On Saturday, a federal judge ordered the Trump administration to continue paying for food stamps during the federal shutdown. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, assists approximately 42 million people across the United States. It was set to run out of funds yesterday without any intervention. The judge ordered distribution of funds “as soon as possible.”
Late last week, Hudson County Executive Craig Guy hosted a meeting with officials from all 12 Hudson County municipalities announcing a countywide response to the imminent cuts to the SNAP program due to the ongoing federal government shutdown.
Guy stated, “In times of crisis, the Hudson County community comes together to help their neighbors. And as this federal government shutdown continues, Hudson County government will be there to provide support for the most vulnerable in our community. On Thursday, I hosted a phone call with leaders of our 12 municipalities and the Hudson County Board of Commissioners detailing our efforts to make sure no resident goes hungry during this difficult period. We will continue working with local and regional food pantries to make sure their shelves are well-stocked and we will support our local non-profit organizations that provide essential resources to Hudson County residents. I want to thank each of our municipalities for their input, partnership, and help in coordinating this effort.”
During Thursday’s phone call, leadership from Hudson County’s Department of Family Services and Reintegration, Department of Health and Human Services, and Department of Aging and Veterans Affairs outlined details on the County’s plan to ensure families are fed and that nobody goes hungry in Hudson County:
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Hudson County’s Department of Family Services and Reintegration contacted more than 58,000 SNAP benefits recipients to alert clients about the impending changes to the program.
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Hudson County is working with local organizations Hunger Free Unity in the Community, the Coalition for Food and Health Equity, and the Community FoodBank of New Jersey to have additional food distributions throughout the county.
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Hudson County’s Health and Human Services Department recommended additional funding awards to Hunger Free Unity in the Community and the Coalition for Food and Health Equity to host additional food distributions in the county.
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In coordination with the Hudson County Corrections Department and Department of Aging and Veterans Affairs, staff will deliver food to families housed in motels through Hudson County’s housing assistance program.
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Hudson County continues to distribute weekend meals for school-aged youth through Hoboken Community Center’s pantry, Mercy for My Neighbor, and Hunger Free Unity in the Community.
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Hudson County is accepting donations of food and clothing. Hudson County staff from the Department of Aging and Veterans Affairs will deliver the donations to homebound senior citizens and veterans. If you would like to donate food, please contact hcexec@hcnj.us.
FOOD PANTRIES IN JERSEY CITY
FOOD PANTRIES OUTSIDE OF JERSEY CITY
WORKING WITH NON-PROFITS
