MORRIS COUNTY, N.J. — With federal funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) expected to pause on Nov. 1 due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, Morris County officials are alerting local authorities and residents to available resources for families who may need food assistance.
SNAP and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) provide vital nutritional support to millions of Americans. According to the New Jersey Department of Health, benefits will be delayed or halted beginning Saturday for more than 800,000 residents statewide, including about 17,000 people in Morris County, if the shutdown continues.
“When times are tough, Morris County steps up to help – and now is one of those times,” said Commissioner Christine Myers, liaison to Human Services for the seven-member Morris County Board of County Commissioners. “As of Saturday, the SNAP program will no longer be funded, leaving 17,000 Morris County residents without the means to purchase food for themselves or their families. We need your help! Please consider donating food, grocery gift cards or a financial contribution to your local pantry.”
Myers urged continued community support if the shutdown persists. “While we hope the government shutdown ends quickly, we do not know how long it will last. Those who rely on SNAP benefits will face an increasing financial crisis. Households may be at risk of falling behind on other bills. In helping them, we each need to consider donating food or financial support more than once, for as long as this situation unfolds. Together, we can make a difference,” she said.
The Morris County Department of Human Services is coordinating with major charitable food providers and has posted information about potential SNAP disruptions, along with a list of local food resources for struggling families. The department is also encouraging residents and organizations to contribute to community food drives and local pantries.
More information about SNAP updates and charitable food resources can be found on the Morris County Department of Human Services website, including:
- Emergency Food Resources – Morris County, NJ
- List of Food Pantries and Meal Services throughout Morris County
