NJ to Provide $42.5 Million in Food Grants as SNAP Funding is in Question

In response, state officials are providing $42.5 million in grants to food banks statewide, a lifeline to 812,000 New Jerseyans who rely on the federal food assistance program. This funding is intended to bolster the capacity of the food banks as they prepare for an expected surge in demand.

Funds will be going to six food banks: The Community Food Bank of New Jersey ($22.5 million), Food Bank of South Jersey ($6.375 million), Fulfill Monmouth & Ocean ($6.375 million), Mercer Street Friends Food Bank ($4.675 million), Norwescap ($1.275 million), and the Southern Regional Food Distribution Center ($1.275 million).

While new SNAP benefits will not be made available as of tomorrow, unless the federal government acts, SNAP recipients will be able to access any funds in their accounts that have carried over from October. SNAP recipients are encouraged to check their balances online here.

SNAP recipients can check with NJ211 to connect to local food resources and should continue checking njsnap.gov for updates. The New Jersey Food Council has also made public a list of available resources to help prepare residents in case benefits are not issued. See the full list here