As uncertainty continues over the future of a federal food assistance program, Passaic County leaders are stepping in to make sure residents don’t go without food. County officials say they are preparing to assist tens of thousands of residents who rely on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits that could be disrupted by the ongoing federal government shutdown. “We’re anticipating over 75,000 residents to be impacted,” said Passaic County Commissioner Orlando Cruz. To help fill the gap, the county has allocated more than $100,000 to two local supermarkets to prepare food boxes that will be distributed to SNAP recipients. Each family can receive one box by showing their EBT card and photo ID. Distribution will take place on Monday and Wednesday at 11 a.m. at the following locations:

So far, more than 500 people have registered to receive assistance. In addition to the food boxes, the county has also committed $250,000 to local food banks. On Friday, two federal judges ordered the U.S. Department of Agriculture to continue funding SNAP during the shutdown. Still, more than 800,000 New Jersey residents are waiting to see how the ruling will play out. “Even if SNAP benefits are funded tomorrow, we’ll continue this effort and finish what we started,” Cruz added. Residents are encouraged to pre-register online to make the pickup process faster.