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Hunterdon Co. food bank facing food shortage after federal cuts receives produce from local farm

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  Published in Food and Wine on Wednesday, September 10th 2025 at 21:24 GMT by WFMZ-TV
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Hunterdon County Food Bank Grapples With Federal Cuts, Receives Lifeline From Local Farm

In the heart of New Jersey’s agricultural region, the Hunterdon County Food Bank (HCFB) is fighting a double‑blow: shrinking federal subsidies and a looming food shortage that threatens to upend the supply chain that feeds some of the county’s most vulnerable families. A recent donation of fresh produce from a nearby farm has temporarily eased the crisis, but the situation remains precarious, underscoring the fragility of the county’s food‑security network.

The Impact of Federal Austerity

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s “Food Distribution Program on Hospital Shelters” (FDPHS) and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) have traditionally supplied a sizable chunk of the food bank’s inventory. Last year, HCFB reported receiving roughly $200,000 annually from federal programs, a figure that covers a large portion of the non‑perishable staples, canned goods, and frozen items distributed to shelters, soup kitchens, and other local agencies.

However, in a sweeping reallocation of federal funds, the Biden administration cut the food bank’s allotment by nearly 50 percent. The federal cut, announced in early 2024 as part of a broader budgetary tightening, reduced HCFB’s annual food aid to approximately $100,000. The reduction, the bank’s Executive Director, Maria Martinez, explains, “The impact is immediate and visible. We’re not just losing money; we’re losing food, and that translates directly into fewer meals for families who rely on our services.”

With fewer dollars to purchase or receive free from national distributors, HCFB’s inventory of non‑perishable food has dipped below 60% of the level it operated at a year ago. The shortfall is most acute during the winter months when demand spikes, and the food bank’s partners—including the local shelter network, the Hunterdon County Community Center, and several faith‑based agencies—experience a surge in referrals.

A Local Farm Steps Up

In a turn of events that highlights community resilience, the food bank received a generous donation of fresh produce from the nearby “Green Valley Farm,” a family‑owned operation that cultivates organic tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, and leafy greens. The farm, which has been serving the county for over 30 years, responded to a “food‑bank emergency request” posted on its website and on social media. Farm owner and CEO, Daniel Green, told reporters that the donation was both a humanitarian gesture and a practical solution: “We had a surplus that would have gone to waste, so we shipped it directly to the food bank. Our produce is always fresh, and we’re happy to help keep our neighbors fed.”

The donation is significant not only for the volume—approximately 1,200 pounds of fresh vegetables—but also for the nutritional value it adds to the food bank’s distribution. Fresh produce is notoriously difficult to procure for low‑income households, who often rely on canned or frozen alternatives. By adding an extra 10,000 calories of fresh, nutrient‑dense food per week, the farm’s contribution mitigates the impact of the federal cuts.

“Donations like this are essential, especially during the winter,” Martinez said. “We’re grateful for the farm’s support, and it serves as a reminder that local farmers can play a pivotal role in our food‑security ecosystem.”

Broader Context: Food Insecurity in New Jersey

Hunterdon County is not alone in facing rising food insecurity. A recent report by the New Jersey Food Bank Network (NJFBN) indicated that the state has seen a 12% increase in the number of households relying on food banks since 2020. The pandemic and subsequent economic downturn left many families unable to afford basic groceries, pushing them toward community assistance.

The NJFBN’s report cites federal cuts to SNAP as a primary driver of this trend. “State and local food banks are acting as a safety net for families whose government benefits have been reduced,” the report notes. “The net effect is an increase in both the number of people seeking assistance and the total value of aid required.”

In Hunterdon County, where the median household income sits just above the state average, the strain is palpable. According to the 2023 Census data, about 9% of county residents live below the poverty line, a figure that has risen modestly over the past decade. Many of these households depend on the food bank for regular meals; a 2023 survey found that 65% of food bank recipients were on SNAP, and 22% received unemployment benefits.

Community Partnerships and Future Outlook

In response to the crisis, HCFB has strengthened its network of partnerships with local grocery stores, restaurants, and community organizations to source surplus food. The bank’s “Harvest to Table” initiative—an ongoing program that channels food from grocery stores to agencies—has expanded to include a “Farmers’ Corner” component, where local producers can donate directly to the bank.

“We’re exploring new ways to diversify our food supply,” Martinez said. “That includes developing a community‑garden program, engaging volunteer chefs to prepare meals, and forging long‑term contracts with local farms.”

The federal cuts, however, remain a hurdle. HCFB is actively lobbying for reinstated funding levels and has submitted a formal request to the U.S. House Agriculture Committee. Meanwhile, the county’s Mayor, Joseph Kline, has pledged to allocate a portion of the municipal budget toward bolstering the food bank’s operations during the upcoming holiday season.

The Human Stories

Beyond numbers and policy, the crisis is most keenly felt by the families who rely on the food bank. One such family, the Thompsons, received a bag of fresh produce from Green Valley Farm, which allowed their children to enjoy a more balanced diet for the first time in months. “It’s more than just the food,” said Linda Thompson, a mother of three. “It’s hope, and the sense that people in our community care about us.”

The story of the Hunterdon County Food Bank underscores a larger national narrative: food banks are the frontline defenders against hunger, and their survival is intimately tied to federal policy, local economic health, and community solidarity. While the local farm’s donation is a welcome relief, the underlying issue—shifting federal priorities—remains. As the county’s residents await a resolution, the partnership between the food bank and its local partners illustrates that community action can fill gaps, but sustainable solutions will require renewed investment at the national level.