Where to Get Food Assistance in Somerset County During the SNAP Disruption

As the recent federal government shutdown has impacted the timely disbursement of federal benefits, including Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funds, many households in our community may find themselves facing increased food insecurity. If you are living in  Somerset County and need assistance, it's important to know that help is available — here’s what you need to know.

Why This Matters Now

Food assistance through SNAP and other programs is designed to help families have consistent access to nutritious foods. When federal benefit distributions are delayed or disrupted, the gap can cause serious stress for households already managing limited resources. According to the county’s data: in Somerset County—even though it is among the wealthiest counties in the United States—many families still struggle: nearly 30,000 residents live below the poverty line, and roughly one in four households earn $75,000 or less. Source: Somerset County NJ
If SNAP funds are delayed, you do not need to face the gap alone; local programs stand ready to assist.

What’s Available in Somerset County

The Somerset County Department of Human Services offers several direct-entry points for food assistance and related services:

• Human Services Navigators are available to help residents who live or work in Somerset County navigate food assistance, SNAP, utility/rent help, Medicaid, and other wrap-around supports. Somerset County NJ

• To reach them:

  • Email: FoodAssistance@co.somerset.nj.us Somerset County NJ

  • Phone: 908-704-6300 Somerset County NJ

• Two navigators to know:

  • Brittany Lopez Cruz (serving a large list of towns including Raritan) — Phone: 908-705-7286; Spanish-speaking. Somerset County NJ

  • Aldo Martinez (serving other parts of the county) — Phone: 908-200-1688; Spanish-speaking. Somerset County NJ

• The site also lists partner food banks, food pantries, and a map of farmers’ markets. Somerset County NJ

What You Should Do Right Now

1. Reach out early — If your SNAP benefits are delayed or you’re worried about accessing food, call the navigator line or email as soon as possible. They can help you find temporary assistance and begin applications.

2. Explore food pantry options — Even if you believe you’ll soon receive your benefits, food pantries can help confidently bridge any gap.

3. Be prepared with basics — When contacting agencies, have your household size, address (township/borough), and a summary of your situation ready (e.g., delayed benefits, income change) to speed up help.

4. Ask about related supports — The same Human Services Navigators can help with rent/utility aid, Medicaid applications, WIC (Women, Infants & Children), and free/reduced school lunch programs. Somerset County NJ

5. Stay informed — Watch county announcements for updated hours, new programs, or emergency distributions—especially if benefits remain delayed.

Local Food Bank & Pantry Partners

While the “Food Assistance” page does not list every pantry, it mentions several by name; here are key ones serving this region:

• Food Bank Network of Somerset County — A major county-wide food bank. Somerset County NJ

• Franklin Food Bank — Provides client-choice model pantry services. Somerset County NJ

• Pantries in or near the Greater Raritan region include:

  • My Neighbor’s Pantry – Zarephath Christian Church in Zarephath/Somerville. Somerset County NJ

  • S.H.I.P. – Samaritan Homeless Interim Program in Somerville. Somerset County NJ

If you tell the navigator your township (for example: Raritan Borough, Bridgewater Township, Hillsborough Township), they can point you to the closest open pantry and even help you assess eligibility for extra support.

Final Word

The current disruption in benefits may feel overwhelming, but you are not alone—and local systems are in place to help. If you or your family are facing a SNAP shortfall, reach out today to the Somerset County Human Services team. Even in a prosperous county like ours, many neighbors face food insecurity—and the county is actively investing in turning that tide. Somerset County NJ

If you are an organization that wants to be featured in Raritan Neighbors NJ - raritanneighborsnj@gmail.com - email Donnella so I can share your information with readers.

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