Food banks in New Jersey need support. Here’s how you can help

Demands rise, but support dwindles

When millions turned to food banks during the height of the pandemic, funding and support kept pace with that demand.

However, the pandemic-era safety net programs have ended, and consumers are still seeing the effects of increasing food prices due to inflation.

“When families are spending almost $375 more a month on their budget, if they ‘net zero’ [before,] now they’re going to be in a hole $375, they have to go somewhere to have relief,” Wasiak said.

There is also concern that a second Trump administration will seek sweeping cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as SNAP, or food stamps.

McCarthy expects that the amount of food from the federal government “will probably go down again.”

“If we look at historical trends, we do have an administration coming in that we’ve experienced before,” she said. “We can look at what the food level was at that time, and it was lower.”

Though Trump and then-House Speaker Paul Ryan sought cuts to food stamp programs, they were largely left unscathed. The pandemic caused Congress to strengthen the programs. Policy experts predict cuts to food stamps under the new administration will be junked from any tax bill, especially if the legislation includes corporate tax cuts.

How can you help? Cash is best during the holiday season

Both Wasiak and McCarthy said monetary donations are the best way to support your local book bank, especially during the holiday season.

“For every dollar, it helps us purchase two meals because of our purchasing power that we have,” Wosiak said, adding that it also helps them intentionally seek nutritious and cultural food.

The Food Bank of South Jersey and the Community Food Bank of New Jersey list ways to help on their website.

McCarthy said she understands that people would like to do something “concrete” to help. Citing the upcoming gubernatorial election, she says residents can advocate for resources to combat food insecurity.

“I’m not suggesting who people should vote for, that’s up to them,” she said. “But if you’re someone who’s politically engaged, making sure your elected officials know that this matters.”

Apart from money, residents can also support in kind. Many food banks appreciate year-round volunteers. You can check with your local food bank about available volunteering slots. McCarthy said volunteer spots for her organization are booked through the end of the year.

“If people remember that we’re here year-round and come back in January, February, it’s definitely very helpful,” she said. “That’s kind of the time of year where people might not be thinking about it as much.”