New Jersey officials are warning that ongoing delays in federal appropriations could soon disrupt benefits for residents who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).
At present, both programs continue to operate normally. SNAP benefits are guaranteed through October 31, 2025, and WIC benefits through November 10, 2025, according to state agencies. More than 800,000 New Jersey residents depend on SNAP each month, and nearly 165,000 women and children rely on WIC for nutrition assistance.
However, the federal government has not yet appropriated any funds for Fiscal Year 2026. If the funding delay continues, state officials say there could be interruptions to full and on-time benefit payments beginning in November.
The Trump Administration has reallocated a portion of remaining Fiscal Year 2025 WIC funds and provided limited non-appropriated funding to sustain operations temporarily. It has also directed states to delay transmitting November SNAP benefit files to electronic benefit transfer (EBT) vendors until further notice. Historically, when the federal government resumes operations, benefits are funded retroactively, but no such assurances have been given at this time.
The New Jersey Department of Human Services (DHS) has notified retailers authorized to accept SNAP — more than 5,000 stores, grocers, and farmers markets statewide — of the federal directive to hold benefit and transaction files for November. Community organizations and county social service agencies that assist with SNAP enrollment and recertification have received similar notices.
The New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) reports that all 16 WIC agency sponsors across the state continue to provide services despite the federal shutdown, though approximately 900 WIC retailers could be affected if funding disruptions persist.
Officials say state agencies will continue to provide updates as new information becomes available.
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SNAP information will be updated at njsnap.gov and on DHS social media channels (@NJDHS).
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WIC updates will be available at nj.gov/health and via @njdeptofhealth.
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Notices will also be shared by the NJ Office of the Food Security Advocate (@NJOFSA) and at nj.gov/foodsecurity.
Residents seeking food assistance can locate pantries and community kitchens via NJ 211, and access school meal application information through state websites.
