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Judge Upholds Food Stamp Benefits

  • dovernow.com staff
  • Oct 31
  • 3 min read

Updated: Nov 1

Government shutdown threatened to end SNAP program in N.J. and the rest of the nation.

A federal judge ordered SNAP benefits to be paid for during the federal shutdown. (Photo by CatsComing/Pexels)
A federal judge ordered SNAP benefits to be paid for during the federal shutdown. (Photo by CatsComing/Pexels)

The neediest New Jersey residents have been facing frightening choices on how to feed their families as the November 1 deadline for the end of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funding approaches. This evening, The New York Times reported that a federal judge in Rhode Island ordered the administration to keep the program that affects thousands in New Jersey and about 40 million U.S. residents.


N.J. Rep Aura K. Dunn (R-25th Dist.) issued these SNAP updates before the judge's ruling to continue paying for the food stamps program beyond the November 1 cutoff.

In the event of an appeal of the federal judge's ruling, Rep. Dunn issued a reminder for residents of Dover and surrounding communities to be aware of locations for emergency resources:


  • State support for food banks: To help meet immediate need, the State advanced $42.5 million (half of the annual allocation) to New Jersey’s largest food banks for statewide distribution to local pantries.

  • State SNAP minimum continues: New Jersey will continue providing state-funded payments to households that normally receive less than $95 in federal SNAP benefits, ensuring they still receive a total of $95 this month even if federal funds are delayed.

  • EBT balances remain usable: Families can continue to use any SNAP benefits loaded before October 31, even if federal funds are delayed in November.

  • WIC benefits: Funded through November 10, 2025; all 16 county agencies continue serving families and children.

  • School meals: National School Lunch, School Breakfast, and CACFP are continuing. USDA transferred Section 32 funds to support meal reimbursements during the shutdown.

  • Processing continues: Applications and recertifications are still being processed so benefits can be issued as soon as funding is available.


Where to find help:


Additional resources:

  • NJ Food Council “SNAP NJ” Linktree: A real-time hub with food assistance updates, community resources, and program guidance.

  • DoorDash Emergency Food Response: DoorDash has announced a national initiative to help SNAP households during the funding gap, including:

  • Delivery of 1 million free meals in November through Project DASH food bank partners

  • Waived delivery and service fees for about 300,000 grocery orders placed by SNAP recipients at participating retailers

  • Food donations from DashMart to local food banks.

  • Note: Availability varies by location; check the app or participating retailers for details.

If you are able, please consider donating food to help families in need. You can find local drop-off sites and food pantries through NJ 211’s Food Pantries & Soup Kitchens directory.


Before the judge's ruling, U.S. Senator Andy Kim called for the USDA EMANDING THE USDA RELEASE EMERGENCY FUNDS SO FAMILIES DON’T GO HUNGRY:

"Let’s be clear about what’s happening to SNAP in this country," he said. "Trump is intentionally letting people go hungry, and 40 million people lose access to critical food assistance. There’s $5 billion in a contingency, or emergency, fund set up for situations just like these, but the Trump Administration is refusing to use it. This is a choice he is making."

DOVERNOW.com will be monitoring the situation. Check back for updates.




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