SNAP supplemental payments were included in the federal Families First Coronavirus Response Act. Human Services has already provided about $180.5 million in additional NJ SNAP benefits total in March, April, May, June and July to New Jerseyans to help purchase groceries.
“It’s critical that we continue to provide as much food assistance as possible to eligible New Jersey households during this difficult time,” Human Services Commissioner Carole Johnson said. “I continue to thank our state’s Congressional delegation for protecting residents as we respond to this pandemic.”
The supplemental benefits will be directly loaded to NJ SNAP recipients’ Families First EBT cards as part of their regular monthly payment.
NJ SNAP provides food assistance to families with low incomes to help them buy groceries through a benefit card accepted in most food retail stores and farmer’s markets. Families can now also use their cards at select online grocery retailers to help maintain social distancing during the pandemic. The program serves about 725,000 New Jerseyans in about 370,000 households, with the monthly SNAP benefit based on household size and income.
“Access to additional food assistance is more important than ever as several families and individuals face unprecedented economic and health crises,” Human Services Deputy Commissioner Elisa Neira said. “We’re pleased to be able to provide this continued assistance when it’s needed most.”
“We encourage residents who need food assistance to visit and apply for SNAP online at www.NJHelps.org,” said Assistant Commissioner Natasha Johnson, who directs Human Services’ Division of Family Development and oversees the SNAP program. “I also thank the dedicated county Boards of Social Services staff, who have worked tirelessly through this public health crisis.”
