SNAP Benefits May Stop Nov. 1. Here’s Where to Find Help.

SNAP benefits may not be paid out starting Nov. 1 as the government shutdown enters its fourth week.

Experts warn that a food crisis looms as millions of Americans lose access to food assistance while hundreds of thousands of federal workers go without pay. Around 813,000 New Jerseyans rely on SNAP benefits, according to state data. 

While nearly $6 billion in contingency funding exists for the program, the Trump administration says the funds can’t be legally used to cover regular monthly benefits during the shutdown, claiming they’re reserved for emergencies like natural disasters.

However, the USDA’s own shutdown plan states that SNAP benefits should “continue since the program has been provided with multi-year contingency funds,” according to a document provided to NPR.

States like New York have allocated $30 million in emergency state funding for food assistance.  While New Jersey has not yet announced similar emergency funding, it has expedited $42 million in funding for food banks The state has also challenged the legality of withholding benefits.

Benefits could be paid retroactively, though this is not guaranteed, according to the state Department of Human Services.

Meanwhile, food pantries nationwide say they are preparing for increased demand, though they cannot keep up with the demand: food banks provide 1 meal for every 9 meals SNAP provides.

Here’s how New Jersey residents can access food services across the state. This article will be updated as more resources become available.

FindHelp.org

FindHelp.org allows users to input their zip code and locate available social services, including nearby food pantries, housing assistance, and more.

NJ211.org

NJ211.org is a New Jersey-specific resource providing information on food services, mental health assistance, and more. Residents can also call 211 or 1-877-652-1148 for help.

Food Pantries

A list of food pantries by county is available on New Jersey’s website. Residents can also search for pantries on FoodFinder.us, NJ211.org, the Community Foodbank of New Jersey’s website, Rutgers Against Hunger, the Food Bank of South Jersey, and FulfillNJ for Monmouth and Ocean County residents.

Editor’s note: The story has been updated to reflect the new $42 million funding for food banks in New Jersey.