The State of New Jersey has confirmed that November SNAP benefits are being reinstated following the recent federal court ruling. However, benefits may take several days to be processed and posted to EBT cards.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites seniors and caregivers to the upcoming Aging Services Kiosk (ASK) events in November to explore the wide range of senior programs and resources available. These events allow attendees to meet face-to-face with experienced professionals who can provide expert guidance and assistance with a variety of services, including form completion. Bilingual staff will be available on several dates in November to provide support in Spanish.
“Our mission with the ASK program is to provide residents with free and convenient access to vital information and resources that are available to our senior community and their caregivers,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon. “If you are a senior, a caregiver, or know someone who is, we welcome you to attend one of our ASK events in November and discover how this valuable program can be of service to you.”
The Aging Services Kiosk is operated explicitly by the Division on Aging, a branch of the Union County Department of Human Services. It offers adults aged 60 and older, along with their caregivers, a friendly and convenient avenue to discover valuable programs and services and speak individually with a Division on Aging professional.
Staff at ASK locations can help older adults and caregivers connect with various services, including home-delivered meals, respite care, home care, adult day care, and support services for caregivers. Any Union County senior or caregiver can visit any ASK kiosk, regardless of their hometown. No appointment or pre-registration is needed. Below are the upcoming ASK events in November:
Wednesday, November 5th
(Bilingual staff available)
Garwood Public Library
411 Third Avenue, Garwood
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Thursday, November 13th
(Bilingual staff available)
Elizabeth Public Library – Main
11 South Broad Street, Elizabeth
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Thursday, November 20th
Clark Public Library
303 Westfield Avenue, Clark
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Tuesday, November 25th
(Bilingual staff available)
Union Public Library
1980 Morris Avenue, Union
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
“ASK events are staffed by friendly and knowledgeable experts from our Division on Aging who are eager to help the elderly gain more independence and improve their day-to-day lives. They serve as a real support system for our senior community when they need it most,” said Union County Commissioner and Liaison to the Advisory Council on Aging, James Baker.
For more information about the ASK events and any other services for seniors in Union County, contact the Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection at 1-888-280-8226 toll-free or visit online at ucnj.org/dhs/aging.
La Junta de Comisionados del Condado de Union anunció hoy el lanzamiento de la campaña de recolección de alimentos “Abastece los Estantes” en todo el Condado, para apoyar a los residentes que puedan estar pasando dificultades debido al cierre parcial del gobierno federal, incluyendo a quienes se vieron afectados por la interrupción temporal de los beneficios del Programa de Asistencia Nutricional Suplementaria (SNAP) de noviembre y a los empleados federales que actualmente se encuentran sin trabajo. El Condado está coordinando este esfuerzo para ayudar a reabastecer los bancos de alimentos comunitarios y asistir a familias, adultos mayores e individuos necesitados en los próximos días.
A partir del lunes 3 de noviembre, se invita a los residentes a donar alimentos no perecederos y artículos esenciales para el hogar en los puntos de recolección designados en todo el Condado de Union. Se irán agregando más puntos de recolección conforme se sumen las organizaciones comunitarias.
“Sabemos que esta situación está generando incertidumbre para muchas familias”, dijo la Presidenta de la Junta de Comisionados, Lourdes M. Leon. “El Condado de Union está tomando medidas para asegurar que nuestros residentes reciban apoyo mientras se interrumpen los beneficios federales. Pedimos a quienes puedan donar que se unan a este esfuerzo. Juntos, podemos fortalecer nuestra comunidad”.
Ubicaciones iniciales de entrega en el Condado
• 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
Una lista actualizada a continuación de los puntos de entrega estará disponible en: www.ucnj.org/food-drive.
