New Jersey issued full November 2025 Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to eligible households on the morning of Friday, November 7, following a federal court ruling.
SNAP recipients are encouraged to check their Families First EBT cards at NJFamiliesFirst.com or by calling (800) 997-3333 to confirm their balances and use their benefits as needed.
SNAP benefits loaded on your Families First EBT card prior to Oct. 31 remain available for use as well.
New Jersey continues to monitor developments and will continue to provide updates at NJSNAP.gov as needed. Additional assistance for SNAP households during the ongoing federal shutdown is available at NJ.gov/SNAPshutdown.
Under the terms of the Open Public Meetings Act P.L. 1975, C. 231, and pursuant to requirements of N.J.S.A 10: 4-10, please be advised that circumstances necessitate amending the 2025 Meeting Schedule of the Union County Board of County Commissioners.
As such, the Union County Board of County Commissioners is advising the public, in accordance with the law, the cancellation of both the Agenda Setting Session and the Regular Meeting of Thursday, November 13, 2025. The aforementioned meetings will not be rescheduled.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners announced today that the County of Union will fully supply the food that will be distributed by the Borough of Roselle to students who receive free and reduced-price school lunches during the district’s closure this week. This action is being taken at the direction of the New Jersey Department of Human Services to ensure that eligible students continue to have access to nutritious meals while school buildings are closed.
According to data provided by the State of New Jersey, Roselle has approximately 1,412 households currently receiving SNAP benefits and an estimated 2,346 school-aged children enrolled in free or reduced-price meal programs. The County’s support is intended to bridge the temporary gap in meal access during this closure period, so families do not face additional hardship.
“Ensuring that every child has access to food is a basic responsibility we take seriously,” said Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes Leon. “We are grateful to Mayor Donald Shaw and his team for their swift coordination and for working closely with us to make sure families have what they need during this temporary closure.”
Roselle will oversee all aspects of the distribution locally and will identify eligible students directly through district records. Each qualifying student will receive shelf-stable food items covering both breakfast and lunch for a full school week while classes are not in session. Distribution will be conducted by Roselle, and families will receive details through official Borough and school district communications.
“The needs in our community are great, but together we can overcome them. We’re truly grateful for our partnership with Union County and for the teamwork that makes progress possible. I’m deeply thankful to our County Commissioners, County Manager Ed Oatman, Borough Business Administrator Christopher Laba, Councilwoman Denise Wilkerson, Dr. Nathan Fisher, and Derek Reese for their tireless work and support with this initiative, says Mayor Donald Shaw.”
The County also extends its appreciation to Village Super Market (operators of the ShopRite’s of Watchung, Union, Elizabeth and Garwood in Union County), which worked closely with Union County to quickly source and prepare the large quantity of meal items required for this effort. Their rapid coordination allowed the County and Roselle to move forward without delay.
“Union County is committed to protecting our most vulnerable residents, especially our children,” said County Manager Edward T. Oatman. “Because of the County’s strong financial standing, we are able to respond quickly to the State’s request and ensure that no child in Roselle goes without meals simply because school buildings are closed. We appreciate the partnership of Mayor Shaw & his leadership team as they work directly with families to distribute these resources.”
State data indicates that Roselle has a high percentage of students who qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, making continued access to school meal equivalents essential during periods when buildings are closed. This temporary support will remain in place only for the duration of the closure week.
Further information will be shared directly to Roselle families through Borough and school district communication channels.
Reminder for SNAP recipients who have a Protective Payee (Seniors & Individuals with Disabilities):
Thursday, November 6th and tomorrow, Friday, November 7th, are the final days to access this assistance, as the program is not scheduled to continue beyond this week.
Because November SNAP benefits were delayed at the federal level, Union County has been providing temporary financial assistance this week to help bridge the gap. We encourage anyone who still needs support while November benefits finish processing to come in.
7:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Union County Administration Building – 10 Elizabethtown Plaza, Elizabeth Assemblyman Gerald Green Plaza – 200 West 2nd Street, Plainfield
The Protective Payee must bring:
• Two forms of ID • The Families First (EBT) card associated with the case • The SNAP case number
Union County is sharing this reminder to help ensure that any resident who may need this support is aware of the temporary program — please share.
Reminder for Union County SNAP Recipients:
Thursday, November 6th and Friday, November 7th, are the final days to access this assistance, as the program is not scheduled to continue beyond this week.
