By Dave Cucchiara
Communications & Program Associate
Federal legislation passed this summer significantly restructured the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, with changes taking effect in recent months that have reduced or eliminated benefits for many recipients. Additionally, the ongoing federal government shutdown disrupted SNAP payments in November, leaving approximately 42 million Americans without expected food assistance. These circumstances have created unprecedented demand at food pantries and emergency food providers across the communities we serve.
As November drew near and uncertainty mounted over whether SNAP benefits would be distributed, many recipients turned to the charitable food sector for relief. For example, in Morris County, the Interfaith Food Pantry and Nourish.nj partnered with the Morris County Department of Human Services and the Offices of Temporary Assistance to organize emergency food distributions. Hundreds of families who relied on SNAP sought support from these organizations.
“We began holding emergency meetings in mid-October as the crisis loomed to ensure that we were prepared to fill in the gaps,” said Interfaith Food Pantry Executive Director Carolyn Lake. “As New Jersey declared a state of emergency, it was important for us to coordinate closely with the state and county Offices of Emergency Management, the New Jersey Office of Food Security Advocate, and the Community Food Bank of New Jersey to put resources in place for mass food distributions. The IFPN and Nourish.nj tapped into emergency set-aside funding to acquire food, and we built an emergency response across the County that would be scalable and flexible.”
Although full benefits were ultimately restored, Ms. Lake emphasized that the long-term impact of this crisis remains uncertain, particularly as the federal government continues to threaten future funding for this vital program.
In response to this urgent need, several organizations are working to ensure that families don’t go hungry. Below are frontline organizations providing critical emergency food assistance in F. M. Kirby Foundation’s geographic areas of interest during this challenging time. If you’d like to join us in supporting these organizations with critical funding, we’ve included links to donate below.
Nourish NJ, Inc. (Morris County, NJ)
Operating as Morris County’s most comprehensive response to hunger, Nourish NJ provides immediate access to healthy food, while connecting neighbors to essential community resources and addressing the root causes of hunger. The organization offers food, housing, work readiness, medical, social and educational services 365 days a year in a warm, safe and caring environment — free of charge, with no questions asked. With distribution locations in Morristown and Victory Gardens, Nourish NJ serves as a vital safety net for families facing food insecurity.
Interfaith Food Pantry Network (Morris County, NJ)
For over 25 years, the Interfaith Food Pantry Network has improved the health and well-being of Morris County residents in need by providing access to food, education and other resources. Operating as a client-choice pantry, the organization allows each family to select food that their household prefers from available shelves. Serving all of Morris County, a typical family of four receives approximately $300 worth of groceries monthly. The organization’s Healthy Choices Mobile Food Pantry reaches distant towns and isolated low-income seniors who face transportation barriers.
Table of Hope (Morris County, NJ)
Since 2011, Table of Hope has been committed to improving the quality of life of Morris County families by addressing economic, educational and social needs while preserving the cultural and ethnic diversity of the area. The organization’s community kitchen offers hot dinners Monday through Friday from 5:30 to 7:30 PM to homeless individuals, single-family households, and senior residents. Table of Hope also operates a mobile food pantry, distributing groceries throughout the county and assembling bags worth approximately $75 each for families in need.
Adirondack Foundation – Special and Urgent Needs Fund (Adirondack Region, NY)
The Special and Urgent Needs Fund is a responsive granting resource that can be deployed to assist Adirondack communities and nonprofits during times of crisis. Serving Clinton, Essex, Franklin and Hamilton counties, as well as parts of Herkimer, St. Lawrence, Warren, and Washington counties within the Adirondack Park boundary, the fund helps organizations address short-term needs where relatively small grants can assist with unanticipated gaps in funding. The fund has awarded more than $1.2 million in crisis response grants, supporting nonprofits at the frontlines of community challenges.
Orange Congregations in Mission (Orange County, NC)
Founded in 1981 and celebrating over 40 years of service, Orange Congregations in Mission meets the urgent needs of northern Orange County through programs inspired by faith and supported by volunteers from congregations across the area. In 2025, the food pantry served a monthly average of 727 individuals, including 214 children ages 5-17, 79 infants under age 5, and 29 seniors ages 65 and older. The organization provides groceries with no income limitations and operates a Meals on Wheels program that delivers hot lunches to approximately 25 homebound individuals on weekdays.
United Way of Wyoming Valley (Northeastern Pennsylvania)
Founded in 1921, the United Way of Wyoming Valley brings together individuals and businesses to strengthen the community by supporting programs that improve education, promote financial stability and enhance health. The organization supports 27 programs across 18 agencies aimed at improving the odds of success for children and families to break the cycle of poverty. Their safety net programs include food and material assistance through partner agencies, ensuring that families have access to basic necessities during times of crisis.
