Atlantic County Executive Dennis Levinson has announced a countywide food distribution event on Friday, Nov. 7 to assist low-income adults and children in approximately 17,000 Atlantic County households who await partial payment of their November Supplemental Nutritional Food Assistance (SNAP) benefits from the federal government.
“These are some of our most vulnerable residents, including the elderly and young children, who rely on this food assistance,” stated Levinson. “We want to help fill the void and lessen the hardship. County government has always been a safety net for those in need.”
On Nov. 3, the federal government reported it would issue partial SNAP benefits as the longest government shutdown continues. It is unclear at this time when those benefits will become available.
The issue is even more problematic for New Jersey school-aged children who normally receive breakfast and lunch at school but will miss those meals with most schools in the state being closed several days this week.
The county will offer a variety of food items provided by the Community Food Bank of New Jersey to verified Atlantic County SNAP customers on Friday, Nov. 7 at the county’s public works yard in Northfield near the intersection of Rt. 9 and Dolphin Avenue. The drive-through distribution will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. All participants must present their EBT card. They will be able to choose the items they need. Those items will then be placed into their vehicles.
Federal employees who have been furloughed during the government shutdown are also welcome to participate with proper government identification.
“We appreciate the support of the Community Food Bank and all our local food pantries along with many area restaurants and businesses that have stepped up to assist those impacted by this unfortunate, yet preventable, situation,” added Levinson. “We also thank the many volunteers for their time and efforts.”
Residents can visit the county website for ongoing updates regarding SNAP benefits at atlanticcountynj.gov. To locate food banks, food pantries, soup kitchens and more, visit cfbnj.org or call the Community Food Bank Multilingual Food Assistance number at 908-838-4831.
On Wednesday, Nov. 5 and Friday, Nov. 7, the Community Food Bank will offer extended hours at its Egg Harbor Township facility at 6735 Black Horse Pike from 4-7 p.m. for anyone in need of food assistance.
