SNAP benefits could continue after court ruling, but questions remain
This comes just one day before more than 800,000 New Jerseyans would see their benefits run out.
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Two federal judges in New England have ordered the USDA to continue funding SNAP benefits during the ongoing government shutdown.
This comes just one day before more than 800,000 New Jerseyans would see their benefits run out.
At Fullfil NJ in Neptune Township, hundreds of people waited in line for groceries at the weekly trunk distribution.
“How the hell do they expect the kids to eat here and whatnot? What's going on here?” said a frustrated Billie Graver, of Monmouth County.
A day of anger and frustration for the people in line turned into even more uncertainty Friday afternoon as judges in Massachusetts and Rhode Island ordered the government must fund SNAP using a contingency account.
“Even if the USDA moves to issue its contingency funds immediately, it will still take several days before that will show up on people's EBT cards,” said Fulfill president and CEO Triada Stampas.
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Stampas cautions early celebrations about the rulings. Unknowns still exist, like will the administration will appeal the decision and how much funding will be available.
“The USDA's contingency fund, they had said repeatedly, is not sufficient for full benefits and there will be a delay,” said Stampas.
And with no clear answers, Stampas says the hundreds of people who waited in line for the weekly trunk grocery distribution neared record numbers. One of those individuals, named Kevin, urged elected leaders to end the shutdown so people like him can return to a sense of normalcy.
“I think they need to hurry up and make a decision so we can get on with the rest of our lives,” said Kevin.
Stampas says Friday's ruling doesn't change the need for donations and volunteers during this uncertain period.
“Go to your nearest food bank or pantry or soup kitchen. Anyone who is part of the charitable distribution network needs help right now,” she said.
