Congressman Norcross Highlights Impact of SNAP Cuts in South Jersey

At the Food Bank of South Jersey’s Pennsauken warehouse today, pallets of canned goods, healthy snacks, and pantry staples stood ready for distribution throughout Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, and Salem counties.

But Congressman Donald Norcross’ press conference wasn’t about what’s on our shelves – it was about what’s missing from too many tables across South Jersey.

In July, the federal budget reconciliation bill was signed into law will cut $200 billion from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). This is the largest reduction to the program in a generation. In New Jersey’s First Congressional District, that means close to 97,000 people.

“Food is not a privilege. It’s a right as a human being, no matter where you are,” Congressman Norcross told the group. He called the cuts “fundamentally wrong” and emphasized that hunger isn’t a partisan issue. “The American Dream starts with a meal on the table, and that is our obligation to continue it, no matter what,” he said, thanking the Food Bank team and volunteers for their work to keep food flowing to our neighbors.

Fred Wasiak, President & CEO of the Food Bank of South Jersey, shared how SNAP plays a critical role in the fight against hunger. “For every one meal we provide through the food bank, SNAP can provide nine,” he explained. “When cuts like these happen, the impact is immediate and it’s felt most by children, seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities. And where will they turn? To our network of more than 300 community partners, who are on the frontlines every day getting food out to neighbors.”

The Food Bank of South Jersey is already seeing need at record levels. In the first six months of this year, the organization served 185,000 people per month, twice the number served during the height of the pandemic.

Last year, FBSJ distributed a record 23 million pounds of food and is on track to exceed that number in 2025.

Fred stressed that while the food bank has been here for 40 years through recessions, natural disasters, and a global pandemic, the growing need requires everyone’s involvement. “We are asking our leaders to strengthen federal nutrition programs, and we’re asking our community to stand with us, as you always have,” he said. “We will continue to be here as a source of food and hope, as the Food Bank both OF and FOR South Jersey.”