“En todo el Condado de Union, nuestros bancos de alimentos y organizaciones comunitarias están haciendo todo lo posible para satisfacer la creciente demanda”, dijo el Comisionado Sergio Granados, enlace con el Consejo Asesor de Servicios Humanos del Condado de Union. “Esta campaña de recolección de alimentos busca asegurar que no estén solos. Quiero agradecer a nuestros residentes por su constante apoyo; esto es lo que representa el Condado de Union. Cuando nos unimos como vecinos para ayudarnos mutuamente, garantizamos que nadie en nuestra comunidad se quede sin apoyo”.
Aviso: El Condado de Union solo acepta alimentos y artículos esenciales para el hogar como donaciones. Esta es una lista de los artículos que serán aceptados:
Leche o alternativas vegetales que no requieran refrigeración
Café, té o chocolate caliente en polvo
Comidas preparadas
Galletas saladas, barritas de granola, frutos secos
Vasitos de fruta, compota de manzana, vasitos de pudín
Artículos de cuidado personal y del hogar
Jabón, pasta de dientes, champú, desodorante
Productos de higiene femenina
Papel higiénico y toallas de papel
Artículos esenciales para el cuidado del bebé
Pañales (todas las tallas)
Toallitas húmedas para bebé
Leche de fórmula y cereales infantiles
Comida para bebé (en tarros o bolsitas)
Todas las donaciones deben ser no perecederas, estar sin abrir y dentro de su fecha de vencimiento
Si alguien está interesado en ser un punto de recolección, por favor envíe un correo electrónico a UCCares@ucnj.org . La lista completa de puntos de recolección se mostrará y actualizará en www.ucnj.org/food-drive.
Si desea hacer una contribución económica, por favor done directamente al Banco de Alimentos Comunitario de Nueva Jersey, que apoya a organizaciones de ayuda alimentaria en todo el Condado de Union: https://cfbnj.org/.
Para obtener más información, comuníquese con Judith Guest al (908) 527-4388 o por correo electrónico a Judith.Guest@ucnj.org.
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. This is a list of acceptable items:
Canned Goods
Vegetables (corn, peas, carrots, green beans)
Fruits (in juice or light syrup)
Meats (tuna, chicken, salmon, ham)
Beans (black, kidney, chickpeas, baked beans)
Soups, stews, and chili
Tomato sauce and diced tomatoes
Dry Goods & Grains
Rice (white, brown, or instant)
Pasta and noodles
Macaroni and cheese
Instant mashed potatoes
Dry beans or lentils
Cereal and oatmeal
Pantry Staples
Peanut butter and jelly
Flour, sugar, and cornmeal
Cooking oil
Pancake mix and syrup
Shelf-stable milk or milk alternatives
Coffee, tea, or hot cocoa mix
Snacks & Ready-to-Eat Items
Crackers, granola bars, trail mix
Fruit cups, applesauce, pudding cups
Personal Care & Household Items
Soap, toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant
Feminine hygiene products
Toilet paper and paper towels
Baby Care Essentials
Diapers (all sizes)
Baby wipes
Baby formula and infant cereal
Baby food (in jars or pouches)
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 .
If you would like to make a financial contribution, please donate directly to the Community FoodBank of New Jersey, which supports hunger relief organizations across Union County: https://cfbnj.org/.
For more information, please contact Judith Guest at (908) 527-4388 or via email at Judith.Guest@ucnj.org.
La Junta de Comisionados del Condado de Union, en coordinación con la Oficina de Reciclaje y Planificación del Condado de Union, invita a todos los residentes del Condado de Union a unirse a la iniciativa para hacer de esta temporada, tradicionalmente naranja, un poco más ecológica, participando en el Programa de Reciclaje de Calabazas, que regresa este noviembre. Los residentes pueden reciclar sus calabazas talladas, calabazas decorativas y otras calabazas ornamentales desde el lunes 3 de noviembre hasta el viernes 28 de noviembre, en cualquiera de los puntos de recogida participantes durante su horario de atención.
