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June 9, 2026

(TRENTON) – New Jersey Human Services today released a it commissioned from the Center for Research and Evaluation on Education and Human Services (CREEHS) evaluating the impact of New Jersey’s $95 Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) minimum benefit on beneficiaries. The report found that the benefit is vital in supporting SNAP households, particularly in more rural regions of the state, and has generated an estimated $93 million in economic activity from March 2023 through May 2025.

In 2023, New Jersey established a minimum monthly SNAP benefit of $95. For households approved for a federal benefit of less than $95, the State supplements that payment so the total benefit equals $95. New Jersey remains the only state to provide a minimum benefit at this level.

“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. SNAP remains a critical lifeline that helps ensure families can meet their basic needs and maintain food security. I encourage people in need of assistance to visit njsnap.gov to learn more about SNAP eligibility,” said Commissioner Stephen Cha.

The Center for Research and Evaluation on Education and Human Services (CREEHS) at Montclair State University was commissioned by the New Jersey Department of Human Services (NJDHS), Division of Family Development (DFD) to conduct a study to better understand who receives the SNAP minimum benefit and its value for New Jersey recipients and the state’s economy. Funding for this study was provided by the New Jersey Food Security Initiative with support from the Food Research and Action Center and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The study was conducted between July 2025 and March 2026 on administrative data dating from March 2023 through May 2025.

Below are the key takeaways from the report:

• NJ SNAP recipients receiving the State-supplemented $95 minimum benefit most frequently reside in less densely populated regions of New Jersey. The counties with the highest proportions of SNAP participants receiving the minimum benefit are Sussex (14.2%), Warren (13.3%), Gloucester (12.6%), Cape May (12.5%), and Monmouth (12.1%).
• SNAP minimum benefit recipients are more likely to be seniors, single-person households, English-speaking, and working as compared to NJ SNAP households overall.
• Between March 2023 and May 2025, New Jersey invested more than $60 million to fill the gap between the federal SNAP benefit and the NJ State minimum benefit of $95, supporting more than 125,700 households.
• An estimated $93 million in economic activity was generated from NJ’s investment during this time (an average of $3.4 million per month), with a $33 million overall return on investment.

“These findings show that the $95 minimum benefit helps people afford food and increases willingness to apply for and recertify SNAP benefits, especially among older adults and families with young children. Expanding access to families who need this assistance helps put food on the table while also delivering broader benefits beyond food access,” said Deputy Commissioner for Social Services Michael J. Wilson.

“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. We encourage families to use the tools available to keep their benefits safe, including locking their card when not in use,” said Division of Family Development Assistant Commissioner Natasha Johnson. 

“We are grateful to NJ SNAP recipients and staff who shared their experiences and expertise with us. These findings reflect the role the $95 minimum benefit plays in the daily lives of the people who receive it and the communities in which they live,” said CREEHS Director Eden N. Kyse, PhD.

Individuals and families can apply for SNAP , in-person or by calling their County Social Service Agency, or through a SNAP Navigator. For more information, visit njsnap.gov.

New Jersey has made fighting hunger and strengthening food security a top priority. In State Fiscal Year 2025, Human Services distributed more than $27 million in additional monthly SNAP payments to help low-income families afford food and other essentials. Governor Sherrill’s proposed Fiscal Year 2027 budget includes $30.2 million to maintain a minimum monthly $95 SNAP benefit for 40,000 households. The Department has also modernized the SNAP application and expanded SNAP Navigators in every county as part of a broader effort to make SNAP more accessible to all New Jerseyans facing hunger.