Due to the federal delay in November SNAP processing, temporary financial support has been available this week to help bridge the gap. We encourage anyone who still needs support while November benefits finish processing to come in.
7:30 AM – 5:00 PM Union County Administration Building – 10 Elizabethtown Plaza, Elizabeth Assemblyman Gerald Green Plaza – 200 West 2nd Street, Plainfield
To receive assistance, you must bring:
• Families First (EBT) card • SNAP case number • Valid photo ID • Must be the Head of Household listed on the case
The Union County Board of County Commissioners announced today that 672 pounds of processed venison harvested through its Deer Management Program has been donated to the Community FoodBank of New Jersey (CFBNJ) in Hillside. The venison will be distributed to food pantries and community partners that help feed families experiencing food insecurity across Union County.
“Every family deserves access to nutritious, high-quality food. This donation reflects our commitment to caring for our community and ensuring that no one is left behind,” said Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes Leon. “We are grateful to the Community FoodBank of New Jersey for their partnership and proud that this program supports our residents while preserving the natural spaces that make Union County such a special place to live.”
This donation supports CFBNJ’s mission to provide nutritious food throughout the region while also advancing the County’s efforts to protect public safety, promote healthy forests, and maintain balanced wildlife populations in its park system. The Deer Management Program is administered by the Department of Engineering, Public Works & Facilities Management and utilizes trained, licensed volunteer archery hunters to safely and responsibly reduce and stabilize deer populations in designated County and municipal park properties.
Over time, an overpopulation of white-tailed deer can damage native vegetation, prevent forest regeneration, increase roadway collisions, and reduce the overall ecological health of natural lands. The County’s program is designed to maintain deer populations at sustainable levels recommended by forest ecologists, while ensuring public safety and environmental balance.
“This program is grounded in responsible management and long-term planning,” said Edward T. Oatman, Union County Manager. “By managing deer populations responsibly, we are protecting our forests, reducing vehicle collisions, and helping prevent the spread of tick-borne illnesses. At the same time, we are providing a healthy, locally sourced food supply to families in need through our partnership with the Community FoodBank of New Jersey. It’s a thoughtful approach to stewardship and community care.”
All venison donated through the program is processed at a USDA-certified facility, ensuring safety and quality. In recent seasons, the Deer Management Program has donated several thousand pounds of venison to CFBNJ — providing tens of thousands of meals to residents.
The Community FoodBank of New Jersey, headquartered in Hillside, serves more than 800,000 New Jersey residents each year through food distribution, support programs, and partnerships with local food pantries, shelters, and community organizations. To learn more or support their work, visit: www.cfbnj.org.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners today announced the expansion of the countywide “Stock the Shelves” food drive, with additional municipal partners, local businesses and drop-off locations now available for residents who wish to support families and individuals experiencing hardship during the ongoing federal government shutdown. The effort continues to support households affected by the temporary interruption of November SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits, as well as federal workers currently impacted.
“Union County continues to step up for our community,” said Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon. “As more residents, organizations, and municipalities join this effort, we strengthen the support network for families who are struggling. Every donation, no matter the size, makes a difference.”
Since launching last week, the County has partnered with municipal offices across Union County to provide additional donation drop-off sites. Residents are encouraged to donate non-perishable food and essential household items at any participating location.
Current Donation Drop-Off Locations: This list will continue to grow as additional partners are confirmed. Please check www.ucnj.org/food-drive for the latest updates.
Berkeley Heights – Municipal Complex 29 Park Avenue
Elizabeth – County Prosecutor Building 32 Rahway Avenue
Elizabeth – Gateway Family YMCA 135 Madison Avenue
Fanwood – Memorial Library 5 Forest Road
Scotch Plains – County Engineering Building 2325 South Avenue
Scotch Plains – Scotch Plains Municipal Building 430 Park Avenue
Scotch Plains – Scotch Plains Dept. of Public Works 2445 Plainfield Avenue
Scotch Plains – Scotch Plains Public Library 1927 Bartle Avenue
Garwood – Borough Hall 403 South Avenue
Mountainside – Trailside Nature & Science Center 452 New Providence Road
Plainfield – City Hall 515 Watchung Avenue
Rahway – Gateway Family YMCA 1564 Irving Street
Rahway – City Hall 1 City Hall Plaza
Roselle – Warinanco Sports Center 1 Park Drive
Roselle Park – Casano Community Center 314 Chestnut Street
Summit – UPS Store 55 Union Place
Union – Gateway Family YMCA 1000 Galloping Hill Road
Union – Colombian Club 1034 Jeanette Avenue
Westfield – County Public Safety Building 400 North Avenue East
Westfield – Municipal Building 425 East Broad Street
“We are incredibly grateful to our municipal partners, local businesses, organizations and of course our residents for stepping forward so quickly,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados, Liaison to the Union County Human Services Advisory Council. “This is what community looks like — neighbors helping neighbors, local organizations working side-by-side, and public agencies coordinating to ensure that no family is left without support.”
