Trenton Health Team (THT) has launched the New Jersey Statewide Food Insecurity Index. This follows the successful debut of the Mercer County Insecurity Food Index in November 2022 before releasing the Tri-County version with datafrom Middlesex and Somerset counties in October 2024.

THT’s goal in expanding the Index statewide is to help organizations and leaders all across the state make data-driven decisions and craft effective strategies in addressing food insecurity in their communities. This online tool can be used when deciding where to target outreach and programs by highlighting the areas most in need.

The NJ Statewide Food Insecurity Index incorporates feedback and input from over 75 organizations in New Jersey. Byengaging with diverse community partners and leveraging comprehensive data, the Index provides a mapping of food insecurity and its intensity.

Kathleen Hopkins, Senior Data Analyst at THT, says “Data is only meaningful when it drives impact. The NJ StatewideFood Insecurity Index pinpoints where people are really struggling to access food and identifies potential challenges, so decision-makers can take action with precision and purpose.”

Trenton Health Team, a non-profit dedicated to addressing social determinants of health and well-being in the greater Trenton area, is committed to ensuring people have access to nutritious, affordable food.

The NJ Statewide Food Insecurity Index would not be possible without funding and support from the New Jersey Office of the Food Security Advocate. To learn more about the work Trenton Health Team does in food access, please contact Matthew Broad at mbroad@trentonhealthteam.org or visit trentonhealthteam.org/food.

The post Trenton Health Team Launches NJ Statewide Food Security Index first appeared on TrentonDaily.