Newark Reaches Out To SNAP Households As Government Shutdown Continues

NEWARK, NJ — Newark has been among the towns and cities in New Jersey making preparations to help residents impacted by the federal government shutdown and the suspension of Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) food benefits.

Millions of Americans who rely on the nation's largest food program have been bracing for uncertainty over the past weeks, Fox News reported.

Newark counts more than 37,000 SNAP recipient households among its residents, including 29,000 children, city officials said.

The Trump administration faces a Monday deadline to respond to two federal judges who said it must tap into contingency funds to make payments for food stamps, CBS News said.

However, it’s unclear whether they’ll receive their full benefits – or when relief could come, CNN reported.

>> Read More: SNAP Benefits Partially Restored: What It Means For NJ

NEWARK

The City of Newark has launched a temporary emergency assistance website for impacted residents. The website has information about food resources and other support programs. View it online here.

The website will provide financial assistance for individuals and families who, without the assistance of SNAP, may have difficulty affording necessities such as:

• Household utilities (water, gas, internet, etc.)
• Rent/mortgage
• Rental arrears
• Transportation
• Childcare
• Co-pays for health provider visits and prescriptions

The website will begin accepting applications at 5 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 3.

After an application has been completed and submitted, applicants will receive a notification of confirmation via email. Applicants should expect to receive an email reporting the status of their application within 72 hours.

More information can be found on the website's About and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) pages, by emailing the city’s Temporary Assistance Program team at newarkassistance@ci.newark.nj.us or by calling (973) 565-5486.

In addition, central distribution locations have been created in each of Newark's five wards. They will serve as “hubs” where local SNAP recipients can get food, clothes, holiday gifts and other resources.

“While the fate of local SNAP funds plays out in federal court, Newark is solidifying contingency plans,” city officials said. “Arrangements are being made for Newark public schools to stay open to provide meals to students during November school holidays. The website secures resources including emergency cash for utilities and other vital needs, and can connect seniors and homebound individuals to delivery services.”

If court decisions necessitate Newark's federal shutdown emergency activation, the following five Community Ward Food Hubs will begin operating on Mondays and Wednesdays from 3 to 8 p.m., and Saturdays from noon to 5 p.m.:

South Ward

Belmont Runyon Elementary School

1 Belmont Way

Coordinator: Ronice Bruce 973-851-3496

South Improvement District

South Ward Promise

Clinton Hill Community Action

Central Ward

Dr. E. Alma Flagg School

150 3rd Street

Coordinator: Abigail Martone 516-680-3817

Greater Newark Conservancy

Boys and Girls Club

NCC

West Ward

Speedway Academies

701 S Orange Avenue

Coordinator: Christopher Keys 862-405-3154

UVSO

Urban League

East Ward

South Street School

44 Hermon Street

Coordinator: Charles Richardson 973-465-0555, ext. 209

Ironbound Community Crop

Montana Construction Inc.

North Ward

Rafael Hernandez Elementary School

345 Broadway

Coordinator: Ivonne Salazar 973-943-5050

La Casa De Don Pedro

Focus411inc

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