The Burlington County Commissioners are teaming up with State Senator Troy Singleton and Assembly members Carol Murphy, Andrea Katz and Balvir Singh to collect canned foods and other unexpired nonperishable items to assist food insecure families impacted by the suspension of federal food assistance benefits.
The food drive is occurring now through Nov. 28 and is being organized in the wake of the decision by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and White House to suspend Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits during the ongoing federal government shutdown. On Monday, the White House notified a federal judge the government would use emergency funds to send partial benefits to SNAP recipients for November, but that it may take several weeks or longer for payments to arrive.
More than 24,000 Burlington County residents are currently enrolled to receive SNAP benefits, including some 14,700 children.
“It is unacceptable for any resident to go hungry or have to choose between adequate nutritious food and other basic necessities, and the unnecessary interruption of SNAP benefits puts thousands of Burlington County residents at risk,” said Senator Singleton. “While it is my hope that full benefits will be restored quickly, I am proud to partner with my fellow legislators and the County Commissioners to collect food for impacted families and food pantries on the front lines of this crisis.”
“The suspension of SNAP benefits will inflict harm on thousands of Burlington County families, including children, elderly, veterans and vulnerable residents,” said Burlington County Commissioner Director Dr. Felicia Hopson. “While we are encouraged by the recent court intervention, we must continue to prepare for the worst, which is why we are joining with Senator Singleton and Assembly members Katz, Murphy and Singh to organize a food drive to try to help fill the gap and protect those who rely on SNAP and other federal programs.”
“Far too many New Jersey families struggle with food insecurity, and the shutdown and SNAP suspension creates more challenges for them,” said Assemblywoman Murphy. “Although we didn’t create this crisis, we are committed to working together to help those families that are being unfairly impacted.”
“Burlington County residents have always stepped up to help their neighbors in need, and we are confident they will once again come through for those struggling during this period of uncertainty,” said Assemblywoman Katz. “Whatever donations we collect will be distributed to local food pantries and other organizations leading the battle against hunger and food insecurity every day.”
“Residents are justifiably angry about the shutdown and this action threatening essential food benefits for millions of Americans. This canned food drive provides an opportunity for all of us to come together and help our neighbors in need,” said Assemblyman Singh.
Only shelf-stable pantry items are requested. Please make sure all donated items are unexpired and before the sell-by date.
Suggested items include: canned chicken and tuna; canned vegetables; canned fruits, canned soups and beans, pasta, jar sauce, rice, peanut butter, jelly, cereal, oatmeal, granola bars and baby foods. Can openers are also needed.
Collection boxes are at the following locations:
- The lobby of the Burlington County Administration Building, 49 Rancocas Road, Mount Holly (canned foods only);
- Burlington County Human Services Building, 795 Woodlane Road, Westampton (canned foods only);
- Burlington County Health Department, 15 Pioneer Boulevard, Westampton (canned foods only);
- Burlington County Engineering Offices, 1900 Briggs Road, Mount Laurel (canned foods only);
- Burlington County Corner Store, 1020 Briggs Road, Mount Laurel (canned foods only);
- All Burlington County Library System branch libraries, including the Main Branch Library at 5 Pioneer Boulevard, Westampton (canned foods only);
- Senator Singleton’s legislative office, 400 North Church Street, Suite 260, Moorestown;
- Assemblywoman Katz’s legislative office, 100 High Street, Suite 101, Mount Holly;
- Assemblywoman Murphy’s legislative office, 750 Centerton Road, Mount Laurel;
- Assemblyman Singh’s legislative office, 8008 Route 130 North, Suite 450, Delran.
In addition to the canned food drive, Burlington County has updated its online directory of Food Pantries and Hot Meals Resource Guide. The 19-page guide provides a comprehensive list of locations and contact information for food pantries operating in the county, along information about free hot meals for those in need. The guide can be found at https://www.co.burlington.nj.us/DocumentCenter/View/19940/FOOD-PANTRY-BOOKS-PDF .