All donations must be non-perishable, unopened, and within expiration dates.
Any organizations and businesses interested in participating may 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, along with the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation, invite all county residents to ring in the holiday season on the ice rink with Santa Claus at “Celebrate the Season,” Union County’s annual celebration at Warinanco Sports Center on Sunday, December 7th.
“Celebrate the Season is a winter staple in Union County, and it continues to bring holiday cheer to our residents year after year,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon. “No December is complete without a day filled with ice skating, hot chocolate and a visit from Santa. Traditions like these keep Union County filled with holiday magic for all ages.”
This year’s Celebrate the Season will be taking place in three sessions within the hours of 11:00am to 6:30pm:
Session 1 11:00am – 1:00 pm
Session 2 1:45 pm – 3:45 pm
Session 3 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm
Admission is $8.00 per person and includes entry for a two–hour session, one (1) skate rental, along with hot chocolate and cookies. Tickets must be purchased in advance at www.warinancopark.com and will not be available at the door. Everyone entering the building must have a ticket, whether or not they skate. Children under 2 years of age are free. Space is limited to 275 people.
The Warinanco Sports Center is located in Warinanco Park, 1 Park Drive in Roselle, off St. Georges Avenue. For more information about this event, please visit warinancopark.com or call 908-298-7850.
To learn more about the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation and its programs, please visit www.ucnj.org/parks-recreation. To stay informed about County events, services, and offerings, download the free Explore Union County mobile app.
The Union County Human Relations Commission (UCHRC) is sponsoring a free, virtual, bilingual educational webinar to help residents understand their rights under New Jersey’s housing discrimination laws and learn what steps to take if they experience discrimination.
The webinars, presented by the New Jersey Division on Civil Rights, will be held via Zoom from 6:00PM to 7:30 PM, in English on Monday, November 10th, and in Spanish on Thursday, November 13th.
Pre-registration is required.
“We’re proud to partner with the New Jersey Division on Civil Rights (NJDCR) to offer these webinars,” said UCHRC Co-Chair Flor Gonzalez, who also serves as president of Plainfield’s Latin American Coalition.
“Housing discrimination in New Jersey is illegal, with strong protections enforced by the NJDCR,” she added. “Residents need to know they’re protected by two powerful laws — New Jersey’s Law Against Discrimination (LAD), and the Fair Chance in Housing Act (FCHA) — and understand what actions they can take if they believe they have been discriminated against.”
New Jersey’s LAD prohibits housing discrimination in the sale, rental, or financing of housing based on protected characteristics including a person’s race, color, religion, creed, national origin, nationality or ancestry, sex, pregnancy or breastfeeding, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, familial status (such as having children under the age of 18), marital status or domestic partnership/civil union status, military service liability, and/or source of lawful income (including rental assistance such as Section 8.)
“The law applies to all housing providers, including landlords, property managers, real estate agents, brokers, condo associations, and lenders, among others,” said UCHRC Co-Chair Chanell Johnson, an Assistant Prosecutor with the Union County Prosecutor’s Office, which created the UCHRC in 1991.
“Examples of discrimination include refusing to rent to someone using a housing voucher, advertising “no kids” or “working professionals only,” charging higher rent based on race or nationality, or steering tenants to certain areas based on ethnicity,” Johnson added.
The webinar will also cover the FCHA, common forms of housing discrimination, and how to file a civil rights complaint through the New Jersey Division on Civil Rights.
The New Jersey Division on Civil Rights works to prevent, remedy, and eliminate discrimination and bias-based harassment, and offers a wide variety of Interactive virtual and in-person training. For more information, visit the New Jersey Attorney General’s website at https://www.njoag.gov/about/divisions-and-offices/division-on-civil-rights-home/.
For more information about the Union County Human Relations Commission, visit www.ucnj.org/uchrc, or email UCPO@UCPO.com (SUBJECT LINE UCHRC).
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 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.
