LEONIA — As the federal government shutdown stretches into its fifth week, Bergen County will host an emergency food distribution event on Thursday, Nov. 6, at Overpeck County Park to assist SNAP recipient households and furloughed federal employees impacted by the ongoing crisis.
With federal workers now entering a second month without paychecks and nearly 42,000 Bergen County residents facing a delay in SNAP benefits, the Bergen County Office of Food Security, in partnership with the Community FoodBank of New Jersey, is mobilizing to meet the immediate needs of local families.
“Thousands of hardworking families and public servants are being left in the lurch through no fault of their own,” said County Executive Jim Tedesco. “Federal workers have gone a month without pay, and SNAP recipients are caught in political crossfire. Bergen County won’t stand by while our neighbors go hungry — we’re stepping up to fill the gap and make sure no one is left behind.”
“We are coordinating emergency food drives with municipal partners in 51 Bergen County towns and counting, as we strive to support our local food pantries, which are meeting unprecedented levels of need,” said County Commissioner Tracy Zur. “If you have the ability to donate time, food or funds, please consider doing so. Our neighbors need us.”
Emergency food distribution details
In response to the federal government shutdown and freeze of SNAP benefits, the County of Bergen, in partnership with the Community FoodBank of New Jersey, will hold an emergency food distribution on Thursday, Nov. 6, at Overpeck County Park for SNAP recipient households and furloughed federal employees in Bergen County.
Eligibility requirements
To receive assistance, participants must provide:
- Physical proof of Bergen County residency
- A valid SNAP/NJ Families First card or federal employee ID card
Due to the limited allocation for this distribution, these eligibility guidelines will be strictly enforced.
Event logistics
- Location: Enter Overpeck County Park at 40 Fort Lee Road, Leonia
- Time: Distribution will begin at approximately 10 a.m. in the Overpeck Amphitheater parking lot
- Format: Drive-thru only — participants must be in a vehicle to receive assistance
- Important: All other park entrances will be closed; vehicles must enter at 40 Fort Lee Road.
Supplies are extremely limited, and assistance will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis. For those who arrive after supplies have been distributed, information about additional food assistance resources will be available from the Bergen County Office of Food Security.
According to New Jersey State Health Assessment Data, approximately 84,000 Bergen County residents experience food insecurity. In 2024, more than 60 percent of local pantries reported increased demand, with average growth of 20 percent or more. The shutdown’s disruption of federal nutrition programs and worker pay is expected to further strain local food systems.
Residents in need of food assistance can find a pantry near them using the Bergen County Food Pantry Finder at BergenFightsHunger.org/Food-Pantry-Finder.
Those looking to volunteer or donate can also visit BergenFightsHunger.org.
Organizations interested in partnering in the Nov. 6 distribution or other emergency food efforts can contact the Bergen County Office of Food Security at officeoffoodsecurity@bergencountynj.gov.