“Nuestro programa de reciclaje de calabazas les da a las calabazas que hemos disfrutado tallando, decorando y exhibiendo esta temporada un nuevo propósito más ecológico. Es una forma más de reducir la carga en nuestros vertederos públicos y mantener nuestro medio ambiente limpio y próspero”, dijo la Presidenta de la Junta de Comisionados del Condado de Union, Lourdes M. Leon. “Invito a los residentes a aprovechar este programa y visitar cualquiera de los puntos de recogida participantes este noviembre para una entrega fácil y conveniente”.
El Programa de Reciclaje de Calabazas de 2025 se llevará a cabo desde el lunes 3 de noviembre hasta el viernes 28 de noviembre en las siguientes seis ubicaciones:
Berkeley Heights DPW facility situada al lado del Town Hall | lunes a Viernes de 6:30 am a 3:00 pm 1er y 3er sábado del mes de 9:00 am hasta el mediodía
Elizabeth 523 Trenton Avenue | lunes a viernes de 8:00 am a 6 pm Sábados de 8:00 am a 4:00 pm | domingos de 8:00 am a 4:00 pm
Kenilworth 401 Sheridan Avenue | viernes de 7:00 am a 2:30 pm 2do sábado del mes de 7:30 am hasta el mediodía
Plainfield 95 Rock Avenue | lunes a viernes de 7:00 am a 3:00 pm (se aceptan hasta las 2:45 pm)
Union Township 1 Swanstrom Place East | lunes a viernes de 8:30 am a 4:00 pm
Westfield 1300 Lamberts Mill Road | lunes a viernes de 9:00 am a 2:30 pm Sábado y domingo de 9:00 am a 3:00 pm
Los residentes de cualquier municipio del Condado de Union pueden utilizar cualquiera de los seis puntos de recogida, independientemente de su lugar de residencia. En estos puntos solo se aceptarán calabazas y calabacines, sin velas ni decoraciones. No se aceptarán otros residuos alimentarios.
Una vez finalizado el Programa de Reciclaje de Calabazas, las calabazas se enviarán a la planta de CORe en Elizabeth, operada por Waste Management. El proceso de reciclaje especializado de la empresa convierte los residuos alimentarios en lodo orgánico, que se utiliza para mejorar la producción de biogás y otros productos renovables en las plantas de tratamiento de aguas residuales locales.
El desperdicio de alimentos es un problema global que contribuye al exceso de emisiones de gases de efecto invernadero, lo que supone una carga financiera para los gobiernos locales en materia de eliminación de residuos. Si bien el mundo desecha aproximadamente 2.500 millones de toneladas de alimentos al año, Estados Unidos desperdicia más alimentos que cualquier otro país, desechando casi 60 millones de toneladas. Esto equivale a 120.000 millones de libras de alimentos al año, lo que se estima que representa casi el 40% del suministro total de alimentos de Estados Unidos. Esto equivale a casi 218.000 millones de dólares, o 130.000 millones de comidas.
Tradicionalmente, los residuos alimentarios se envían a vertederos o se incineran en plantas de valorización energética. Sin embargo, los nuevos sistemas de reciclaje orgánico ofrecen una alternativa más sostenible para gestionar estos residuos. Los residentes también pueden contribuir a reducirlos consumiendo las sobras y donando los alimentos que no utilicen antes de que caduquen.
Para obtener más información, conocer las próximas fechas y cómo llegar a todos los programas y puntos de reciclaje del condado de Union, visite el sitio web de la Oficina de Reciclaje y Planificación. www.ucnj.org/recycle o llamar a la línea de Reciclaje del Condado de Union al 908-654-9889.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners, in coordination with the Union County Bureau of Recycling and Planning, is encouraging all Union County residents to join in making this traditionally orange season a little greener by participating in the Pumpkin Recycling Program, returning this November. Residents can recycle their retired Jack o’ Lanterns, decorative pumpkins, and other gourds from Monday, November 3rd, through Friday, November 28th, at any participating location during its operating hours.
“Our pumpkin recycling program gives the pumpkins we’ve enjoyed carving, decorating, and displaying this season a new, greener purpose. It’s one more way we can reduce the strain on our public landfills and keep our environment clean and flourishing,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon. “I welcome residents to take advantage of this program and visit any of the participating locations this November for an easy and convenient drop off.”
