Board hears SNAP/ABAWD screening changes and state cost implications tied to 'Big Beautiful Bill'

Donna briefed the board on the local impact of the 'Big Beautiful Bill' and changes to ABAWD (able‑bodied adults without dependents) screening for SNAP. She said eligibility‑screening workers will ask consumers whether they have a barrier to work and may observe visible disabilities; exemptions will last three months without a provider letter. "The State will pick up the 25% cost share for SNAP that is now being required by the Federal government," Donna said, and the cost to the State of New Jersey was described in the meeting as approximately $71 million; Donna added the state is covering that share for one year and Cape May County could shoulder a share in the future.