SNAP Benefits Expire as Local Food Banks Struggle to Keep Up
USDA says it cannot use contingency funds without new appropriations as states rush to fill the gap.
November 1, 2025
Federal food assistance for more than 800,000 New Jersey residents expired at midnight on Saturday, leaving families across Central Jersey scrambling to find help. The lapse in funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) stems from the ongoing government shutdown — now one of the longest in the nation’s history.
State and local agencies are also rushing to respond. Governor Phil Murphy signed an executive order late Friday night activating a statewide emergency response to what he called a “clear and present threat” to public health.
“We will not stand by while families face hunger,” Murphy said in a statement. “Our state will mobilize every available resource to strengthen food access and protect vulnerable residents.”
The order took effect at midnight and directs New Jersey’s Office of Emergency Management and Department of Human Services to coordinate with local governments and nonprofit groups to keep food access open across the state. It also activates New Jersey’s Emergency Operations Plan, granting agencies the authority to make emergency purchases of food and supplies, mobilize the National Guard if necessary, and enforce prohibitions on price gouging.
Murphy’s office said that nearly half of all SNAP recipients are children, one-third have disabilities, and one in five are seniors. Recipients may still use any unspent October benefits in their EBT accounts, but no new funds were added overnight.
State and local agencies are also rushing to respond to the expiration in SNAP funding for 800,000 New Jersey residents. (Source)
New Jersey is among a coalition of states that filed suit against the U.S. Department of Agriculture, arguing that the agency unlawfully suspended SNAP benefits during the federal shutdown.
On Friday, a federal judge in Massachusetts ruled that the states are likely to prevail, finding that the USDA must consider using $6 billion in contingency funds Congress had already appropriated to maintain food assistance.
In its defense, the USDA argued that using those funds without a new budget bill from Congress would violate the Food and Nutrition Act.
The court ordered the department to decide whether it will restore full or reduced benefits and to report back by Monday, Nov. 3. Until that happens, no new benefits will be distributed, and families are expected to rely on local food networks and state assistance programs to bridge the gap.
In Middlesex County, officials have placed the REPLENISH food security program on emergency footing. The county network coordinates more than 100 pantries and community kitchens, directing residents to the Healthy Food Access Map (middlesexcountynj.gov/healthyfoodsmap) for the nearest locations and transportation routes.
Local pantries include:
•Hands of Hope at St. James Episcopal Church (Edison) – open the first and third Saturdays of each month.
•Heaven’s Helpers at VFW Post 4410 (Woodbridge) – drive-through pantry.
•St. James Emergency Pantry (Woodbridge) – emergency groceries mid-week.
•Jewish Renaissance Foundation “My Choice Store” (Perth Amboy) – bilingual services by appointment.
•Elijah’s Promise (New Brunswick) – continuing daily “Meals to Go.”
SNAP Navigators at the Raritan Valley YMCA in East Brunswick and at the Jewish Renaissance Foundation in Perth Amboy are assisting residents in reapplying for benefits or finding short-term alternatives.
Union County’s Department of Human Services has activated its Emergency Food Distribution Network through the Community FoodBank of New Jersey in Hillside, which supplies pantries countywide.
The Board of County Commissioners approved up to $5 million towards the effort during an emergency special meeting on Friday.
“This support is a bridge — not a full solution — and we want to be clear about that,” said Senate President Nicholas Scutari in a statement on the county’s website. “I will be working with state leadership to coordinate broader planning should the shutdown continue.”
Officials confirm that requests for food have risen sharply since the shutdown began, and volunteers say the increase was already overwhelming local operations before SNAP benefits expired.
“Last week we had 16 extra families we couldn’t serve,” Rev. Carmine Pernini of First Presbyterian Church in Rahway said Wednesday. He added that he expects the line outside of the pantry to continue to grow.
The pastor said the families were directed to other food pantries in the area. Volunteers at other sites say they’re also experiencing long lines, dwindling inventory, and limited volunteer capacity.
Union County says it is coordinating with municipal welfare offices for meal vouchers and senior delivery services, but warns that “demand continues to outpace supply.”
Residents seeking food assistance can visit nj211.org, njsnap.gov, or call 2-1-1 to locate nearby food pantries, soup kitchens, or delivery programs in their area.