New Jersey Food Banks Struggle with Increased Demand After SNAP Benefit Lapse

Rising Food Insecurity in New Jersey

• ⚠️ Many New Jersey residents are facing severe food insecurity, with some skipping meals due to financial hardship.
• 💡 Susan Hersshfeld, a resident of Demarest, relies on SNAP benefits but finds herself hungry due to the tight budget, impacting her health as a diabetic.

Strain on Local Food Pantries

• 📈 Food banks like The Food Brigade are experiencing an unprecedented surge in demand, with a more than 100% increase in new applications for assistance.
• 🚚 Organizations are distributing thousands of frozen turkeys and hams to meet the growing need, especially with holidays approaching.
• 🏘️ Emergency food drives in towns like Ridgewood are collecting hundreds of bags of food to support families who have lost their SNAP benefits.

Widespread Impact and Community Response

• 🌍 The issue of food insecurity is not isolated, with every community in New Jersey and likely across the country being impacted.
• 🤝 Governor Murphy has deployed members of the New Jersey National Guard to support emergency food organizations.
• 🙏 Despite the hardships, messages of hope and resilience are being shared, encouraging those struggling not to give up.

SNAP Funding and Government Shutdown Concerns

• 📉 The lapse in SNAP benefits is directly linked to funding issues and the ongoing government shutdown discussions.
• 📺 Further information on SNAP funding and the government shutdown is expected to be covered on the CBS Evening News.