SOUTH JERSEY (KYW Newsradio) — In New Jersey, about 800,000 people rely on SNAP benefits, and elected officials and some business owners are trying to fill the gaps.
Governor Phil Murphy announced more than $42 million is being accelerated to food pantries statewide, including more than $6 million for the Food Bank of South Jersey.
Assemblywoman Andrea Katz said the Burlington County Institute of Technology and the Special Services School District will continue to provide free breakfast and lunch to eligible students for as long as the federal shutdown lasts.
“I do have calls out to other school districts here in the county, and I’m hoping that this example will be set for all of them to continue to make sure that their students don’t see any interruption to their lunch and breakfast services in the schools,” she said.
In Atlantic City, the owner of the Baltimore Grill announced on social media that they will provide free meals for kids when families show their SNAP cards.
Officials statewide urge residents who can to donate to their local food banks to ensure there is enough supply to serve all of the people who need help.
“There’s a lot of food drives, a lot of people are coming together to make sure that our food pantries and food kitchens have what they need to support the increased demand that we’re going to be seeing as a result of this,” said Katz.