These 'Food Deserts' In Newark May Get State Funding: Map

Newark NJ

07 January, 2022

10:48 AM

Description

NEWARK, NJ — New Jersey has $240 million to spend on eradicating "food deserts." And several areas in Newark are on a proposed list that may get state funding. Earlier this week, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) released a ranked list of 50 proposed food deserts across the state, where residents have been struggling to find healthy eating options. Hopefully, a massive wave of state funding will help to turn things around, NJEDA officials said. Over the next several years, an estimated $240 million in funds will be made available to communities on the list through the Food Desert Relief Act. Read More: List Of 50 'Food Deserts' Proposed In New Jersey (Here's Where) The list includes several areas in Newark: Newark South – population 42,713Newark West – population 49,065Newark East – population 40,427Newark North and Central – population 49,741 What makes up a "food desert," anyway? See the NJEDA's full methodology here. According to the agency, here are some of the factors that went into making their list: poverty, CDC Modified Retail Food Environment Index, USDA Low Access Score, supermarket access, SNAP enrollment, vehicle access, 2020 Municipal Revitalization Index Score, unemployment rate, obesity rate, density (population). The NJEDA also took other factors into consideration, including: Access to unhealthy food retailers Income relative to cost of living 2016-18 Municipal Violent Crime Rate Percentage of households with internet access Access to transportation Education levels Health indicators Housing quality Race and ethnicity Single mother percentages of households Percent of students with free or reduced-price lunch NJEDA officials said anyone who wants to provide feedback on the proposed list can visit https://www.njeda.com/program-specific-feedback to offer input before Feb. 4. The NJEDA will also host listening sessions on Jan. 12 (register here) and Jan. 13 (register here) to solicit stakeholder input. BREAKING: We've released a draft list of NJ Food Desert Communities. The Food Desert Relief Act allocates up to $240M for designated communities & we're seeking input on the proposed list. Provide written feedback or attend an upcoming listening session. https://t.co/22Ac1FYNsC pic.twitter.com/FuamsoN79h— New Jersey EDA (@NewJerseyEDA) January 4, 2022 Send local news tips and correction requests to [email protected] Sign up for Patch email newsletters. Learn more about posting announcements or events to your local Patch site. Don't forget to visit the Patch Newark Facebook page.