‘There was a desperation’

The last month has been difficult for those struggling to feed their families.

Some even started making preparations early for the loss of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits that ceased on Nov. 1 because of the federal government shutdown.

“There was desperation at the food pantries we serve, which saw an increase of 30% to 200% in the lines in late October,” said Fred Wasiak, president and CEO of Food Bank of South Jersey. “We mobilized with the four other New Jersey food banks” to lobby the state government.

Their efforts worked: Gov. Phil Murphy declared a state of emergency effective Nov. 1, enabling the agencies to procure more food.

“We are relieved to share that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for November are now fully funded,” said Human Services Commissioner Sarah Adelman on Nov. 7. “This unprecedented delay left hundreds of thousands of New Jerseyans without food for their families.”

“New Jersey is the nationwide leader in food insecurity,” Wasiak noted. “One in seven children are going to be hungry.”

In a recent interview, Wasiak pointed out that the emergency funding helped the Food Bank of South Jersey “bolster the pantries in our partner agencies.” With headquarters in Pennsauken, it supplies 205 food pantries in 70 communities in Burlington, Camden, Gloucester and Salem counties, which together have a total of 130,000 recipients who lost SNAP benefits.

“We cannot be more grateful for the support we received from our 300 community partners,” said Wasiak, adding that everyone worked together to make sure people would not go hungry as the crisis elevated.

The shutdown officially ended on Nov. 12.

“The experience helped educate the community how important SNAP is to the economy,” Wasiak observed. “It’s a lifeline to so many people and institutions.”

Grocery stores also suffered from the loss of business.

“We are always busy,” Wasiak said of the Food Bank. “Pre-COVID we were serving 47,000 clients a month. At the height of COVID, we were serving 95,000 per month, and now we are serving 200,000 clients per month.”

Wasiak praised his employees for helping to make sure everyone received needed food as the shutdown progressed, and thanked the 4,000-plus volunteers.

“There is a relief that this is all over and families can enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving dinner,” he pointed out.

But there are still challenges facing SNAP recipients who may be required to reapply to the federal government for their benefits.

“We know new federal SNAP requirements are coming,” Wasiak acknowledged. “Right now, states are reviewing what those mean for implementation. The Food Bank’s focus is simple: helping our neighbors access SNAP benefits so they can get the nutrition they need.

“Our outreach efforts,” he added, “will continue to help neighbors apply for SNAP, and as the new rules come out, we will help neighbors understand the new requirements to maintain their benefits. SNAP is one of the most effective tools we have in fighting hunger.

“The coming changes are likely complex. We want to make sure people receive clear, accurate information.”

As for the future, the Food Bank of South Jersey recently purchased another building across the street from its headquarters on John Tipton Boulevard that will house the Center for Health, Wellness and Nutrition. Scheduled to open in January, the 20,856-square-foot facility was created to meet the growing need for nutrition access, education and opportunity among clients.

The center will include a training kitchen and classroom; an on-site greenhouse and wellness garden; a SNAP Help Center; and dedicated space for programming and partner services, according to Adam Bricketo, senior manager of Food Bank community programs.

For information about where to get food in the four counties, how to volunteer or how to make a monetary donation, go to foodbanksj.org.