Frelinghuysen, NJ – When most people hear the term “food processor,” they picture a small kitchen appliance, but within the food system, a processor is a critical and often unseen link between the producer and the consumer. In the United States, 83 percent of agricultural production lies in the hardworking hands of family farmers and ranchers, but corporate control of the production chain results in those farmers receiving an average of only 15 cents on the retail dollar for their products. Off-farm expenses, i.e., processing, manufacturing, distribution, and wholesale and retail marketing, mean that back on the farm, producers are left without much to put in the coffers or reinvest in their next season’s work. 

Newark, NJ – The Trump administration’s recent executive order proposing the termination of the U.S. Department of Education (DoEd) has reignited debates on the role of federal oversight in education. While proponents argue that eliminating the DoEd would return power to states, critics warn of severe disruptions to funding, policy implementation, and equity in education. In New Jersey, where federal funding supplements state aid, the effects of Trump’s action could be profound.

New York, NY - If you’re of a certain age and grew up around here, you probably remember a time when you could look back at people in Germany during World War II and innocently wonder how the heck they could have allowed fascism to overtake their country. Sadly, those naive days are long gone for all of us—because everyone in America now knows exactly how it happens. 

In Part 1 of this series examining local food systems, we explored the impact of federal funding stoppages on institutional purchasing power to the detriment of New Jersey’s farmers and consumers. This week, we pivot to another segment of the food system, with a focus on independent producers and community-building through local markets and the CSA (community-supported agriculture) model.

Newark, NJ – Established by the Smithsonian Institution in 2001 to highlight and celebrate the rich history of jazz music and its cultural significance, Jazz Appreciation Month was chosen to coincide with the birth month of one of jazz's most iconic figures, Duke Ellington. The purpose of Jazz Appreciation Month is to honor jazz as a uniquely American art form and to acknowledge its global influence.

West Orange, NJ - New Jerseyans are frightened and furious by the Trump Administration's attempt to cut funding to the United States’ Medicaid program. This backlash reached an apex on February 25th, when the House Republicans' voted to enforce these cuts.

Trenton, NJ – The Trump administration and its Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) dealt New Jersey’s food system a devastating and disappointing blow in March with the cancellation of more than $26 million in funds slated for the Local Food Purchase Assistance (LFPA) and Local Food for Schools (LFS) cooperative agreement programs. These programs, administered by the United States Department of Agriculture Agricultural Marketing Service (USDA AMS), allow organizations like food banks and schools to purchase food directly from local producers.

EDISON, NJ – On April 5th, citizens across the US will participate in rallies and protests as part of the National Hands Off campaign, led by close to 1,000 grassroots and civic organizations. The campaign aims to call attention to what organizers term an“unprecedented government takeover.”

Newark, NJ - Candidates in the 2025 Newark School Board Election declared their campaign positions at a public forum sponsored by the NAACP-Newark on Thursday, March 13. 

Every April, the Newark Board of Education holds an election to select candidates to serve a three-year term with oversight responsibility for the development and approval of regulations for the operations of the overall public school system.