The Burlington County Commissioners have teamed with state legislators to collect canned foods and other unexpired non-perishable items for families impacted by the suspension of SNAP benefits during the federal government shutdown.
The drive will continue through Friday, Nov. 28. Earlier this month, the White House announced that the government would use emergency funds to send partial benefits to SNAP recipients this month, but that it may take several weeks or longer for payments to arrive.
More than 24,000 county residents are currently enrolled in SNAP, including some 14,700 children.
Only shelf-stable pantry items are requested for the drive. Make sure all donated items are unexpired and have not reached their sell-by date. Suggested donations include canned chicken and tuna; canned vegetables; canned fruits, soups and beans; pasta; and baby foods. Can openers are also requested.
Collection boxes are at the following locations:
- Lobby of the Burlington County Administration Building, 49 Rancocas Road, Mount Holly (canned foods only)
- Burlington County Human Services Building, 795 Woodlane Road, Westampton (canned foods only)
- Burlington County Health Department, 15 Pioneer Blvd., Westampton (canned foods only)
- Burlington County Engineering Offices, 1900 Briggs Road, Mount Laurel (canned foods only)
- Burlington County Corner Store, 1020 Briggs Road, Mount Laurel (canned foods only)
- All Burlington County Library System branch libraries, including the main branch at 5 Pioneer Blvd. in Westampton (canned foods only)
- Office of state Sen. Troy Singleton, 400 North Church St., Suite 260, Moorestown
- Office of Assemblywoman Andrea Katz, 100 High St., Suite 101, Mount Holly
- Office of Assemblywoman Carol Murphy, 750 Centerton Road, Mount Laurel
- Office of Assemblyman Balvir Singh, 8008 Route 130 North, Suite 450, Delran
In addition to the canned food drive, the county has updated its online directory of food pantries and its Hot Meals Resource Guide. The 19-page guide provides locations and contact information for county pantries and information about free hot meals.
The guide can be found at https://www.co.burlington.nj.us/DocumentCenter/View/19940/FOOD-PANTRY-BOOKS-PDF.
