In response to the government shutdown and delays in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, the Camden County Board of Commissioners held an emergency food distribution on Nov. 12 at Camden County College.
The initiative provided some relief for county families; federal employees who went unpaid during the shutdown; and SNAP recipients struggling with food insecurity caused by the 43-day shutdown, the longest in U.S. history. It ended last week when President Donald Trump signed a measure passed by Congress to reopen the federal goverment.
SNAP benefits were expected to be distributed within anywhere from two or three days to about a week, according to CNN, though New Jersey was one of several states that started distributing funds on Nov. 12.
The county food distribution was organized in partnership with the Food Bank of South Jersey and Farmers Against Hunger. Commissioner Virginia Betteridge, liaison to the Department of Health and Human Services, highlighted how critical SNAP benefits are for the county’s most vulnerable.
“One of the biggest misnomers about SNAP benefits is who is supported by the federal program, and the answer is children, families and the disabled,” Betteridge explained. “These resources are vital to the health and welfare of more than 14% of our population here in Camden County.”
Congressman Donald Norcross also addressed the shutdown’s effects at the food distribution.
“It’s beyond cruel to deny seniors, veterans, children and working families food,” he noted.
The food bank – led by President and CEO Fred Wasiak – distributed thousands of pounds of food.
“As we near the end of the government shutdown, we know that it doesn’t mean the end of food insecurity for our community,” he emphasized. “We’re thankful for partners like the Camden County Board of Commissioners who ensure neighbors have access to essential food resources.”
The Chamber of Commerce of Southern New Jersey also joined the distribution effort, encouraging local businesses to donate food and funds. Other support came from the New Jersey Agricultural Society’s Farmers Against Hunger Program, which provided fresh produce from local farms.
“By purchasing directly from farmers,” observed Chris Carnevale, president of the board of trustees for the agricultural society, “we’re able to provide financial assistance to both farmers and families who are struggling to afford food during this crisis.”
Township Mayor David R. Mayer praised the county’s swift and compassionate response to the crisis.
“The Camden County Board of Commissioners and the Chamber of Commerce of Southern New Jersey are taking decisive action to support families and federal employees affected by the ongoing government shutdown and the delay in SNAP benefits,” he said.
“Their partnership with the Food Bank of South Jersey and Farmers Against Hunger exemplifies what true community leadership looks like, neighbors and organizations coming together to make sure no one in our region, especially vulnerable seniors, veterans and children, goes without food or basic necessities.”
Residents still in need of assistance can visit camdencounty.com/service/community-development/food-insecurity for more information. To donate to the Food Bank of South Jersey, visit camdencounty.com/help-bridge-the-snap-gap.
