By: Richard L. Smith
Although a federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to release Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funds using the USDA’s contingency account, many New Jersey families are still weeks away from seeing help and the payments they do receive will likely be smaller than usual.
The ruling followed a multistate legal challenge led in part by New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin, who argued that the federal government had an obligation to keep food benefits flowing during the shutdown.
The court agreed, directing the administration to draw from existing contingency reserves.
However, officials confirmed that only about 50 percent of normal SNAP benefits will be funded for now.
Across our state, New Jersey, where roughly 827,000 residents depend on SNAP each month, local food banks and families are bracing for a difficult November.
With Thanksgiving approaching, the delays could mean empty shelves and longer lines at community pantries.
State officials estimate it could take up to two weeks for new funding to reach recipients’ EBT cards once the USDA processes the payments.
For now, many residents say something is better than nothin, but they’re urging both political sides to return to the table and work toward a full, permanent funding solution.
Until then, social service agencies and local charities across the state are stepping up to fill the gap, reminding families to check balances regularly and seek temporary assistance while the system catches up.