Gov. Phil Murphy says he is directing $20 million in federal coronavirus relief funds to food banks across the state.

Murphy announced the plan Thursday alongside fellow Democrats Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin and Senate President Steve Sweeney at the Community Food Bank of New Jersey in Hillside. Murphy said the money would be paid out to six food banks across New Jersey, with half coming by August and the second half arriving by December.

"Ever since COVID-19 began its rampage through our state, we have been steadfast in one belief: That we will not only get through this, we will get through this as one New Jersey family,” Murphy said. “And now more than ever we need to make sure families are not alone and have access to the food we need."

The Community Food Bank says that in April and May of this year along, it distributed 7 million meals to needy families.