With the ongoing government shutdown halting the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) — which provides food assistance to about 42 million low-income Americans, including roughly 40,000 in Atlantic and Cape May counties — the Community FoodBank of New Jersey’s (CFBNJ) Southern Branch and local businesses are stepping in to help fill the gap.
On Monday, Nov. 3, the Trump administration announced it would partially fund SNAP with a $4.65 billion payment.
The money will come from an Agriculture Department contingency fund that currently holds $4.65 billion — about half of the $8 billion typically needed each month to cover SNAP payments.
In a court filing, the administration told Judge Jack McConnell it had declined his suggestion to make full November SNAP payments by reallocating at least $4 billion from the Child Nutrition Program and other sources. Instead, it will use the entire remaining balance of the contingency fund allocated by Congress to cover about half of eligible households’ current allotments for November.
Although it could provide some relief, a top U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) official said using emergency funds to distribute the reduced benefits could take several weeks to months.
“Delayed SNAP benefits and unpaid federal employees really just increases the demand for emergency food. Obviously, as an organization, we can’t fully replace the support that SNAP provides, but we’re working with our pantry partners,” Torrina Bennett-Michael, CFBNJ director of external affairs, said.
CFBNJ feels the strain as demand ramps up
Located in Egg Harbor Township, the CFBNJ Southern Branch reported a 25% increase in visitors seeking help on Saturday, Nov. 1, as more South Jersey residents are turning to food assistance during the shutdown.
The branch operates a pantry that’s open four days a week — by appointment on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and for walk-ins on Saturdays. CFBNJ serves 15 of New Jersey’s 21 counties, with about 800 pantry partners statewide, 300 of them in South Jersey.
The organization is now operating with 35% less food received from the federal government, forcing the food bank to purchase additional supplies to meet growing demand. Bennett-Michael said CFBNJ’s purchasing power allows it to provide three meals for every dollar donated, making financial contributions especially critical as food insecurity rises.
Last year, CFBNJ distributed roughly 90 million meals statewide — a figure that could climb sharply if the shutdown continues.
In South Jersey, roughly 36,000 households — representing about 68,000 individuals — rely on SNAP benefits. Bennett-Michael noted that the region faces particular challenges due to its seasonal economy, with many residents working in hospitality and tourism. When those industries slow down, especially during fall and winter, the need for assistance rises sharply.
Food insecurity disproportionately affects families with children, seniors, and people with disabilities. Nearly half of New Jersey SNAP households include children, and about 14,000 veterans in the state depend on the program.
“A lot of individuals, they are working poor, they’re low-income, and they just can’t make ends meet. New Jersey is a very high cost of living state, so we have people working multiple jobs and still are not able to make ends meet and SNAP is really a lifeline for these individuals to ensure that they’re getting fed and children are getting fed. Putting politics aside, whatever side people gravitate toward, I think we can all agree that there should be no hunger amongst children.”
According to the USDA, which administers the SNAP program, in fiscal year 2023, children accounted for about 39% of all SNAP participants. Children younger than 5 made up about 11% of participants, while school-age children made up 28%.
As the shutdown drags on, CFBNJ continues to coordinate with local officials and schools to ensure children and families have access to meals, particularly during school breaks and the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday.
South Jersey restaurants provide free meals
In addition to CFBNJ, local restaurants are coming together to help the community during this time.
On Thursday, Oct. 30, Tony’s Baltimore Grill (TBG) on Atlantic Avenue in Atlantic City announced on social media that it will offer free kids’ meals to SNAP families.
“Kids should always be off limits. Pull up to the joint for as many kids meals as needed (one meal per child, and a child must be present). No charity, just being decent human beings,” the restaurant stated.
On top of that, an anonymous community member donated $1,000 to help them feed children in need and said that if others donate another $1,000, they will match that. TBG sparked a chain of other local eateries to do the same.
Freddy J’s Bar & Kitchen, and Kneble’s Auto Service Center, on Somers Point Road in Mays Landing, will also offer free kids’ meals to SNAP families.
“This isn’t about politics. It’s about ensuring every child in our community has a meal on the table. No Kids Go Hungry in Mays Landing as long as we are around,” according to a social media post.
The bar and auto center also announced that they’re launching a fund to help support the rest of the families. For every $50 donated, they will give a $10 gift card as a “thank you” to the donor. They will also be collecting canned and nonperishable food to support the Main Street Food Pantry.
The Varsity Inn on Eighth Street in Ocean City will offer free kids’ meals to SNAP families. In a Facebook post, the restaurant said they were also inspired by TBG.
“No strings attached, just present your SNAP card,” the post said.
Sunrise Cafe on Asbury Avenue in Ocean City has the kids covered for breakfast. The cafe announced that kids get a free breakfast when dining with a parent or guardian who presents a Families First or SNAP card.
Julia graduated from Rider University in 2024 with a BA in multiplatform journalism and minor in social media strategies. In addition to reporting on local news for Shore Local, she is a social media strategist for small businesses. Connect with her: shorelocaljulia@gmail.com or @juliatrain on Instagram.
