Nutley Food Pantry Braces For Spike In Need Amid SNAP Benefit Loss, Gov't Shutdown

NUTLEY, NJ — The following news release comes courtesy of the Township of Nutley. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site.

The Nutley Family Service Bureau (NFSB) has issued a letter asking for support for the township’s families in need. With the current government shutdown, help from residents is at an all-time high.

“As we all know, times are tough,” the letter began. “Every day, more of our neighbors are struggling to put food on the table. At the Nutley Family Service Bureau (NFSB) Food Pantry, we’ve seen a steady rise in membership—and now, with the loss of SNAP benefits for many households, the need has grown even greater. During the month of September, our Food Pantry provided food 538 times to 329 households, representing over 708 individuals right here in our community.”

The Food Pantry is a primary source for many, including seniors living on fixed incomes; working parents who don’t qualify for assistance but still can’t keep up with rising costs; individuals with disabilities trying to stretch limited resources; young adults juggling two jobs just to stay afloat; a preteen who visits each week to pick up groceries for her family because her mother struggles with mental illness.

“These are the faces of our neighbors, the people we serve every day,” the NFSB says, “hunger is real in our community, and it’s getting worse.”

Due to the government shutdown, SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits will not be issued after November 1. SNAP provides food assistance to families with low incomes to help them buy groceries through a benefits card accepted in most food retail stores and some farmers markets. Eligibility is set by several factors, such as income and resources. SNAP is a crucial support for close to 850,000 New Jersey residents who rely on SNAP to help put food on the table. This is the first time in the history of the program that SNAP benefits have not been funded.

According to the NFSB, as the number of households facing food insecurity continues to rise—14% of Nutley residents, or nearly 4,900 individuals—our community has stepped forward asking, “How can I help?”

Here are a few meaningful ways you can make a difference:

• Make a monetary donation to help us purchase essential food items.
• Donate grocery gift cards to give families the dignity of choice.
• Host a food drive at your workplace, school, or among friends and neighbors.
• Add a giving twist to your celebrations-ask guests to bring a nonperishable item for the Pantry.
• Support the Nutley High School Football Team Food Drive at NFSB on Saturday, November 15 at 169 Chestnut Street from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Share your ShopRite Free Turkey with a family in need.

The Township is also contributing. On November 11, the Department of Public Affairs and Health will present its Annual Veterans Day Ruck March. The Ruck March recognizes the approximately 22 veterans a day who take their own life. The suggested weight for a rucksack will be 22 pounds or 22 canned goods to be donated to the Nutley Family Service Bureau Food Pantry.

“Since 1913, Nutley Family Service Bureau has stood by one simple belief: neighbors helping neighbors,” the NFSB says. “We know we can count on your compassion and generosity. At Nutley Family Service Bureau, we remain committed to supporting every neighbor in need—but we can’t do it without you. Thank you for your continued support and kindness. Together, we can ensure that no neighbor goes hungry.”

If you know anyone who needs food assistance, please reach out to the Food Pantry at (973) 667-1884 Extension 230 or to Pantry Director Joan Roake at jroake@nutleyfamily.org. Our Pantry can provide emergency assistance between the hours of 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Friday.

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