What We’re Doing to Help
Fulfill is prepared with the necessary steps to uphold their responsibility to the community. Fulfill will continue to work with donors, staff, and partners on national and local levels to ensure there is enough food and resources to help serve the potential rise in individuals needing assistance. This could include federal employees, veterans, SNAP recipients, seniors, and others whose income is tied to the federal government. Should pantries see an increase in clients, Fulfill is equipped with the resources to get the food to the places that need the extra food.
“Here in this moment of crisis, we are here to support our community with food assistance. There may be people who never thought they would be in this situation. We are your neighbors, we are here to help.” said Amy Jolin, Interim Executive Director at Fulfill.
Extended Hours to Provide Food Assistance To Furloughed Workers
Fulfill, which normally serves partner agencies with emergency food, is extending their hours on Monday nights, opening their doors for food distribution to clients in need for the first time since Hurricane Sandy. We recognize the impact of the government shutdown has a lingering effect. From January 28th and continuing into February, Fulfill will welcome government workers to receive food from 5-7pm in Neptune.
Some of Fulfill’s partner agencies have also extended their hours to accommodate government workers as well;
Fulfill, along with the partners listed will be serving government workers only during these extended hours, and will require government IDs.
How SNAP Benefits are Affected
Additionally, SNAP benefits and program administration will be fully funded for January and February. February benefits have been issued early. USDA does not have enough funds to fully-cover March benefits. When SNAP client cards are loaded with February’s funds earlier than expected, they might also wrongly assume that the February benefits are “extra funds.” If you are a recipient of SNAP, this is your money for the entire month of February, so please budget accordingly.
In Need of Further Assistance?
If you are in need of further assistance, please visit www.fulfillnj.org and click the “Get Help” tab. From there you can access a full list of pantries and mobile pantries in our serving area. If you need additional support call Fulfill directly.
How You Can Help
Are you wondering how you can get involved? Help us take action;