The Pumpkin Recycling Program of 2025 will run from Monday, November 3rd, through Friday, November 28th, at the following six locations:
Berkeley Heights DPW facility located next to Town Hall | Monday through Friday from 6:30 am to 3:00 pm 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month from 9:00 am to noon Elizabeth 523 Trenton Avenue | Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 6 pm Saturdays 8:00 am to 4:00 pm | Sundays 8:00 am to 4:00 pm
Kenilworth 401 Sheridan Avenue | Fridays from 7:00 am to 2:30 pm 2nd Saturday of the month from 7:30 am to noon Plainfield 95 Rock Avenue | Monday through Friday from 7:00 am to 3:00 pm (drop-off until 2:45 pm)
Union Township 1 Swanstrom Place East | Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm
Westfield 1300 Lamberts Mill Road | Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 2:30 pm Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
Residents from any Union County municipality can use any of the six locations, regardless of their hometown. Only pumpkins and gourds will be accepted at these locations, with candles and decorations removed. Other food waste will not be accepted.
When the Pumpkin Recycling Program concludes, the pumpkins will be sent to the CORe facility in Elizabeth, which is operated by Waste Management. The company’s specialized recycling process converts food waste into organic slurry, which is used to enhance the production of biogas and other renewable products at local wastewater treatment plants.
Food Waste is a global issue that contributes to excess greenhouse gas emissions, placing financial burdens on local governments for waste disposal. Although the world discards approximately 2.5 billion tons of food annually, the United States wastes more food than any country, discarding nearly 60 million tons. This amounts to 120 billion pounds of food each year, which is estimated to be almost 40% of the entire US food supply. This is equivalent to almost $218 billion, or 130 billion meals.
Traditionally, food waste is sent to landfills or burned in waste-to-energy facilities. However, new organic recycling systems offer a more sustainable approach to managing food waste. Residents can also help reduce food waste by using up leftovers and donating unused shelf items before their sell-by date expires.
For more information, upcoming dates, and directions to all Union County recycling programs and locations, visit the Bureau of Recycling and Planning website at www.ucnj.org/recycle or call the Union County Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9889.
La Junta de Comisionados del Condado de Union anunció hoy que el Condado brindará asistencia financiera temporal a los hogares inscritos en el Programa de Asistencia Nutricional Suplementaria (SNAP, por sus siglas en inglés) que se vean afectados por la interrupción de los beneficios de SNAP correspondientes a noviembre, causada por el cierre parcial del gobierno federal.
“No permitiremos que las familias del Condado de Union se queden sin alimentos debido a circunstancias ajenas a su control”, declaró la Presidenta de la Junta de Comisionados, Lourdes M. Leon. “SNAP es un apoyo vital para miles de hogares en nuestra comunidad. Si bien no podemos cambiar lo que sucede a nivel federal, podemos garantizar que nuestros residentes reciban apoyo, respeto y protección durante esta interrupción. Cuidar de nuestra comunidad es nuestra prioridad”.
Esta medida de emergencia se toma para asegurar que las familias, los adultos mayores y las personas que dependen de SNAP no se queden sin acceso a la asistencia alimentaria básica mientras no se disponga de fondos federales.
“Este apoyo es una medida transitoria, no una solución definitiva, y queremos dejarlo claro”, afirmó el Presidente del Senado, Nicholas Scutari. “Pero cuando la gente no sabe cómo va a comprar sus próximas víveres, esperar no es una opción. Trabajaré con los líderes estatales para coordinar una planificación más amplia en caso de que el cierre continúe. Mientras tanto, debemos actuar donde podamos, y el Condado de Union ha respondido con responsabilidad y sin dudarlo, demostrando lo que el gobierno debe hacer en un momento de necesidad: proteger a nuestros residentes, actuar con decisión y garantizar que nadie se quede sin apoyo. Y mientras superamos esto juntos, los animo a todos a cuidarnos mutuamente: familias, adultos mayores, vecinos y amigos. Nadie en el Condado de Union debería enfrentar dificultades solo”.
