RIO GRANDE — The Cape May County Board of Commissioners is joining forces with the Community Food Bank of New Jersey (CFBNJ) to host an emergency mobile food pantry 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Nov. 8, at the County Commons complex, 3801 Route 9 South, Rio Grande.
This special event is targeted to families with children in Middle Township and Lower Township whose Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits have been disrupted due to the ongoing federal government shutdown.
The Community Food Bank of New Jersey is the state’s largest anti-hunger organization, working with over 800 partner agencies to deliver nutritious food to families and individuals in need. The organization provides the equivalent of more than 90 million meals each year, while also offering SNAP outreach, nutrition education, and job training programs that address the root causes of poverty.
“The federal shutdown has created immediate hardship for working families who rely on SNAP benefits to keep healthy food on the table,” said Director Len Desiderio, speaking on behalf of the County Board. “Cape May County is stepping up to ensure children in our community are fed — regardless of what’s happening in Washington, DC.”
The County Department of Human Services, has recruited 10 volunteers from various organizations to help distribute food staples and assist local families throughout the event.
More than 4,000 families in Middle Township and Lower Township rely on SNAP assistance to support their households each month. With benefits disrupted, many are forced to make difficult tradeoffs between groceries, rent, transportation, and basic household needs.
Families in need are encouraged to arrive early. Identification or proof of residency may be requested to verify eligibility.
