Hunterdon County to host food distribution event for SNAP-eligible residents amid federal shutdown
RARITAN TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Hunterdon County) — The Hunterdon County Board of County Commissioners has launched an emergency food assistance initiative to help residents whose Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits have lapsed amid the ongoing federal government shutdown.
During the board’s Nov. 5 meeting, commissioners approved a plan to provide immediate relief to affected families through both direct food distribution and support for local food pantries.
As part of the plan, the county will host a drive-through food distribution event on Friday, Nov. 7, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Hunterdon County Complex, located at 314 State Route 12 in Flemington. The event will supply a mix of shelf-stable and perishable food items to SNAP-eligible residents in need of temporary assistance.
“We will not let our residents go hungry while this stalemate continues in Washington,” said Commissioner Director John E. Lanza. “My colleagues and I have authorized a full county response to ensure no one goes without food.”
Commissioner Deputy Director Shaun C. Van Doren, who serves as liaison to the Department of Human Services, praised county staff for their rapid coordination. “I want to thank our county team for their quick and diligent efforts to support our most vulnerable residents,” Van Doren said. “We all hope this federal shutdown ends soon, as it continues to place unnecessary strain on everyday Americans.”
Friday’s event will include participation from multiple county departments and volunteers from the Medical Reserve Corps. The county also extended special thanks to Jeannie and Joe Colalillo, owners of ShopRite of Hunterdon, whose partnership and logistical support were described as “instrumental” in making the initiative possible.
“In Hunterdon County, we take care of each other,” said Commissioner Jeff Kuhl, a sixth-generation county resident. “The Colalillos are a wonderful family, and it’s great to see our staff, volunteers, and local businesses come together to meet this need.”
In addition to the distribution event, the Commissioners said they will provide grant funding to local food pantries to help meet rising demand during the shutdown.
