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With many residents bracing for hard times ahead of the shutdown of SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits, several New Jersey restaurants are offering free food to those in need. SNAP, the nation’s leading food aid program, is set to run out of funding at the end of October. The assistance program will remain out of service unless Congress and the White House reach a deal to end an ongoing government shutdown. A federal judge ruled Friday that the government must continue to pay SNAP benefits despite the shutdown, but it’s unclear if the administration will follow or appeal the ruling. New Jersey’s SNAP benefits, known colloquially as food stamps, are used by 800,000 residents, while 165,000 women and children depend on SNAP’s WIC supplements for healthy foods and nutritional support. Amid the growing uncertainty, Garden State eateries are rallying to fight the state’s food insecurities by those impacted by the benefits’ pause. NOTE: This is not a complete list. If you know of other New Jersey restaurants or food services offering free meals, email cburch@njadvancemedia.com. Here are some of the N.J. eateries offering help: Atlantic City: Tony’s Baltimore Grill, a longstanding Garden State pizzeria, said Thursday that they’ll give out free kids meals for families with children that present their SNAP card. Cherry Hill: K&A Bagel Cafe will be giving out free bagels to anyone impacted by the government shutdown. People can pick up bagged bagels from 12:30 p.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Nutley: The Oakley announced via social media Tuesday that it will give free kids’ meals to SNAP recipients under 18 and free cheese pizzas to disabled people, military veterans, senior citizens over 65, and others affected by the benefits lapse. The eatery plans to provide the meals until SNAP benefits are restored “or until I can’t afford to do it anymore,“ owner Khris Reina wrote. Ocean City: Sunrise Cafe announced Thursday that it will offer free breakfast meals for kids who dine with a parent or guardian who presents a Families First of SNAP card. The eatery is open from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily. Pine Brook: Dough Dash Pizza shared Wednesday that the pizzeria will offer a free small pizza to those who provide proof of SNAP benefits. Red Bank, Toms River: JBJ Soul Kitchen announced Oct. 20 via social media that the business will are offer free three-course meals to furloughed federal employees and those affected by the shutdown. Vernon: The Tracks Deli announced Wednesday that it will offer free bagged lunches for people impacted by the SNAP stoppage. Starting Saturday, Nov. 1 the deli will provide a turkey or ham sandwich with chips and a water to those in need until SNAP benefits are restored.
