Southern Ocean Eateries Offer Free Meals To SNAP Families

SOUTHERN OCEAN COUNTY, NJ — When November starts, the 827,200 New Jersey families who rely on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to put food on the table will see nothing new in their accounts. But some local restaurants are jumping in to help.

The ongoing federal shutdown means that SNAP benefits will be paused and won't go out for the month of November.

While judges ordered the federal government to continue funding SNAP on Friday, it's not clear when the benefits will go out.

RELATED: SNAP Pause: Where To Find Food Assistance In Ocean County

In the interim, local eateries are stepping up to support families.

"If you are among the 42 million Americans who most likely will lose their SNAP benefits this weekend, we want to help you through this," reads a Facebook post shared by the Lighthouse Tavern in Waretown.

The restaurant's owner, Jim Keady, said his eatery would open Mondays (when Lighthouse Tavern is typically closed) from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. for individuals and families who won't get their SNAP benefits next month. A simple meal, free of charge, will be provided.

Those who wish to join the Monday dinner should text Keady at 732-988-7322 or email at lighthousetavernnj@gmail.com to say how many children/adults are coming.

"We are in this together," Keady, a longtime activist, said.

Empanadivas, a Puerto Rican mobile food truck based in Southern Ocean, is also offering free meals.

"We believe that food is a human right, and nobody in our community should go hungry EVER," they said on Facebook.

When you order food, you can add a donation to your order to help feed another. Empanadivas also has a donation link on their website.

Those in need can order "the special" and get a free meal.

"No questions. No judgment. Just food made with love, paid for by the community that cares," Empanadivas said.

In Tuckerton, the Union Market and Gallery is giving out free kids meals while SNAP benefits are paused. The family-owned business said they hope to keep it going as long as they can.

"The Union Market is a small business with a small profit margin so we will reassess as needed and keep you updated," owners said.

They also have a "pay it forward" board where you can buy gift cards for other customers.