**Food Bank of South Jersey Faces Rising Need as SNAP Funding Stalls During Government Shutdown**
The Food Bank of South Jersey is experiencing a sharp increase in demand for food assistance as federal funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) remains halted during the ongoing government shutdown. Based in Pennsauken, the nonprofit typically serves about 200,000 people each month through a network of 200 pantries. However, with SNAP benefits suspended, more families are turning to local pantries for support.
—
### How to Find Food Assistance
Individuals in need of food assistance can easily locate a nearby pantry by visiting the Food Bank of South Jersey’s website. Simply click on the “Find Food” button and enter your ZIP code to access a list of available resources in your area.
—
### Donations and Food Drives Needed
As the demand for emergency food support grows, the Food Bank of South Jersey is asking for increased help from the community. “We need the resources to meet the extra demand,” said President and CEO Fred C. Wasiak.
The organization’s top donation priority is monetary contributions. Every dollar donated can provide two meals’ worth of food, enabling staff to purchase nutritious items in bulk and distribute them efficiently across more than 70 communities in Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, and Salem counties.
Visitors to the food bank’s website are greeted by a message encouraging them to “help close the SNAP gap,” a campaign aimed at offsetting the loss of benefits through donations. While financial contributions have the greatest impact, the food bank also welcomes food drives and individual donations. They provide collection bins to local groups and businesses, handle pickup and sorting, and ensure the food reaches the communities that need it most.
—
### Volunteers Needed to Meet Demand
Volunteers are essential to the food bank’s operations. Approximately 4,000 people help distribute food to families throughout the region. In 2024 alone, these efforts delivered more than 23 million pounds of food — equivalent to 19.5 million meals — marking consistent growth from the previous year’s 21 million pounds.
To respond to the ongoing surge in need that began during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Food Bank of South Jersey has expanded and streamlined its operations. Nevertheless, Wasiak noted the organization still needs additional staff, drivers, and warehouse workers to keep pace — all of which adds unexpected costs to their budget.
—
### Ongoing Economic Strain Impacting South Jersey Families
Although the pandemic officially ended more than two years ago, its economic impact continues to affect families across South Jersey. The food bank served 47,000 people a month in 2018, a number that more than quadrupled at the height of the pandemic and continues to rise.
“Rental prices, food prices, gas prices, healthcare, everything has gone up,” Wasiak explained. He added that the suspension of SNAP benefits could worsen these challenges, creating ripple effects throughout the local economy. “For every SNAP dollar spent in a grocery store, $1.82 comes back to the local economy,” Wasiak said. “We have 130,000 SNAP recipients in our four counties. Grocers are going to feel the pinch, which could drive prices higher and make it even harder for families to afford food.”
—
### “An Everyday Crisis” in the Region
With more families relying on local pantries and fewer federal resources available, the Food Bank of South Jersey is determined to close the gap however it can. “In South Jersey, one in seven children and one in nine adults are food insecure,” Wasiak shared. “It is an everyday crisis, and that is why we are raising funds every day and providing food every day.”
The Food Bank of South Jersey remains committed to keeping food on the tables of local families while federal aid remains uncertain.
—
**How You Can Help**
To find food, volunteer, or make a donation, visit [the Food Bank of South Jersey’s website](https://foodbanksj.org). Your support is critical in helping neighbors meet daily needs and close the SNAP gap during this challenging time.
https://www.phillyvoice.com/snap-benefits-remain-frozen-food-bank-south-jersey-ramps-efforts-feed-local-families-059991-91125/