperous community. I appreciate the commitment of our state and local partners and look forward to working with them as we bring these new, creative ideas to Atlantic City.”

First Lady Murphy said that the through her Nurture NJ initiative, the state is working hard to strengthen underserved communities and was excited that a portion of the funding went towards the expansion of the Healthy Corner Store Initiative in AC.

“The initiative has already brought healthy food and beverage choices to communities across the state and this additional funding will allow hardworking families struggling to make ends meet access the groceries they need to feed their households,” Murphy said.

“The residents of the Great City of Atlantic City deserve easy access to quality and nutritious foods right here in their hometown,” said Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small Sr. “As my administration continues our quest to combat food insecurity issues, we are extremely grateful Governor Murphy, the First Lady, and the NJEDA recognize this glaring need exists in our city and are committed to ensuring our families do not struggle to put fresh food on the table.”