Barring an unexpected last-minute move, more than 800,000 New Jersey residents will not have their SNAP cards filled on Nov. 1 due to the ongoing federal shutdown.
Dozens (if not hundreds) of organizations around the state are making urgent pleas for assistance. All deserve consideration. (Donate here) .
Here is one of them, from Heather Thompson, the executive director at Table to Table. It was sent out to their database earlier today:
“I am writing to you on a truly somber note as the looming food insecurity crisis draws near. At this very moment, food pantries and emergency food providers across New Jersey are facing growing and unprecedented demand as the ongoing federal shutdown delays SNAP benefits. Based on what we know now, beginning on November 1 over 800,000 New Jersey residents – families with children; working folks like teachers and restaurant servers; senior citizens and veterans – will not have their SNAP cards filled until further notice.
“As a result, lines at pantries are already growing longer by the day – and our 300+ community partners are reaching out to us every day, desperate for more fresh food to support the growing need.
“Rescuing and delivering free, surplus food to communities in need is Table to Table’s core mission and daily work. And as need spikes in our communities, we are doubling down. Our drivers are working overtime, picking up surplus fresh food from farms, distributors, meal kit companies, and supermarkets. Our devoted ‘Food Rescue Hero’ volunteers are running rescues 7 days a week to pick up food from local markets, cafeterias, and restaurants, and delivering directly to nearby partners.
“Everyone can play a role to rescue food and feed our neighbors during this time – including you.
“Every single dollar you donate provides the resources to rescue and deliver food for another 10 meals. A donation of $344 funds a refrigerated truck and driver for a full day, rescuing enough fresh food for thousands of meals.
“If you are in a position to give, please know that your gift will go to work immediately to feed neighbors right here in New Jersey. (Donate here)
Want to do more? Table to table invites you to connect with key people in their organization:
Individuals + Families
Volunteer to run a food rescue: I-Rescue – Table to Table
Host food drive: Christine Zeni, Network Director [email protected]
Donate: Emergency Food Support – Table to Table
Corporations and Community/Civic Organizations
Volunteer, donate or host a food drive: [email protected]
Food Businesses and Restaurants
Donate surplus food for pick up: Christine Zeni, Network Director [email protected]
Schools
Host a food drive or donate surplus food: Stephanie Conley Webb, Volunteer Manager [email protected]
