Murphy declares state of emergency, forms task force as federal SNAP suspension threatens food access in New Jersey
TRENTON, N.J. — Governor Phil Murphy has declared a State of Emergency and signed two executive orders establishing a coordinated statewide response and task force following the Trump Administration’s suspension of federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funding amid the ongoing federal government shutdown.
The decision to halt SNAP benefits is expected to leave more than 800,000 New Jersey residents — including children, seniors, and individuals with disabilities — without access to basic food assistance beginning November 1, 2025.
Calling the suspension “both unethical and illegal,” Murphy said the move has created “a clear and present threat to the health and safety of our residents.”
“With more than 800,000 New Jerseyans relying on SNAP to put food on the table, the Trump Administration’s decision to suspend benefits has created a clear and present threat to the health and safety of our residents,” Murphy said. “We will not stand by while families face hunger. That is why our state will mobilize every available resource to strengthen our food access networks, protect vulnerable communities, and ensure that every resident has access to the meals they need.”
Task Force to Coordinate Statewide Response
Under Executive Order No. 401, Murphy established the Task Force on the Federal Suspension of SNAP Benefits, which will coordinate New Jersey’s response to the food insecurity crisis and ensure communication between state agencies, county social service boards, and emergency food organizations.
The task force — chaired by the Office of the Governor — includes representatives from the Departments of Agriculture, Human Services, Health, Education, Children and Families, Community Affairs, and the Economic Development Authority, among others.
The panel will monitor the effects of the federal action, compile resources for affected residents, and explore ways to deploy state and philanthropic funds to help struggling families, farmers, grocers, and food distributors.
Murphy said the goal is to mitigate harm while the state joins a multi-state lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Secretary Brooke Rollins for unlawfully suspending SNAP funding despite the availability of contingency reserves.
Emergency Actions and Food Access Resources
Through Executive Order No. 402, Murphy directed state agencies to take immediate steps to protect public health, including expanding emergency food access and supporting local food banks.
While no new federal funds will be distributed for November, SNAP recipients may still use unspent funds from previous months. Families currently enrolled in the program are also automatically eligible for free school meals, which can be accessed through their local schools without additional applications.
Residents seeking food assistance can visit njsnap.gov, NJFamiliesFirst.com, or call 800-997-3333 for benefit updates. New Jerseyans can also locate nearby food pantries and community kitchens through NJ 211 (nj211.org).
WIC Program Continues
The New Jersey Department of Health announced that the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program will continue providing benefits and services without interruption through November despite the federal shutdown.
“Access to nutritious foods, breastfeeding support, and other health resources and services is essential to the well-being of women, infants, and children,” the department said in a statement. “We will continue to explore every option available to ensure eligible families and children continue to have access to nutritious foods should the federal shutdown extend beyond November.”
Ongoing Monitoring
Officials urge residents to monitor updates through official state channels and social media. Affected families are encouraged to reach out for help and take advantage of state and local resources to avoid food insecurity as the shutdown continues.
“This executive action ensures that New Jersey is mobilizing every available resource to protect our residents,” Murphy said. “No family in our state should have to go hungry because of politics in Washington.”
