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Hunterdon County approves $200,000 to feed SNAP-eligible residents during federal shutdown
Summary
The Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a $200,000 appropriation to mount a drive-through food distribution and provide grants to local food pantries to support roughly 2,000 SNAP-eligible households during the federal government shutdown; the first point-of-distribution event is scheduled for Nov. 7.
The Hunterdon County Board of Commissioners approved a $200,000 emergency appropriation on Nov. 5 to support SNAP-eligible residents affected by the federal government shutdown.
Administrator Meyer told the board county staff had convened a task force and arranged a drive-through point-of-distribution (POD) at the county Hazmat building on Nov. 7, working with ShopRite and other partners to assemble truckloads of food aligned with USDA MyPlate standards. Meyer said a refrigerated truck will be provided at no cost to the county for perishable goods, and any leftover product will be distributed through local food pantries, which will also receive grant backstops to keep shelves stocked.
Deputy Director Van Doren summarized planning steps taken by the county’s human services, health department, OEM, public safety, purchasing and finance divisions and said the effort is the largest mobilization since COVID for the county. Director Lanza emphasized the county’s intent, saying, “we're not gonna let them go hungry, because of the shutdown.”
The resolution directs county staff to proceed with the POD and the pantry grants and was approved by roll call. Meyer said the county had identified roughly 2,000 SNAP-eligible households and that the appropriation would fund the first phase of assistance; the board noted the action is a short-term response contingent on how long the federal situation continues.
Next steps: the county will stage the distribution event on Friday, Nov. 7, and staff will provide updates as the program is executed and as state or federal guidance changes.
