Who In Bergen County Gets SNAP Food Benefits? See The Numbers

BERGEN COUNTY, NJ — With the Congressional shutdown, federal SNAP food benefits may not be available for next month. On Tuesday, New Jersey joined 22 other states to sue the federal government, urging them to provide aid in the meantime.

But how many people and families in your Bergen County town get SNAP food benefits each month?

Need Documentation To Qualify

To qualify in New Jersey, families can earn up to 185 percent of the federal poverty level, based on gross income.

A family of four can earn up to $4,957 per month before taxes and other benefits are taken out, or $59,484 per year, pre-tax. However, there are strict limits on their assets and savings.

In New Jersey, applicants must show documents including proof of being a citizen or having legal status, proof of income, and other forms.

Bergen County By Numbers

In Bergen County, according to statistics from 2021, approximately 4.9 percent of Bergen County households receive SNAP.

The population was around 955,000 at that time, meaning approximately 46,800 people in Bergen County receive the help.

Community groups and churches have been banding together to help feed families who are going without. A list of local food banks can be found here and on this Rutgers website.

Approximately 800,000 people in New Jersey meet the income level to get SNAP, according to the state.

The states with the highest percentage of their population receiving SNAP are New Mexico, Louisiana, Oregon, Oklahoma, and Nevada.