SNAP Benefit Cuts Leave Thousands in South Jersey Struggling - Here’s How to Help

As of November 1st, SNAP (the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits have been cut nationwide, impacting families across New Jersey and the country. More than 813,000 New Jersey residents rely on SNAP to keep food on the table.

These benefits are a lifeline for families, seniors, and working adults alike - in fact, 64% of SNAP households in New Jersey include children, 37% include an older adult or a person with a disability, and 31% include working adults whose wages don’t cover the cost of living.

With federal support decreasing, local organizations are stepping up to fill the gap, ensuring that no one in our community goes hungry.

What Reed’s Farm Is Doing to Help

At Reed’s Farm, we believe everyone deserves access to healthy, nourishing food. To support our neighbors affected by these cuts, we’re continuing to honor SNAP benefits as if they were still in effect.

We also have frozen vegan soup, made from our own farm vegetables, available for those in need.

Our goal is simple: to ensure that no one in our community goes without fresh, wholesome food during this difficult time. We believe food is a right.

Jewish Family Service: A Community Lifeline

Jewish Family Service (JFS) has long been a cornerstone in South Jersey, providing food and essential resources to those who need them most.

Each year, JFS distributes over 100,000 pounds of food and basic essentials to nearly 10,000 individuals and families through its Food Pantry at 607 N. Jerome Avenue in Margate. Open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., the pantry offers a wide range of nonperishable, fresh, and frozen foods - along with hygiene products and items tailored to specific dietary needs.

The JFS pantry doesn’t just provide food. It offers compassionate, practical support designed to meet each individual’s unique needs. Pantry staff often connect guests to additional services, including employment support, counseling, and housing assistance, helping address the broader challenges that accompany food insecurity.

For those who are homebound or without transportation, JFS offers home delivery, and monthly food distributions throughout Atlantic City to make access even easier.

JFS Atlantic City Distribution Schedule

• 1st Monday: Best of Life Park (Residents Only) - 129 S. Virginia Ave. (12 - 1:30 p.m.)

• 1st Friday: Southern Jersey Family Medical Center  -  1125 Atlantic Ave. (10 - 11 a.m.)

• 2nd Wednesday: Oceanside I Success Center  -  201 Melrose Ave. (1 - 2 p.m.)

• 3rd Monday: JFS Atlantic City Location  -  26 S. Pennsylvania Ave. (10 - 11 a.m.)

• 3rd Wednesday: Oceanside II Success Center  -  3201 Atlantic Ave. (1 - 2 p.m.)

• 4th Thursday: ACCC (Students Only)  -  1535 Bacharach Blvd. (12 - 1 p.m.)

• Last Monday: Spanish Community Center  -  3900 Ventnor Ave. (12 - 1 p.m.)
  

JFS also offers a choice pantry, allowing guests to select their own items: https://app.pantrysoft.com/login/jfsatlantic

In addition, their mobile office provides intake services, connections to partner organizations, and pre-packed food bags every 2nd Wednesday from 1-3 p.m. at the Absecon ShopRite (616 Black Horse Pike).

Other Food Assistance Resources

For those in need, additional food distribution sites in Atlantic County include:

1. Mighty Writers: Stanley Holmes Village  -  1539 Adriatic Ave (Wednesdays, 10 a.m.)

2. Mighty Writers: Indiana Avenue  -  726 N. Indiana Ave (Fridays, 9 a.m.)

3. Bangladesh Association of South Jersey  -  2709 Fairmount Ave (Thursdays, 10:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.)

4. AtlantiCare Pantry at the Plex  -  1401 Atlantic Ave (Tuesdays & Wednesdays by appointment; Thursdays walk-in, 12 - 2 p.m.)

5. Sister Jean’s Kitchen  -  110 N. Pennsylvania Ave (Tuesdays, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.; Wednesdays & Thursdays, 3 - 6 p.m.)

6. Salvation Army  -  22 S. Texas Ave (Tuesdays, 9:30 - 11 a.m.; fresh produce every 2nd Tuesday)

7. Better Tomorrows  -  818 N. Maryland Ave (Once a month, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.)

8. Community Food Bank of NJ  -  6735 Black Horse Pike, EHT (Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Fridays, 12 - 4 p.m.; Saturdays, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.)

How You Can Help

If you’re wondering how to make a difference, here are a few ways to help right now:

• Advocate: Call your state representatives and urge them to address the SNAP benefit cuts.

• Donate Food: Contribute nonperishable goods to a local food pantry.

• Donate Money: A single dollar goes five times farther when you donate directly to a food pantry — helping them purchase in bulk and fill the most urgent needs.

• Volunteer: Volunteer with JFS to help our community members in need.

Let’s Stand Together

Food insecurity affects all of us - our neighbors, coworkers, and friends. By standing together, we can help ensure that everyone in South Jersey has access to the food and dignity they deserve.

If you or someone you know needs help, reach out to the resources listed above - or stop by Reed’s Farm. We’re here for you.