Ocean County has declared a State of Emergency in response to the suspension of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), a development that has left thousands of local residents struggling to afford food.
County officials said the declaration enables immediate action to protect the health and welfare of vulnerable residents—particularly seniors, children, and low-income families—who depend on SNAP benefits to meet essential nutritional needs.
“We have prepared the appropriate documents to declare the State of Emergency, and the Commissioners have authorized that I begin the formalities to develop an emergency program,” County Administrator Michael Fiure said in a statement. “We are monitoring this situation closely and will provide updates as things progress.”
The emergency declaration grants the County temporary authority under N.J.S.A. 40A:4-46 et seq. and N.J.S.A. 40A:11-6 to make emergency appropriations and expedite purchasing and contracting for food assistance. These powers will allow the County to respond quickly to growing food insecurity.
Efforts will be coordinated through the Ocean County Department of Human Services, the Office of Senior Services, the Veterans Service Bureau, and the Ocean County Board of Social Services, alongside community food banks and other local partners. The goal, officials said, is to ensure “equitable and efficient delivery of aid” to those in need.