Advocacy and faith organizations are calling on Republican lawmakers and the Trump administration to address concerns over funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and healthcare coverage in New Jersey. The groups warn that hundreds of thousands of residents may lose access to food assistance and affordable health insurance in the coming days due to policy decisions during the ongoing federal government shutdown.
The Trump administration has announced it will not use emergency funds to maintain SNAP benefits during the shutdown. SNAP, which supports more than 40 million Americans nationwide, serves over 800,000 people in New Jersey.
Additionally, the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance has indicated that if enhanced premium credits under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) expire as planned under new federal legislation, premiums for ACA marketplace plans in New Jersey could rise by nearly 175 percent.
New Jersey Citizen Action (NJCA) and the New Jersey Coalition of Religious Leaders have urged federal officials to extend funding for SNAP, WIC (Women, Infants and Children), school meals, and ACA credits during the shutdown. They also called on GOP lawmakers to return to negotiations regarding significant cuts made to Medicaid, Medicare, ACA, SNAP, and other programs under recent legislation.
“It’s unconscionable that the Trump administration is weaponizing hunger and healthcare into a tool for political coercion,” said NJCA Director of Policy and Advocacy Maura Collinsgru. “Government is shut down because the broad cuts the Trump administration imposed are devastating for millions of Americans and these millions have made their voices heard. Instead of listening, the GOP is punishing our most vulnerable families, neighbors, and community members. We need our state GOP Representatives to join their Democratic colleagues in calling to fund SNAP, and for them to go back to the negotiating table on healthcare and other vital programs.”
Reverend Sara Lilja, Executive Director of NJ Coalition of Religious Leaders added: “The faith community in New Jersey is outraged that we are not caring for our residents struggling to make ends meet each month. Many faith communities administer food pantries and other food distribution programs, but for every meal that is provided by such generosity, SNAP funds provide 9 meals. Two in three SNAP beneficiaries are children, people with disabilities, and the elderly; in short, the people who are most vulnerable and must have adequate nutrition each day.”
New Jersey has joined a lawsuit against the federal government seeking to prevent SNAP’s defunding. The suit points out there is $6 billion available in a Congressionally approved reserve fund meant for emergencies like this one. If no action is taken soon, SNAP benefits will end on Saturday, November 1—the same day open enrollment begins for ACA marketplace plans. More than half a million state residents rely on these plans for health insurance coverage.
These developments come as many New Jerseyans face rising utility costs, limited childcare subsidies, and persistent inflation.
Republican Congressmen Tom Kean Jr. and Jeff Van Drew have advocated for restoring ACA premium credits through what they call a “conservative path” as negotiations continue during the shutdown. However, NJCA Healthcare Program Director Laura Waddell criticized these efforts.
“This government shutdown and affordability crisis sweeping the nation are catastrophes of their own making,” said Waddell. “They had the chance to vote against these cuts months ago and preserve affordable health care for millions but failed both New Jersey and our nation. We urge all our GOP Representatives to join their colleagues from across the aisle to support the ‘Protecting Health Care and Lowering Costs Act of 2025’ (H.R. 4849) to reverse the cuts and push for a permanent solution to the health care crises millions of Americans and New Jerseyans face.”
Advocates also encouraged those able to donate resources or funds directly to local food banks ahead of expected increases in demand due to potential changes in SNAP benefits. Further information about how individuals can help can be found at Help – Hunger Free NJ.
