A food crisis looms over the State of New Jersey which is forcing struggling working poor families to make tough decisions–pay for heat or pay for food.
“Feeding the hungry has always been a basic part of HomeFront’s services, but now HomeFront, as well as other agencies who supply food, find their pantries bare,” says Connie Mercer, HomeFront executive director.
The cause of this increasing food insecurity among our country’s most vulnerable population is that the food stamp program (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) has slashed its monthly aid and at the same time food costs are increasing. Yet another cut in food stamps is anticipated in a few months.
Mercer worries that to keep HomeFront’s food pantry filled, the cost will impact other programs. “As we have done in the past, we will continue to rely more and more on the community to make sure no one—young or old—goes to bed hungry.”
For more information about the food crisis follow these links.