Emergency Alert: Ridgewood Rallies for Neighbors Facing Immediate Food Insecurity Due to Government Shutdown
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, the ongoing federal government shutdown is hitting home hard in Ridgewood, NJ. As of October 31st, 263 families right here in our community—our neighbors, friends, and their children—will see their essential SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits abruptly end. This means that as early as this Saturday, hundreds of residents may face the devastating reality of not being able to put food on the table.
In response to this urgent crisis, the Village of Ridgewood is mobilizing an immediate, community-wide Emergency Food Drive. We are issuing an urgent plea: We need all hands on deck to ensure no one in Ridgewood goes hungry.
A Unified Effort to Avert Hunger
To quickly address this acute need, the Village of Ridgewood has partnered with a powerful coalition of local organizations:
- Social Service Association of Ridgewood and Vicinity
- Ridgewood YMCA
- Ridgewood Board of Education
- Ridgewood Interfaith Council
Together, we are creating a safety net for the 263 affected families by collecting and distributing essential food and household items immediately.
How You Can Be a Lifeline Today
If you are fortunate enough to have enough to eat, please consider those who do not. Every donation, no matter the size, will directly support our neighbors through this unforeseen crisis.
1. Donate Most-Needed Items
We are seeking non-perishable food and essential household supplies. Please ensure all items are unopened and not expired.
| Category | Most-Needed Items |
| Pantry Staples | Jarred pasta sauce, Rice, Condiments, Cooking Oil |
| Breakfast Items | Hot & Cold Cereal, Oatmeal, Pancake Mix and Syrup, Breakfast Bars |
| Canned Goods | Hearty Canned Soups, Canned Pasta (e.g., Chef Boyardee) |
| Protein | Canned Tuna, Canned Chicken, Canned Ham, Spam |
| Household Essentials | Personal Care Products, Household Cleaning Products |
| Fresh Produce | (Please donate fresh produce directly to one of the partner organizations for immediate distribution) |
2. Drop-Off Locations (Open Now)
Drop-off your donations at any of the following accessible locations throughout the Village:
- Village Hall
- Ridgewood Public Library
- Ridgewood YMCA
- St. Elizabeth’s Episcopal Church
- First Presbyterian Church
- Temple Israel
- Emmanuel Church
- Unitarian Society
Together, We Keep Ridgewood Strong
This is a moment for our community to demonstrate its strength and compassion. By mobilizing quickly, we can ensure that this federal policy crisis does not translate into hunger for our local families. Your immediate generosity can make the difference between a family being able to eat this weekend and facing a devastating void.
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If the govt didn’t take the majority of your income, families could provide for themselves.
Not SNAP families. Many or most recipients of SNAP benefits benefit from the Child Tax Credit, the Earned Income Tax Credit, the Child and Dependent Care Credit, and possibly more. They don’t pay taxes, but receive more than they pay – if they do work. But, your point is a good one,
Those days are slowly coming to an end.
Property tax revolt by a citizens-led initiative is well underway.
NJ is a classic example of corruption of the highest order from state to the municipal level. It’s over.
Government takes too much from us
Smoke and mirrors – Anyone questioning why dems are continuing to vote it down? Or is it only to maintain leverage before Election Day?
What is the percentage of the families in Ridgewood?
Why can’t the “unaccounted for funds” be used to fill in the gap? I understand there is a chef emeritus and former restaurant owner who could supply all of these needs and appear as a hero…………
Can anyone cook squirrel???
Where did the 4 million dollars go that Healthbarn accepted with Ramon Hache and the mayor? Maybe these funds could help Ridgewood families. Where is all that cash
Those families should call and complain to our liberal mayor who campaigned w Mikie Sherrill in Ridgewood Mikie didn’t vote to keep our gov’’t open and maintain SNAP benefits . In fact she missed 145 votes in 2025, the most by any member of the house of representatives, 70% higher than the next congressman.
WOW -this doesn’t sound like someone that goes to work for the people’s business every day!
Wasn’t there 4 million dollars given to Healthbarn and The mayor at the time Ramon Hache. Can this money be used to help Ridgewood families in need?
most in ridgewood voted the democrats in they are there ones who will not vote to open the government no snap benefits all republicans voted for the budget to open the government
so keep voting for the democrats and stop complaining i do feel sorry for people who do not have food
bla bla every excuse for keeping the gov closed do they really care about the lower income people? i doubt it self centered …need to satisfy the extra left… and get voted in again
very sad what this county have come to
only 3 democrats voted to open the government a bunch of spoiled children act that way
power is the driver….libs couldn’t give a hoot about their constituents
Constituents? I’ll get to them after I finish checking my stocks…………………………