October 31, 2025

To: NJ Municipal Elected and Appointed Officials

From: Mike Cerra, Executive Director

Re: SNAP Benefits Update

Earlier today, a Federal Judge ordered that the US Department of Agriculture continue to distribute Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funding during the Federal shutdown through the use of contingency funding. This decision, unless overturned, temporarily heads off circumstances in which a reported 42 million people would not have their monthly balances replenished on the first of the month.  

The League, through Hope Mayor Tim McDonough, Chair of its OEM Task Force and League Past President, has been in communication with the Governor’s Office, the New Jersey State Police (NJSP), and the NJSP Office of Emergency Management and asked to convey the following to you: 

First, while this Court order temporarily continues SNAP funding, balances will likely not be replenished to individuals’ Families First EBT card for a few days, possibly by Tuesday or Wednesday. 

For this reason, it is recommended that you advise your residents who utilize SNAP benefits to check their balances before heading to the store or market.  

Second, due to the threat of fraud, please advise your residents on SNAP benefits that no one will call or email them to ask for any information related to their SNAP benefits. Please further advise your residents that they should not give out any information in response to a phone call, text message, or email. Any such communication brings with it a high likelihood of fraud.  

It is our understanding that the Attorney General’s office will be issuing information within the next day or so and additional information will be forthcoming from the Administration. 

We will continue to keep you up to date as information becomes available.