SNAP Benefit Status Update amid the Federal Government Shutdown

‣ Union County to Provide Temporary Assistance to SNAP Households Impacted by Federal Shutdown

The Union County Temporary Bridge Financial Relief Program has concluded.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners announced that the County will provide temporary financial assistance to households currently enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) who are affected by the interruption of November SNAP benefits caused by the ongoing federal government shutdown.

“We will not allow Union County families to go without food due to circumstances outside their control,” said Commissioner Chair Lourdes M. Leon. “SNAP is a lifeline for thousands of households in our community. While we cannot change what is happening at the federal level, we can ensure that our residents are supported, respected, and protected during this interruption. Taking care of our community is what we do.”

This emergency action is being taken to ensure that families, seniors, and individuals who rely on SNAP are not left without access to basic food support while federal funding remains unavailable.

“This support is a bridge — not a full solution — and we want to be clear about that,” said Senate President Nicholas Scutari. “But when people are unsure how they will afford their next groceries, waiting is not an option. I will be working with state leadership to coordinate broader planning should the shutdown continue. In the meantime, we have to act where we can, and Union County has stepped up responsibly and without hesitation, showing what government should do in a moment of need: protect our residents, act decisively, and ensure no one is left without support. And as we move through this together, I encourage all of us to look out for one another — families, seniors, neighbors, and friends. No one in Union County should have to face hardship alone.”

Distribution events are being finalized and are expected to take place Monday through Friday next week. Once details are confirmed, the County will notify SNAP households directly and will post full information at ucnj.org and on the County’s official communication channels. This temporary assistance is for current SNAP recipients affected by the shutdown and does not replace benefits once federal funding resumes.

“Union County is able to step in at this critical moment because we have managed our finances responsibly and with foresight,” said County Manager Edward T. Oatman. “Where the federal government has not acted, we are prepared to support our residents. We are moving quickly and in a coordinated way to ensure this assistance is distributed safely, efficiently, and with dignity.”

Residents currently enrolled in SNAP are encouraged to continue checking their EBT card balance at NJFamiliesFirst.com or by calling 1-800-997-3333, and are required to continue submitting all documents so that benefits can resume immediately once federal funding is restored.

Official updates will be posted on this page as additional details become available.

‣ Union County Announces Countywide Food Drive to Support Local Families During Federal Shutdown

The Union County Board of County Commissioners today announced the launch of a countywide food drive “Stock the Shelves,” to support residents who may be experiencing hardship as a result of the ongoing federal government shutdown, including those affected by the temporary interruption of November SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits and federal employees currently out of work.

The County is coordinating this effort to help restock community food pantries and assist families, seniors, and individuals in need in the days ahead.

Beginning Monday, November 3rd, residents are encouraged to donate non-perishable food and essential household items at designated drop-off sites across Union County. Additional locations will be added on a rolling basis as community partners participate.

“We know this situation is creating uncertainty for many families,” said Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon. “Union County is taking action to ensure our residents have support while federal benefits are interrupted. We’re asking those who are able to donate to join us in this effort. Together, we can help keep our community strong.”

Initial County Drop-Off Locations

• Union County Prosecutor’s Office – 32 Rahway Avenue, Elizabeth
• Union County Public Safety Building — 400 N. Avenue E., Westfield
• Union County Department of Public Works & Engineering — 2371 South Avenue, Scotch Plains

A continually updated list of drop-off sites will be available at: www.ucnj.org/food-drive.

“Across Union County, our food pantries and community organizations are doing everything they can to meet increased demand,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados, Liaison to the Union County Human Services Advisory Council. “This food drive is about making sure they are not doing it alone. I want to thank our residents for always stepping up — this is what Union County is about. When we come together as neighbors helping neighbors, we ensure that no one in our community is left without support.”

Please Note: Union County is only accepting food and essential household items as donations. The list of acceptable items can be found here.

All donations should be non-perishable, unopened, and within expiration dates.

If anyone is interested in being a drop-off location, please email: UCCares@ucnj.org. The full list of drop-off locations will be displayed and updated at www.ucnj.org/food-drive.

For more information, please contact Judith Guest at (908) 527-4388 or via email at Judith.Guest@ucnj.org.

‣ What SNAP Recipients Should Know

• Check your EBT account balance now and use available benefits as needed.
• Continue to submit new applications or recertifications as usual.
• Ensure your contact information with our office is up to date so you receive any notices or alerts.

‣ Stay Informed

Union County DHS will continue to share updates on this web page, fill out the form on this page for updates and on the County’s official social media pages.

Residents are encouraged to follow these channels to stay informed about Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), NJ Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), and other essential benefit programs.

‣ Sign up to Receive Updates

‣ Where to Find Food Assistance

Union County DHS is coordinating with state and community partners to ensure residents have access to food and nutrition resources. Residents can:

• Visit the Community FoodBank of New Jersey (CFBNJ) to locate food pantries, soup kitchens, and mobile food distributions.
• Food Pantry information can also be found below
• Call 2-1-1 or visit NJ 211 to locate food pantries and community kitchens and access information about the School Meal Application.
• Contact the Union County Department of Human Services Action Line at 908-677-5405 or email dhsaction@ucnj.org for assistance or referrals.
• Follow Union County Government on social media for updates
  • Facebook
  • Instagram

‣ Statewide SNAP and WIC Information

State agencies will continue to provide updated information as it becomes available.

• For SNAP, updates will be posted at njsnap.gov and on the New Jersey Department of Human Services’ social media channels.
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
• For NJ Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) notices will be updated at nj.gov/health and on the New Jersey Department of Health’s social media channels.
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
• These SNAP and WIC updates will also appear on the New Jersey Office of the Food Security Advocate’s social media channels and at nj.gov/foodsecurity.
  • Facebook

‣ Union County Food Pantries & Soup Kitchens

Please call before visiting