New Jersey Responds to SNAP Funding Crisis Amid Government Shutdown

TRENTON, N.J. — New Jersey officials are moving to support residents affected by the Trump Administration’s decision to halt funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) amidst a federal government shutdown. On October 30, 2025, Governor Phil Murphy, Senate President Nick Scutari, and Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin announced the acceleration of food and hunger grants to Emergency Food Organizations (EFOs) in light of this unprecedented situation.

As the shutdown nears its 30th day, more than 800,000 New Jersey residents across 400,000 households stand to lose access to essential food resources. Nearly half of those impacted are children, one in three have a disability, and one in five are over the age of 60. Despite approximately $6 billion in available federal SNAP contingency funds, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) confirmed that it would not provide SNAP benefits starting November 1, 2025.

Governor Murphy criticized the federal government’s failure to support vulnerable families, stating, “In communities across our state, food banks are on the front lines combating food insecurity. We are proud to deliver funding to support their operations, especially at a time of increased uncertainty.”

New Jersey has filed a lawsuit against the USDA and Secretary Brooke Rollins, demanding the release of SNAP funds that are crucial for families in need. “The impending cutoff of vital food assistance is an affront to our core values,” Senate President Scutari added, emphasizing the importance of SNAP benefits for families.

To address the situation, the state has expedited grants to food banks, totaling $42.5 million, to help meet the expected surge in demand. Notable allocations include $22.5 million to the Community Food Bank of New Jersey and $6.375 million each to the Food Bank of South Jersey and Fulfill Monmouth & Ocean.

Human Services Commissioner Sarah Adelman highlighted the urgent need for action: “For the first time in history, the federal government has failed to fund the SNAP program, leaving over 800,000 New Jerseyans uncertain about where their next meal will come from.”

Secretary of Agriculture Ed Wengryn emphasized the role food banks play in linking local farmers to families in need. “By accelerating grant funding, we ensure Emergency Food Organizations have the resources necessary to respond to our communities’ needs,” he said.

Despite the crisis, SNAP recipients can still access any funds remaining from October 2025. Families with children receiving SNAP benefits are automatically eligible for free school meals, a critical resource during this challenging time.

The Murphy Administration is committed to regularly monitoring the impacts of the federal shutdown on food security and will continue to provide updates and resources for residents in need.