FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
October 29, 2025
MEDIA CONTACT:
Derek Sands
DSands@BergenCountyNJ.gov
BERGEN COUNTY MOBILIZES EMERGENCY FOOD EFFORTS AMID FEDERAL SHUTDOWN & SNAP DISRUPTION
Hackensack, NJ – Due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, nearly 42,000 residents in Bergen County who rely on SNAP benefits will not receive them on time in November. In response, the Bergen County Office of Food Security is working closely with municipal and nonprofit partners to organize emergency food drives to support local food pantries in towns across the county.
Bergen County food pantries are already experiencing unprecedented demand. According to New Jersey State Health Assessment Data, approximately 84,000 Bergen County residents are food insecure. In 2024, over 60 percent of pantries in the county reported an increase in assistance requests, with average growth of 20 percent or more. The temporary loss of SNAP benefits could significantly increase visits to local food pantries, further straining resources.
“No one in Bergen County should ever have to worry about where their next meal is coming from,” said County Executive Jim Tedesco. “As Washington gridlock threatens to take food off the tables of thousands of our residents, Bergen County is stepping up to fill the gap. We’ve been here before, and we know that when times get tough, Bergen County pulls together. I want to thank our Office of Food Security, our local pantries, and the residents who continue to give their time and resources to make sure no one is left behind.”
“Whatever is going on in Washington, we in Bergen County won’t sit idly by while our neighbors are hungry. I am so grateful to so many community leaders for joining together and rising to meet this emergency. By already organizing over 38 townwide efforts to stock our pantry shelves, we demonstrate that our real strength lies in the bonds we share as a community. We care about each other, and we won’t let almost 26,000 families face this SNAP freeze alone, “said Commissioner Tracy Zur. “Please generously donate food, hygiene products, or gift cards to your local pantry or volunteer your time to help meet this challenge head on. Only together can we make a difference.”
Residents in need of food assistance can find a pantry near them at https://bergenfightshunger.org/food-pantry-finder. Those looking to volunteer their time or make donations should also visit www.BergenFightsHunger.org.
Additionally, the County’s Office of Food Security will be partnering with the Community Food Bank of New Jersey to hold a food distribution event for Bergen County residents and federal employees impacted by the delay in SNAP benefits on Thursday, November 6th. Valid SNAP cards, federal ID, and proof of Bergen County Residency will be required at this collection. More details will be forthcoming.
Organizations interested in partnering in this event or other food efforts in their community can contact the Bergen County Office of Food Security at officeoffoodsecurity@bergencountynj.gov.
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