By: Richard L. Smith
As the federal government shutdown continues, threatening to cut off SNAP food assistance for millions of Americans, officials in East Orange are stepping forward with a coordinated plan to make sure no one in their community goes hungry.
According to information released by city leaders, Mayor Ted R. Green, the East Orange City Council, and a coalition of community partners held a press conference announcing a strategic action plan to support families, seniors, and individuals who may lose vital benefits.
The effort will unite the East Orange School District, the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Recreation and Cultural Affairs, the Division of Senior Services, the W.I.C. Program, and the Mayor’s Office of Employment & Training to ensure food access, emergency aid, and outreach are available to residents who need it most.
City officials estimate that nearly 5,000 East Orange residents could be directly affected by the suspension of federal SNAP funding.
Mayor Green called on the community to rally together, saying, “I am issuing a call to action for the full mobilization of our entire city, every resident, homeowner, city employee, entrepreneur, nonprofit, faith leader, and community partner—to stand together and ensure that no one in East Orange is hungry.”
The crisis taking place in East Orange mirrors what is being reported nationally.
NPR and other outlets have noted that food banks across the country are bracing for an influx of families as SNAP benefits are disrupted, with experts warning that the shutdown could worsen food insecurity in already vulnerable communities.
Rising grocery costs and limited access to affordable healthy food are putting additional strain on urban neighborhoods like East Orange, where thousands of residents rely on federal assistance to put meals on the table.
The city’s response has drawn the support of state and community leaders including State Senator Britnee Timberlake, City Council Chair Vernon Pullins, Jr., Superintendent Dr. Christopher Irving, Bishop Wayne N. Bullock of Guiding Star Church, and senior and nutrition advocates Rita Butts-Stephens and Chesney Blue.
Together, they plan to present a unified front and outline next steps for keeping food and resources flowing to the most vulnerable households.
With the shutdown showing no signs of resolution, East Orange officials say the city will remain vigilant and proactive in meeting the needs of its residents, modeling how local governments can rise to confront a national crisis.