A lawsuit recently filed by the state of New Jersey emphasized the threat posed by families losing access to federal food benefits. The program, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), is funded by the US Department of Agriculture and has been a casualty of the federal government shutdown. Many local Hudson County organizations help neighbors in need, so The Hoboken Girl compiled a list for neighbors in need of support and for neighbors who want to lend a hand. Read on for more about how to help in Hudson County.
Background
New Jersey is one of several states suing the Trump Administration over the lapse in benefits, joining a coalition of 22 other attorneys general, three governors, and the District of Columbia. “New Jersey families are being used as political pawns by the Trump Administration, which is illegally suspending SNAP and the critical assistance it provides to residents who are struggling with food insecurity,” said Attorney General Platkin. “This is especially devastating in November, when families are gathering and demands on food banks and pantries are heaviest.”
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) SNAP benefits are a monthly food assistance program funded by the federal government, aiming to alleviate the impacts of food insecurity for qualifying low-income households. The US Department of Agriculture does not have a budget for fiscal year 2026 and has stated it will not use emergency funding to bridge the gap.
According to the NJ SNAP website, benefits are provided through a card that can be used at most grocery stores and some farmers’ markets. NJ SNAP has released a statement regarding the suspension of federal funding, noting that recipients with remaining benefits on their Families First EBT cards from the month of October may use those benefits in November…