WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Agriculture says it will partially fund Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits through November, averting — for now — a complete halt in aid to more than 800,000 New Jersey residents.
The announcement followed rulings by two federal judges ordering the Trump administration to continue SNAP operations using available contingency funds while the shutdown enters its second month. Without those orders, the program — which serves roughly one in eight Americans — would have been paused over the weekend.
According to filings made public Monday, the USDA plans to draw down about $4.65 billion in emergency reserves to issue partial payments to current recipients. Officials said roughly $8 billion would have been required to cover full benefits for November.
“The department will comply fully with the court’s rulings,” a USDA spokesperson said, noting that the agency is working with states to calculate adjusted benefit amounts. It was not immediately clear when Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards will be reloaded.
The contingency move keeps SNAP afloat — barely. USDA officials warned that the fund’s depletion leaves “no cushion” for new applicants, disaster relief, or a future shutdown extension.
Local Impact and How to Help
In Bergen County, more than 40,000 residents depend on SNAP to help feed their families. With November benefits reduced and delayed, food insecurity is expected to rise — and local organizations are already stepping up.
Bergen Volunteers, based in Paramus, has issued an urgent appeal for community assistance.
“We have neighbors in need of food and support, and you can help,” said Shara Nadler, CEO of Bergen Volunteers. “Together, we can make an impact and help families and individuals who need us now.”
Residents can:
- Shop the Bergen Volunteers Emergency Food List to donate directly to local food pantries feeding families in Bergen County.
- Volunteer through Bergen Volunteers’ GetConnected portal to assist with food distribution and community outreach.
The Bergen County Office of Food Security is also coordinating with partner agencies and food pantries to meet growing demand. (See “Bergen County emergency food distribution at Overpeck on Nov. 6; partners needed.”)
Residents receiving SNAP are urged to monitor their EBT accounts and check for updates at nj.gov/humanservices.