The County of Ocean will declare a State of Emergency in response to the suspension of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which has created significant hardship for vulnerable residents across the county.

The declaration will authorize the County to take immediate action to safeguard the health and welfare of at-risk residents, particularly seniors and children, who depend on SNAP benefits to meet essential nutritional needs.

County Administrator Michael Fiure stated, "We have prepared the appropriate documents to declare the State of Emergency, and the Commissioners have authorized that I begin the formalities to develop an emergency program. We are monitoring this situation closely and will provide updates as things progress."

The County will provide additional information as to where benefits will be distributed. Please visit the County website at www.co.ocean.nj.us or follow our social media for further details.

The declaration activates local authority under N.J.S.A. 40A:4-46 et seq. and N.J.S.A. 40A:11-6, permitting the County to make emergency appropriations and engage in expedited purchasing and contracting for client-based food assistance. The County will coordinate these efforts with the Ocean County Department of Human Services, Office of Senior Services, Veterans Service Bureau, Ocean County Board of Social Services and local food security partners to ensure equitable and efficient delivery of aid.