Three Republicans from NJ stand by their votes as nutrition program loses 5% of recipients and almost 70,000 residents drop insurance

USDA is seeking names, immigration status of recipients

Enrollees must show they have worked or volunteered a minimum of 80 hours a month

More families are seeking help from food pantries

Officials say recipients should see those benefits on EBT cards

Latest Census Bureau data also indicates inequality in the state declined

In Essex County, a modest meal is 48% more expensive than SNAP benefits provide

Megabill holds off cuts to Medicaid, SNAP food program until after 2026 elections

Many New Jersey families could lose more than $180 monthly

Exploring the expansion of food assistance in New Jersey

As well as fears about large economic consequences, there are concerns a shutdown would hurt the state’s neediest families

Community FoodBank CEO Carlos Rodriguez discusses food assistance amid a holiday spike in demand

Changes will go into effect in October

Interview with Adele LaTourette, director of Hunger Free New Jersey, as part of our ongoing series Hunger in New Jersey