Trenton Public Schools announces partnerships to expand food access as 'nearly 1 in 3' households face food insecurity

Trenton Public Schools announced a partnership with community organizations, including Mercer Street Friends, to expand food access after saying "nearly 1 in 3 Trenton households experience food insecurity." A presenter for Trenton Public Schools framed the effort as aimed at ensuring that "no child should have to worry about where their next meal is coming from."

The district emphasized the link between food and learning. "Meals make a difference in whether a student attends school," a Trenton Public Schools staff member said, adding that "a child who's not hungry learns better." The staff member said the district is a "free and reduced district," and that every student has access to breakfast and lunch; after-school programs sometimes provide snacks.

Officials described how the district and partners will reach families. The staff member said the district currently offers food at "four or five locations plus central office" and works with food banks, explaining that partnerships involve "sharing space" and "sharing information" so families can access food and other supports. The district also said it will offer clothing and other supports that families may need.

The presenter encouraged eligible families to apply for New Jersey SNAP, enroll in the school meals program, and use local community and school food pantries. For more information, the presenter said, families should contact Trenton Public Schools' family and community engagement department or speak with their school's parent-school liaison.

The district did not announce a new funding amount or a formal vote; officials presented the partnerships and resource connections as programmatic steps to increase access.