Governor Murphy Signs Executive Order Establishing Task Force on the Federal Suspension of SNAP Benefits

TRENTON - In response to the Trump Administration's decision to suspend funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Governor Phil Murphy today signed Executive Order No. 401, establishing the Task Force on the Federal Suspension of SNAP Benefits. The Task Force will be responsible for coordinating New Jersey's response to the acute food insecurity crisis caused by the federal government shutdown and the unprecedented suspension of SNAP benefits.

New Jersey residents who are enrolled in SNAP will not receive their November federal benefits, which enable them to purchase basic food supplies. The State of New Jersey has joined a multi-state lawsuit against the USDA and Secretary Brooke Rollins for unlawfully suspending SNAP funding despite the availability of contingency funding during the ongoing federal government shutdown.

More than 800,000 New Jerseyans rely on SNAP to meet their basic nutritional needs. Of the 800,000, almost half are children, one in three are individuals with a disability, and one in five are over the age of 60 years. A lapse in SNAP benefits will make it difficult or impossible for these residents to obtain nutritional assistance and, as a result, they may go hungry.

"The Trump Administration's decision to suspend SNAP funding as the government shutdown drags on is both unethical and illegal. It will have a disastrous impact on hundreds of thousands of New Jerseyans who will go hungry without their benefits, and our most vulnerable communities - including our children, seniors, and residents with disabilities - will be hit the hardest," said Governor Murphy. "While I am continuing to call on President Trump and Washington Republicans for a swift resolution to this entirely avoidable food insecurity crisis, today's Executive Order ensures New Jersey is mobilizing to mitigate harm to our residents."

The Task Force is responsible for monitoring the consequences of the federal government's failure to fund SNAP to determine how best to deploy available resources, in communication with all 21 County Boards of Social Services and State-funded Emergency Food Organizations.

The Task Force will also compile resources for residents who have had their SNAP benefits cut to access affordable or free food, and it will make recommendations to mitigate the devastating health and economic impacts of the federal suspension of SNAP benefits on residents and on the food industry, including farmers, grocers, and farmers' markets. Among other actions, the Task Force will explore and coordinate philanthropic donations to assist individuals and families in need.

Members of the Task Force will consist of government representatives or their designees, including:

1. The Office of the Governor, who will serve as the Chair
2. The Secretary of the Department of Agriculture;
3. The Executive Director of the Office of the Food Security Advocate;
4. The Commissioner of the Department of Human Services;
5. The Commissioner of the Department of Health;
6. The Commissioner of the Department of Education;
7. The Secretary of the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education;
8. The Superintendent of New Jersey State Police;
9. The Executive Director of the Governor's Disaster Recovery Office;
10. The Commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs;
11. The Commissioner of the Department of Children and Families;
12. The Attorney General;
13. The State Treasurer; and
14. The Chief Executive Officer of the Economic Development Authority.

This executive order takes effect immediately. For a copy of Executive Order No. 401, click here.

This situation continues to change, so SNAP food assistance recipients should check their accounts at NJFamiliesFirst.com; call 800-997-3333; and visit njsnap.gov for updates on the status of their SNAP benefits. A number of pantries offer fresh produce in addition to stable, non-perishable foods, shopping appointments, and information about additional services.

Residents are encouraged to locate food pantries and community kitchens via NJ 211 here.