Food Bank of South Jersey, NJ Anti-Hunger Coalition Rally Against Reductions to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
Pennsauken, NJ, April 11, 2015 --(PR.com)-- The Food Bank of South Jersey (FBSJ) and the New Jersey Anti-Hunger Coalition (NJAHC) are teaming to give voice against the recent reductions in SNAP benefits enacted in the Agricultural Act (Farm Bill) of 2014. The non-profit organizations are holding a series of press conferences designed to bring attention to the rising hunger crisis in New Jersey and to draw focus on a recent resolution passed by the House Budget Committee that could reduce SNAP funding by another $125 billion in the coming decade. The first press event will be held at a pantry in Camden, an area impacted significantly by the cutbacks.
When
Tuesday, April 14, 2015
11:00 am – Noon
Where
Saint Andrews Episcopal Church (Pantry), 3050 River Road, Camden, NJ
Who
Representatives from hunger advocacy groups, the political arena, and emergency food providers (food banks and pantries) will participate in the event. Expected to speak are:
· New Jersey Anti-Hunger Coalition Director Adele LaTourette
· NJ Legislative District 5 Assemblyman Angel Fuentes
· Food Bank of South Jersey CEO Val Traore
· Camden Mayor Dana Redd
· Administrators from several Camden City pantries
· Residents struggling with food-insecurity
Why
Hunger is on the rise in New Jersey. Nearly one million residents struggle to put food on the table. Reductions in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) as well as application backlogs have created extra demands on pantries and soup kitchens, which are becoming a first line of defense against hunger for many. Since the 2014 SNAP reduction went into effect, 160,000 NJ residents have lost an estimated $90 per month in food stamp assistance.
SNAP and Hunger Facts
· 900,000 NJ residents (1 out of 10) rely on SNAP benefits
· New Jersey ranks next to last in the country in the time it takes to process SNAP applications. States are required to let applicants know within 30 days whether they qualify, but in NJ waiting times of six months are not uncommon.
· 49 million Americans live in households struggling with hunger
· The Agricultural Act of 2014 (Farm Bill) included $8.6 billion in SNAP cuts
· NJ’s legislature failed through a 2015 vote to revise its “Heat and Eat” program, in effect blocking residents from receiving full SNAP benefits
About the Food Bank of South Jersey
A member of Feeding America, our nation’s largest hunger-relief organization, The Food Bank of South Jersey (FBSJ) is the leader in providing safe and nutritional food to people in need throughout South Jersey. FBSJ distributes food, provides nutrition education and cooking courses, and helps food insecure families and seniors find sustainable ways to improve their lives. To learn more visit www.foodbanksj.org
About the New Jersey Anti-Hunger Coalition
The NJ Anti-Hunger Coalition's mission is to end hunger in NJ through education, advocacy and activism. Since 1980, NJAHC has been a leading voice on hunger issues, educating the public and policy makers about hunger and advocating for responsible policies and improvements to programs that help those in need. To learn more, visit www.njahc.org
When
Tuesday, April 14, 2015
11:00 am – Noon
Where
Saint Andrews Episcopal Church (Pantry), 3050 River Road, Camden, NJ
Who
Representatives from hunger advocacy groups, the political arena, and emergency food providers (food banks and pantries) will participate in the event. Expected to speak are:
· New Jersey Anti-Hunger Coalition Director Adele LaTourette
· NJ Legislative District 5 Assemblyman Angel Fuentes
· Food Bank of South Jersey CEO Val Traore
· Camden Mayor Dana Redd
· Administrators from several Camden City pantries
· Residents struggling with food-insecurity
Why
Hunger is on the rise in New Jersey. Nearly one million residents struggle to put food on the table. Reductions in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) as well as application backlogs have created extra demands on pantries and soup kitchens, which are becoming a first line of defense against hunger for many. Since the 2014 SNAP reduction went into effect, 160,000 NJ residents have lost an estimated $90 per month in food stamp assistance.
SNAP and Hunger Facts
· 900,000 NJ residents (1 out of 10) rely on SNAP benefits
· New Jersey ranks next to last in the country in the time it takes to process SNAP applications. States are required to let applicants know within 30 days whether they qualify, but in NJ waiting times of six months are not uncommon.
· 49 million Americans live in households struggling with hunger
· The Agricultural Act of 2014 (Farm Bill) included $8.6 billion in SNAP cuts
· NJ’s legislature failed through a 2015 vote to revise its “Heat and Eat” program, in effect blocking residents from receiving full SNAP benefits
About the Food Bank of South Jersey
A member of Feeding America, our nation’s largest hunger-relief organization, The Food Bank of South Jersey (FBSJ) is the leader in providing safe and nutritional food to people in need throughout South Jersey. FBSJ distributes food, provides nutrition education and cooking courses, and helps food insecure families and seniors find sustainable ways to improve their lives. To learn more visit www.foodbanksj.org
About the New Jersey Anti-Hunger Coalition
The NJ Anti-Hunger Coalition's mission is to end hunger in NJ through education, advocacy and activism. Since 1980, NJAHC has been a leading voice on hunger issues, educating the public and policy makers about hunger and advocating for responsible policies and improvements to programs that help those in need. To learn more, visit www.njahc.org
Contact
Food Bank of South Jersey
Lou Martelli
856-662-4884
foodbanksj.org
Lou Martelli
856-662-4884
foodbanksj.org
Contact
Categories