As the federal government shutdown continues, Gov. Phil Murphy, Senate President Nick Scutari, and Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin on Thursday announced the acceleration of $42.5 million in food and hunger grants to Emergency Food Organizations (EFOs), or food banks, in response to the Trump Administration’s failure to fund the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) starting Nov. 1.
The unprecedented decision by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) not to fund SNAP benefits, despite the availability of approximately $6 billion in federal contingency funds, is set to impact more than 800,000 New Jerseyans across 400,000 households. This population includes nearly half children, about one in three individuals with a disability, and one in five over the age of 60.
State leaders step in amid federal failure
Gov. Murphy sharply criticized the move, calling the Trump Administration’s decision to abandon those who rely on the critical SNAP benefits “morally reprehensible.”
“In communities across our state, food banks are on the front lines combating food insecurity and supporting New Jersey families in need… The Trump Administration’s decision to abandon the over 800,000 New Jerseyans who rely on critical SNAP benefits during one of the longest federal government shutdowns in our nation’s history is morally reprehensible,” Murphy said.
Legal action and expedited funds
The State is taking both administrative and legal measures to address the crisis. Murphy has called on the federal government to release the funds, and New Jersey has joined a multi-state lawsuit against the USDA and Secretary Brooke Rollins for unlawfully suspending SNAP funding.
The expedited grants will be distributed among six major Emergency Food Organizations to bolster their capacity as the state braces for increased need:
| Organization | Amount |
| Community Food Bank of New Jersey | $22,525,000 |
| Food Bank of South Jersey | $6,375,000 |
| Fulfill Monmouth & Ocean | $6,375,000 |
| Mercer Street Friends Food Bank | $4,675,000 |
| Norwescap | $1,275,000 |
| Southern Regional Food Distribution Center | $1,275,000 |
| Total | $42,500,000 |
Resources and economic impact
State officials highlighted resources available for affected residents. While new SNAP funds will not be available on Nov. 1, recipients can still access any funds carried over from October or previous months. Approximately 32,000 households who routinely receive a State supplemental benefit to meet New Jersey’s $95 minimum SNAP benefit can expect to receive that next month.
The federal funding failure not only contributes to adverse health outcomes but will also have a significant economic impact, as SNAP benefits supported $2.5 billion in spending at New Jersey retailers in Fiscal Year 2023.
New Jersey Department of Human Services Commissioner Sarah Adelman urged SNAP recipients to utilize NJ211 to connect with local food resources. Additionally, all children in families receiving SNAP benefits are automatically eligible for free school meals and are encouraged to utilize this resource.
