The Hoboken City Council approved a resolution calling for the release of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funding as the federal government shutdown continues, with food distributions and collections coming soon.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“Access to food is a basic human right, and no family should ever face hunger because of the ongoing political gridlock in Washington,” Mayor Ravi Bhalla said in a statement.
“I am proud that Hoboken stands united in calling for the immediate release of all SNAP funding and in supporting our community through this difficult time. We will continue to do everything in our power to protect our most vulnerable residents.”
The Hoboken Community Center Pantry will hold its next community food distribution tomorrow, Nov. 7, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Hoboken Community Center at 1301 Washington St., the Multi-Service Center at 124 Grand St., and the Hoboken Housing Authority at 221 Jackson St.
An additional distribution will take place on Friday, Nov. 21, from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. at the same locations.
The Hoboken Community Center Pantry provides free groceries and household items to community members in need.
Donations of shelf-stable foods and household supplies are welcome, as are monetary contributions and volunteers to assist with packing and distribution.
More information, including opportunities to donate or volunteer, can be found here.
As part of the city’s ongoing efforts to support residents affected by the SNAP funding lapse, their Office of Constituent Services is collecting donations for the Hoboken Community Center Pantry, Hoboken Shelter, and St. Matthew’s Lunchtime Ministry through December 31st.
Items such as dried pasta, instant oatmeal, canned tuna, and canned chicken as well as full-sized toothpaste, bars of soap, and clean reusable tupperware containers can be donated at Hoboken City Hall, 94 Washington St., between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Residents seeking additional food assistance may visit local programs such as St. Matthew’s Lunchtime Ministry at 731 Washington St., which provides hot meals Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., or the Hoboken Shelter at 300 Bloomfield St., which offers meals daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. for those experiencing homelessness.
The Community Food Bank of New Jersey maintains an online directory of food pantries and services here.
Statewide food access information can be found at here and a listing of Hudson County food pantries and meal programs is available at needhelppayingbills.com.
Residents are encouraged to visit the New Jersey SNAP website for the latest updates as this situation develops.
Additionally, residents in need of assistance can also contact the City’s social worker Bianca Hoffer at bhoffer@hobokennj.gov or (201) 420-2000 Ext. 1083.
Did they send it off to Chuck?