Help For Households Hurt By Government Shutdown In Union County

UNION COUNTY, NJ — Households in Union County affected by the stoppage in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits due to the government shutdown have a new lifeline for help.

On Wednesday, the Union County Board of County Commissioners announced that the County will begin providing temporary financial assistance as early as Nov. 3 to families who are already enrolled in the program.

“We will not allow Union County families to go without food due to circumstances outside their control,” said Lourdes M. Leon, Commissioner Chair. “SNAP is a lifeline for thousands of households in our community."

The temporary assistance does not replace benefits once the federal support resumes.

“This support is a bridge, not a full solution, and we want to be clear about that,” added Nicholas Scutari, Senate President. “But when people are unsure how they will afford their next groceries, waiting is not an option."

Plans for distribution events are still being finalized and are scheduled to take place from Nov. 3 through Nov. 7. The County will notify SNAP families directly.

Information will also be available on ucnj.org and the County's social media channels.

“Where the federal government has not acted, we are prepared to support our residents," said Edward T. Oatman, County Manager. "We are moving quickly and in a coordinated way to ensure this assistance is distributed safely, efficiently, and with dignity.”

New Jersey is among 27 states suing President Donald Trump for the suspension of the program that helps around 40 million Americans. The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District court in Massachusetts against the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, calls the suspension unlawful and seeks a temporary restraining order forcing the USDA to releas funding immediately.

There were 812,966 people receiving SNAP benefits in New Jersey as of August, representing 436,452 households; 340,425 children, and 176,706 elderly individuals, according to the lawsuit. Read more

Those currently enrolled in SNAP should keep checking their EBT card balance, Union County officials say, at NJFAMILIESFIRST.com or by calling 1-800-997-3333. Residents must continue submitting all documents for benefits to resume once the federal shutdown is lifted.

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