With the ongoing federal government shutdown threatening food security for thousands of residents, the New Jersey Food Council (NJFC) is stepping up to provide essential guidance and resources for shoppers relying on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
New SNAP benefits will not be issued to grocery shoppers beginning Nov. 1, due to the federal impasse. However, the NJFC has clarified that recipients can still use unused benefits rolled over from October to pay for eligible groceries in November.
To help New Jerseyans navigate this challenging period, the NJFC has created a dedicated digital resource called a “Link Tree” accessible at here.
Preparing for disruption
The LinkTree provides timely and critical information about:
- Local food rescue operations.
- Government food assistance programs.
- Food security partners.
- Latest SNAP program updates.
Linda Doherty, president & CEO, NJFC, expressed deep concern about the potential impact on families and the local economy.
“This is a time of significant uncertainty for many grocery shoppers and store operators, as we all hope the federal government will be operational and SNAP benefits can continue uninterrupted,” Doherty said. “But we need to prepare for the worst, and that includes ensuring that New Jerseyans are aware of all available emergency food resources.”
The organization is actively working to alert shoppers before they are surprised this weekend when their expected November benefits fail to load at the checkout counter.
“It is our hope that SNAP recipients access the LinkTree now and begin learning about the resources available to them,” Doherty urged. “We all need to do our part to ensure New Jersey families are fed as our federal leaders work to reopen the government.”
The NJFC represents the state’s food distribution and retail industry.
