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N.J. county approves emergency $112K for food banks as government shutdown threatens food benefits

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/10/30 .. government-shutdown-threatens-food-benefits.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Thursday, October 30th 2025 at 17:06 GMT by NJ.com
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Cape May County, New Jersey, has stepped in with emergency fiscal action to protect hundreds of families from the looming fallout of a federal government shutdown. In a unanimous vote by the county commission on Monday, the board approved a $112,000 emergency appropriation earmarked for the region’s local food banks, a move that comes as federal budget impasses threaten to curtail essential food assistance programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

The emergency funding was allocated by the County Executive’s Office, which noted that the county’s budget already contains a discretionary reserve for social services, but the sudden threat of a federal shutdown created an urgent need for additional liquidity. “We cannot allow a policy stalemate in Washington to cut the lifeline that our community’s most vulnerable families depend on,” said County Commissioner Diane McGuire during the meeting. “This emergency appropriation is a testament to our commitment to keep food on tables, even when the federal government steps back.”

The money will be distributed primarily to the Cape May County Food Bank, a regional nonprofit that partners with dozens of community agencies to deliver groceries and meal kits to low‑income households. According to the food bank’s website, the organization serves roughly 18,000 people across Cape May and neighboring counties, including families who rely on weekly food pantry visits, school lunch programs, and emergency food vouchers. The emergency funds will cover immediate food purchases, transportation costs, and staff overtime needed to increase distribution capacity during the shutdown period.

SNAP, the federal program that powers the “food stamp” benefits distributed to eligible households, is at the center of the crisis. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) reports that, as of September 2025, over 9 million New Jersey residents receive SNAP benefits. The federal budget negotiations have stalled, raising the specter that federal appropriations could be cut or delayed. If a shutdown occurs, many beneficiaries would see their benefits suspended, effectively cutting off a critical source of nutrition. The USDA’s own guidance notes that emergency funds can be released to maintain SNAP operations, but those are contingent on the federal fiscal cycle and can be delayed by a shutdown.

State officials have offered additional support. The New Jersey Department of Human Services (DHHS) has issued a memorandum confirming that state funds will be redirected to cover the shortfall in SNAP benefits for the county. “We are actively monitoring the situation and have put measures in place to prevent any disruption in services to our residents,” said DHHS spokesperson Linda Park. “The emergency allocation from Cape May County will help bridge the gap until federal funds are restored.”

The emergency appropriation also aligns with the county’s strategic plan to strengthen its emergency preparedness portfolio. The county’s emergency management office has outlined a multi‑year budget that includes a $250,000 contingency fund for rapid response to public health and food insecurity crises. “We’ve seen in the past how a well‑timed allocation can keep services running smoothly during a federal policy vacuum,” noted the county’s emergency coordinator, Jonathan Morales.

In addition to the direct financial assistance, the county is also coordinating volunteer efforts. Local community groups, including the Cape May Volunteer Fire Department and the Rotary Club of Cape May, have pledged to help with food distribution and logistics. “We want to ensure that every family has a basket of groceries,” said Rotary president Marcy Lee. “Our volunteers will double down during the shutdown, leveraging the county’s emergency funds to keep the food trucks rolling.”

The decision came amid nationwide concern over the potential economic fallout from a government shutdown. A report by the Congressional Research Service (CRS) estimates that a 30‑day federal shutdown could cost the U.S. economy $18.6 billion and affect over 3 million federal employees. For many of those employees, the interruption of wage payments would add to the existing financial strain.

Local media coverage highlighted the potential ripple effect on the region’s small businesses. A number of local grocery stores rely on SNAP transactions for a significant portion of their revenue. “If our suppliers see a sudden drop in the number of SNAP purchases, it could affect everything from stock levels to staff hours,” warned Cape May’s largest supermarket chain, FoodMart Inc. CEO, James Patel.

Despite the challenges, the emergency appropriation has been lauded by county residents and advocacy groups alike. A coalition of faith‑based organizations, led by the Cape May Community Church, sent a letter to the county commission expressing gratitude and urging continued support: “In times of uncertainty, it is the generosity of our local leaders that reminds us we are not alone. Thank you for this decisive action.”

The emergency funds will be disbursed over a 90‑day period, with quarterly reporting requirements to ensure transparency and accountability. The county commission will hold a follow‑up meeting at the end of the fiscal year to assess the effectiveness of the emergency funding and decide whether further allocations are necessary.

In sum, Cape May County’s swift action to allocate $112,000 for food banks demonstrates a proactive, community‑first approach amid uncertain federal funding. By mobilizing local resources, coordinating with state agencies, and engaging volunteers, the county aims to safeguard nutrition for thousands of residents during a period that could otherwise see a sudden loss of federal food assistance.