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.
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.
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.
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.
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the County of Union has filed a request with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection proposing to divert 0.016 acres of easement area to substantiate the extension of a sewer main emergency repairs from year 2010, in Rahway River Park, Block 1501 Lot 1, Springfield, NJ. As compensation for the proposed diversion, Springfield Township proposes monetary compensation to Union County.
Pursuant to NJAC 7:36-26.11 (e), a hearing to obtain public comment on this request will be held on Tuesday, December 2, 2025 at 7:00PM 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; 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 “SHC2000040” 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.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners is proud to announce the 2025 grant awards under the Union County Open Space, Recreation, and Historic Preservation Trust Fund. This year, more than $1.14 million has been allocated to municipalities and local organizations through three countywide programs: the Kids Recreation Trust Fund, Greening Union County, and Preserve Union County.
These grants support the development of parks and recreation facilities, expand tree planting and environmental sustainability efforts, and help restore and protect the historic sites that shape Union County’s cultural heritage.
“Each year, these grant programs strengthen the public spaces that bring our communities together,” said Commissioner Chair Lourdes M. Leon. “From playground improvements and trail enhancements, to tree planting and historic preservation, these investments reflect our commitment to supporting families, improving quality of life, and maintaining the character and history that make Union County unique. We are proud to partner with our municipalities and organizations as they continue to build vibrant, welcoming, and sustainable neighborhoods for all residents.”
This year’s funding supports local projects in every corner of Union County, including:
Kids Recreation Trust Fund: $784,800.00 awarded to municipalities to improve playgrounds, athletic fields, courts, walking paths, and other recreational facilities for children and families.
Greening Union County:$100,000 awarded for the planting of trees in public spaces to support environmental health and beautification efforts.
Preserve Union County: $298,902.00 awarded to historical societies, museums, and landmark stewards for restoration, preservation, and educational enhancements.
“As Chairman of the Open Space, Recreation, and Historic Preservation Trust Fund Committee, it is an honor to see the continued impact these grants have across our County,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados. “These investments create opportunity — for children to play in safe and modern facilities, for families to enjoy cleaner and greener parks, and for our seniors to stay active and connected in the communities they helped build. They also ensure the stories and history that define Union County are preserved for future generations. Together, we are building communities that are healthier, more resilient, and more vibrant.”
In his remarks on October 23rd’s Union County Board of County Commissioner’s meeting, Commissioner Granados also recognized the work of his fellow committee members Commissioners Bette Jane Kowalski, Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded, and Rebecca Williams, as well as the Office of Open Space, Recreation, and Historic Preservation Trust Fund, led by Director Victoria Durbin-Drake, Angelica Cedeño and Victoria Rendon, for their leadership and oversight in bringing this year’s funding forward.
2025 Grant Awards Include:
Kids Recreation Trust Fund
Berkeley Heights – $35,000
Clark – $12,000
Cranford – $65,000
Elizabeth – $155,000
Fanwood – $2,800
Garwood – $35,000
Kenilworth – $60,000
Linden – $75,000
Mountainside – $40,000
New Providence – $20,000
Rahway – $70,000
Roselle – $30,000
Scotch Plains – $50,000
Springfield – $40,000
Union – $50,000
Westfield – $45,000
Greening Union County
Berkeley Heights – $3,400
Clark – $4,000
Cranford – $10,000
Elizabeth – $25,000
Garwood – $4,000
Kenilworth – $4,000
New Providence – $3,000
Plainfield – $12,000
Rahway – $6,000
Roselle Park – $8,000
Scotch Plains – $5,000
Springfield – $8,000
Westfield – $7,600
Preserve Union County
Berkeley Heights – $20,000
Clark – $15,000
Cranford Historical Society – $9,902
Fanwood – $15,000
Fanwood-Scotch Plains Rotary Club – $40,000
Kenilworth Historical Society – $40,000
Plainfield–Jerusalem Lodge No. 26 – $40,000
Rahway – Merchant & Drovers Tavern Museum – $42,500
Scotch Plains – $30,000
The Fortnightly Club of Summit – $30,000
Union Township Historical Society – $1,500
Liberty Hall Museum (Union) – $15,000
Funding for these programs is provided through the Union County Open Space, Recreation and Historic Preservation Trust Fund.
For more information, please contact Angelica Cedeno, Deputy Administrator, at acedeno@ucnj.org or call 908-558-2279.
The Union County Clerk’s Office has announced the opening of its two offices on Saturday, November 1, for any Union County residents who wish to pick up a vote-by-mail (VBM) ballot ahead of the 2025 General Election.
Residents may pick up a mail-in ballot, fill it out in a privacy booth, and deposit it in a locked box at either of the following locations from 9:00 a.m. through 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 1st:
Elizabeth – Union County Courthouse, Room 113 – 2 Broad Street
Westfield – Union County Colleen Fraser Building – 300 North Avenue East
Those intending to cast their vote via a mail-in ballot have the option to place it in any of the 24 secure drop boxes located throughout Union County, or they can personally deliver it to the Union County Board of Elections at 271 North Broad Street in Elizabeth, or the Union County Clerk’s Office at 2 Broad Street, Room 113 in Elizabeth, and 300 North Avenue East in Westfield.
To submit a ballot in person, voters are required to show a valid ID or driver’s license issued in the state of New Jersey. To check to ensure your ballot has been received by the Union County Board of Elections, go to the Track My Ballot link on the www.njelections.org website.
Voters who choose to vote in person on Election Day, November 4th, must use their designated polling place, which is located on their sample ballot.
For a complete list of drop box locations and an online polling place finder, visit the County Clerk website at unioncountyvotes.com.
For more information about the County Clerk’s election services, contact the Elections Division at 908-527-4996 or ucvote@ucnj.org.