Se están ultimando los detalles de los eventos de distribución, que se llevarán a cabo de lunes a viernes de la próxima semana. Una vez confirmados los detalles, el Condado notificará directamente a los hogares beneficiarios del SNAP y publicará toda la información en www.ucnj.org y en los canales de comunicación oficiales del Condado. Esta ayuda temporal es para los beneficiarios actuales del SNAP afectados por el cierre y no reemplaza los beneficios una vez que se reanuden los fondos federales.
“El Condado de Union puede intervenir en este momento crítico porque hemos gestionado nuestras finanzas de manera responsable y con previsión”, declaró el Administrador del Condado, Edward T. Oatman. “Donde el gobierno federal no ha actuado, estamos preparados para apoyar a nuestros residentes. Estamos actuando con rapidez y de forma coordinada para garantizar que esta ayuda se distribuya de forma segura, eficiente y digna”.
Se recomienda a los residentes inscritos en SNAP que sigan consultando el saldo de su tarjeta EBT en NJFamiliesFirst.com o llamando al 1-800-997-3333, y que continúen presentando toda la documentación para que los beneficios se reanuden inmediatamente una vez que se restablezcan los fondos federales.
Se publicarán actualizaciones oficiales en www.ucnj.org a medida que haya más información disponible.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners announced today 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 at ucnj.org as additional details become available.
Under the terms of the “Open Public Meetings Act P.L. 1975, C. 231 and N.J.S.A. 10:4-6 et seq., please be advised that it is necessary for the Union County Board of County Commissioners to hold an Emergency Special Meeting on Friday, October 31, 2025 at 1:00 pm at the Union County Administration Building, 10 Elizabethtown Plaza, Elizabeth, New Jersey.
Official action will be taken relative to the following resolution:
Authorizing emergency funds for distribution in the amount not to exceed $5,000,000 to limit the interruption caused by the federal shutdown which affects issuance of supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits and provide assistance to eligible Union County residents
James E. Pellettiere Clerk of the Board Union County Board of County Commissioners
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the County of Union has filed a request with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection proposing to divert 0.27 acres of easements and dispose of 0.02 acres of fee simple from land in Rahway River Parkway (Block 406/Lot 20, Block 2508/Lot 4, Block 3617/Lot 1, Block 908/Lot 16) to the NJ Dept. of Transportation, in connection with the Morris Avenue (Route 82) Bridge replacement over Rahway River. As compensation for the proposed diversion/disposal, Union County proposes monetary compensation.
Pursuant to NJAC 7:36-26.6(c), a hearing to obtain public comment on this request will be held on Tuesday, December 2, 2025 at 6:00PM at the Springfield Municipal Building, 100 Mountain Ave., Springfield, NJ.
All information submitted by the County to the Department in support of the proposed diversion is available for public review at the Clerk’s Office of the Township of Springfield, 100 Mountain Ave., Springfield, NJ; and the Springfield Public Library, 66 Mountain Ave., Springfield, NJ; or the Department of Environmental Protection, Office of Transactions and Public Land Administration, Public Land Compliance Section, 401 E. State St., 7th Floor, Mail code 401-07, P.O. Box 420 Trenton, NJ 08625-0420, (609) 940-4400.
Written comment on the proposed diversion may be directed to the County of Union, County Counsel’s Office, Administration Building, 10 Elizabethtown Plaza, Elizabeth, NJ 07207, Attn: Kevin Campbell, Esq., (908) 527-4250. Please send a copy of any comments submitted on this request to the Department of Environmental Protection at the address above or by email to PublicLandCompliance@dep.nj.gov. Please include “SHC2000026” in the subject line of any comments emailed to the Department.
Public comment on this request will be accepted during the public hearing or until December 16, 2025.
