Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla and the City of Hoboken today called on the federal government and the US Department of Agriculture to immediately release all contingency funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) following the unanimous adoption of a resolution by the Hoboken City Council on Nov. 5. The action comes as the ongoing federal government shutdown reaches 37 days, the longest in U.S. history, with the federal government reporting on Nov. 3 that it will issue partial SNAP benefits and state officials currently reviewing guidance on how those benefits will be calculated.
“Access to food is a basic human right, and no family should ever face hunger because of the on going political gridlock in Washington,” said Mayor Bhalla. “I am proud that Hoboken stands united in calling for the immediate release of all SNAP funding and in supporting our community through this difficult time. We will continue to do everything in our power to protect our most vulnerable residents.”
The Hoboken Community Center Pantry will hold its next community food distribution tomorrow, Nov. 7, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Hoboken Community Center at 1301 Washington St., the Multi-Service Center at 124 Grand St., and the Hoboken Housing Authority at 221 Jackson St. An additional distribution will take place on Friday, Nov. 21, from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. at the same locations.
The Hoboken Community Center Pantry provides free groceries and household items to community members in need. Donations of shelf-stable foods and household supplies are welcome, as are monetary contributions and volunteers to assist with packing and distribution. More information, including opportunities to donate or volunteer, can be found at hobokencc.org.
As part of the City’s ongoing efforts to support residents affected by the SNAP funding lapse, the City’s Office of Constituent Services is collecting donations for the Hoboken Community Center Pantry, Hoboken Shelter, and St. Matthew’s Lunchtime Ministry through Dec. 31. Items such as dried pasta, instant oatmeal, canned tuna, and canned chicken as well as full-sized toothpaste, bars of soap, and clean reusable tupperware containers can be donated at Hoboken City Hall, 94 Washington St., between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Residents seeking additional food assistance may visit local programs such as St. Matthew’s Lunchtime Ministry at 731 Washington St., which provides hot meals Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., or the Hoboken Shelter at 300 Bloomfield St., which offers meals daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. for those experiencing homelessness.
The Community Food Bank of New Jersey maintains an online directory of food pantries and services at cfbnj.org/find-foods-services.
Statewide food access information can be found at nj.gov/basicneeds/food/get-food-this-week.shtml, and a listing of Hudson County food pantries and meal programs is available at needhelppayingbills.com.
Residents are encouraged to visit the New Jersey SNAP website at nj.gov/humanservices/njsnap for the latest updates as this situation develops.
Community members in need of assistance can also contact the City’s social worker Bianca Hoffer at bhoffer@hobokennj.gov or (201) 420-2000 Ext. 1083.
