New Jersey is set to declare a state of emergency starting at midnight on Nov. 1 in response to the Trump administration’s suspension of SNAP benefits due to the government shutdown.

Gov. Phil Murphy said the state of emergency would initiate a statewide response to ensure food access for the vulnerable.

“With more than 800,000 New Jerseyans relying on SNAP to put food on the table, the Trump Administration’s decision to suspend benefits has created a clear and present threat to the health and safety of our residents,” said Murphy. “We will not stand by while families face hunger. That is why our state will mobilize every available resource to strengthen our food access networks banks, protect vulnerable communities, and ensure that every resident has access to the meals they need.”

New Jersey will join New York, which declared a state of emergency earlier in the week in an effort to fast-track supplemental state funding. New York is shelling out $30 million in emergency food assistance, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced, with federal SNAP benefits set to dry up Saturday amid the government shutdown.

On Thursday, Murphy announced that the state would expedite the delivery of food and food assistance to food banks in anticipation of the SNAP suspension.

Approximately 400,000 households in the state are set to be impacted by the suspension. Nearly half of those state residents are children, and almost a third are people with disabilities.

The following food and food assistance grants have been expedited to support food banks:

Community Food Bank of New Jersey ($22,525,000)

Food Bank of South Jersey ($6,375,000)

Fulfill Monmouth & Ocean ($6,375,000)

Mercer Street Friends Food Bank ($4,675,000)

Norwescap ($1,275,000)

Southern Regional Food Distribution Center ($1,275,000)

Although no new funds will be released on November 1, 2025, SNAP recipients will be able to access funds in their accounts that have been transferred since October 2025 or earlier. SNAP recipients are encouraged to check their balances online.

Looking for food pantries in your area, either to donate or seek assistance? Click here