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Governor Phil Murphy declared a State of Emergency effective November 1 after the federal government halted funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), leaving more than 800,000 New Jersey residents temporarily without food benefits.
The shutdown of key federal programs that began October 1 has frozen USDA operations, including SNAP, the nation’s largest anti-hunger program. Murphy’s Executive Orders 401 and 402, signed October 31, establish a Task Force on the Federal Suspension of SNAP Benefits and activate the state’s emergency response network.
“The Trump Administration’s decision to suspend SNAP funding … is both unethical and illegal,” Murphy said, calling the lapse a threat to public health and safety.
Under the orders, state agencies — including the Departments of Agriculture, Human Services, Health, Education, and the Office of the Food Security Advocate — are coordinating with county welfare offices and food banks to distribute emergency food and monitor shortages. The emergency declaration empowers state officials to prevent price gouging on essentials, streamline purchasing for aid programs, and, if necessary, deploy the New Jersey National Guard to assist with food distribution.
Federal Court Rulings Add Uncertainty
Late Friday, federal judges in Rhode Island and Massachusetts ordered the U.S. Department of Agriculture to make contingency funds available to continue SNAP benefits nationwide. The rulings require the government to draw from a $5.5 billion emergency reserve that had not been used during the shutdown.
However, because the decisions came just hours before the new month began, states were unable to process benefits in time for November 1. Officials say that even if funds are released in the coming days, recipients will face delays while the federal government determines whether to comply or appeal. And the emergency fund that is available does not cover all of the funding across the country for one month.
Despite the court actions, New Jersey is proceeding with its own emergency measures, anticipating gaps in access and delays in implementation.
Coughlin: “New Jersey Is Stepping Up”
Assembly Speaker Craig J. Coughlin said the Governor’s swift response would help get food to residents faster and support the local organizations already working to meet growing need.
He praised state agencies and food banks for stepping up where federal leadership has stalled and urged Congress and the administration to restore SNAP funding quickly to prevent additional hardship. Coughlin also said the state will continue to do everything possible to protect residents until full benefits are restored.
How New Jersey Residents Are Affected
According to state data, of the 800,000 New Jerseyans who rely on SNAP:
Nearly half are children,
One-third are individuals with disabilities, and
One in five are over 60 years old.
SNAP participants will not receive November benefits while the federal shutdown continues, though remaining balances from October are still available on Families First EBT cards.
Residents can check their balance at NJFamiliesFirst.com or by calling 800-997-3333.
Children in SNAP households remain automatically eligible for free school meals, and additional families may qualify under New Jersey’s Expanded Income Eligibility guidelines, which raise the income limit to $72,016 for a family of four.
Where to Find Help
Residents can access emergency food and resources through:
NJ SNAP for official benefit updates
NJ 211 to locate food pantries and community kitchens
NJ Food Council Linktree for local food rescue operations, government assistance programs, and statewide food security partners
Local distributions coordinated by food banks such as Mercer Street Friends, which plans pop-up events and drive-through sites in the coming days
Mercer County: Community Rallies to Support Neighbors in Need
Across Mercer County, local groups are mobilizing to support residents affected by the federal SNAP suspension. On Sunday, November 2, the Hopewell Council of Churches and the D&R Greenway Land Trust will host the “Hopewell Feeds Neighbors” Hunger Walk, a community fundraiser benefiting The Chubby’s Project, which provides weekly meal deliveries and grocery assistance throughout the Hopewell area.
Participants can register or donate online using the QR code on event flyers, and proceeds will directly support Chubby’s ongoing food outreach.
While statewide agencies coordinate emergency food relief, The Chubby’s Project remains a vital hyper-local network serving Hopewell-area residents. The all-volunteer, community-funded organization operates independently of government aid and continues to provide weekly meal deliveries, grocery assistance, and a collection bin outside Chubby’s Luncheonette for ongoing donations. Board members emphasize that the project’s strength lies in local partnerships and the steady generosity of neighbors helping neighbors.
The Hopewell Valley Mobile Food Pantry, based at the Hopewell Valley Regional School District Administration Building, is also accepting donations and coordinating deliveries to households across the Valley.
Additionally, Hopewell Cub Scout Pack 71, the Hopewell Presbyterian Church, and other local volunteers will hold a “Scouting for Food” Fall Food Drive on Sunday, November 2, collecting donations for Chubby’s Food Pantry. Residents in the borough are encouraged to place nonperishable food, household, and personal care items in grocery bags outside their doors by 10 a.m. for pickup by Scouts and volunteers. Suggested items include canned soup, pasta, peanut butter, rice, cereal, granola bars, and essential household products such as toothpaste, soap, detergent, and paper goods.
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