SNAP Supports Food Security in SOMA
800,000 people in New Jersey participate in SNAP. Click here to read more, authored by NPR.
Written By: Meredith Higgins
Unfortunately, our most vulnerable community members are at risk again. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) began during the Great Depression and has not been interrupted, until today. TODAY we witness 42 million citizens lose food security, including a close family member of mine who lives in another state.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2023 5-year Estimate Map, in Essex County alone, 14.5% of households receive SNAP benefits. This includes seniors, individuals with disabilities, and families. Maplewood and South Orange are part of that 14.5% of households.
Thankfully, leaders like the East Orange School District Superintendent stepped up to support their community as best they can. He made a public statement just yesterday saying, “they will list every single dinner site {in a memo} and invite every single child in their community to take part in free dinner and free meals through their school district. We will weather this storm together.”
If you aren’t someone who receives SNAP benefits or have never experienced food insecurity, this moment is terrifying for those who have. Imagine that you already have a list of non-negotiable expenses that you now have to negotiate. This is removing access to food.
Food Banks, Soup Kitchens, and Food Pantries who have been filling the pre-existing food insecurity gap before November 1st, will be flooded and will not be able to provide for everyone. Students of our school District who might have had meals at home, may now ONLY get meals at school. Yes, our school District does have food insecure families. It’s not important who they are. It’s more important to know that they exist and they need our support NOW.
Here is a list of Essex County Food Pantries, Food Banks, and Soup Kitchens.
MEND has also updated their pantry listings
The Community Food Bank of NJ is another great resource
Here is a short list of RECOMMENDED items to donate (it’s not always what you think).
On Thursday October 30th, at the Board of Education meeting, Superintendent Bing spoke briefly about the loss of SNAP for 265-300 students in our community. Click Here to listen to the resources that should be released soon (Cougar Cares, Walmart gift cards, Stop N shop gift cards, Rent Party, Penny Wars, and Free and Reduced Lunch outreach efforts through SOMSD intern network). Rent Party will be the primary donation site for this crisis, so please donate if you can!!!
If you are a food secure household, invite your neighbors over for dinner, provide a weekend brunch for your kid’s classmates, or host a pizza party this weekend! You don’t have to know who needs help, but you can openly offer to food security to de-stigmatize this incredibly difficult time for our most vulnerable neighbors.
