Newark Launches Emergency Food Hubs as SNAP Benefits Face Major Delays
The City of Newark, New Jersey has opened five emergency food distribution hubs across all city wards to help residents struggling with delayed and reduced SNAP benefits (formerly called food stamps). About 37,000 Newark residents, including 29,000 children, are affected by the federal benefits crisis that started in November 2025.
Mayor Ras J. Baraka brought together 70 nonprofit organizations to create a coordinated emergency response. “We’re going to open up hubs in every ward… food, clothes, toys for the people that need it the most, particularly those that are on SNAP,” Baraka announced at a community meeting.
The emergency effort comes after federal budget problems and a government shutdown caused major disruptions to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Federal courts recently ordered the U.S. Department of Agriculture to use a $4.65 billion emergency fund to keep SNAP cards working, according to official USDA reports. However, this emergency money only covers about half of normal monthly benefits.
Where to Get Help in Newark
Newark residents can now visit one of five emergency food hubs located in every ward:
- South Ward: 1 Belmont Way (Contact Ronice: 973-851-3496)
- Central Ward: 150 3rd Street (Contact Abigail: 516-680-3817)
- West Ward: 701 Orange Street (Contact Chris Keys: 862-405-3154)
- East Ward: 44 Hermon Street (Contact Charles: 973-465-0555 ext. 209)
- North Ward: 345 Broadway (Contact Ivonne Salazar: 973-943-5050)
All hubs are open Wednesdays, Mondays, and Saturdays from noon to 8 p.m. throughout the month. Each location provides free groceries, clothing, holiday toys, and special delivery services for seniors and homebound residents.
Emergency Cash Assistance Available
Families facing food insecurity can apply for up to $600 in emergency cash relief through Newark’s online portal at NwkAssist.com. The application process is simple and provides direct financial help while SNAP benefit problems continue.
Newark public schools will also stay open during November holidays to provide meals for students who depend on school breakfast and lunch programs.
Understanding SNAP Benefits
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program helps low-income families buy groceries. In New Jersey, families earning up to 185% of the federal poverty level (about $4,290 per month for a family of four) can qualify for SNAP, according to New Jersey Department of Human Services guidelines.
A typical family of four in New Jersey receives approximately $680 per month in SNAP benefits. Nationwide, more than 42 million Americans use SNAP benefits, including over 800,000 people in New Jersey.
Additional Community Resources
Local churches and charities are also stepping up to help. The Universal Church and other faith-based organizations are distributing free food items like crackers, oatmeal, and macaroni and cheese on neighborhood sidewalks with large “Free” signs.
City officials warn that some residents may receive little or no SNAP benefits until later in the month. The benefit reductions could continue as federal funding issues are resolved.
How Families Can Get Support
Newark residents struggling with food costs should visit their local ward hub or go online to NwkAssist.com for emergency cash assistance applications. Hub coordinators can also connect families with Medicaid, child support services, and other government benefit programs like SSI (Supplemental Security Income).
The city’s emergency response shows how local governments and nonprofits can work together during federal benefit crises. Newark’s coordinated approach provides immediate food security while families wait for their full SNAP payments to resume.
For more information about SNAP eligibility and benefits, visit the official USDA Food and Nutrition Service website or contact your local New Jersey Department of Human Services office.
