United Way of Greater Mercer County (UWGMC) and Princeton Human Services (PHS) today announced a strengthened partnership to help connect the community to NJ SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) and health insurance benefits. The collaboration will reduce the hurdles families face to obtain the government assistance needed to stay on their feet during a rough economic climate.
The Mercer County Food Insecurity Index by the Trenton Health Team indicates that Princeton is one of the towns in Mercer which scored high in food insecurity but has a low NJ SNAP utilization rate. SNAP is one of the primary ways to address hunger, malnutrition, and poverty in communities. Families who lost their emergency SNAP benefits may be eligible to receive a supplement to increase the amount from $23 to a $95 minimum that Governor Phil Murphy recently approved.
In addition to access to healthy foods, health care is also critical for families. Information regarding eligibility for NJ Family Care or Get Covered NJ will be available in addition to other resources in the community.
A UWGMC Resource Specialist and a representative from PHS will be at the Princeton Public Library at 65 Witherspoon St, Princeton, NJ, on the third Wednesday of the month from 9:30 AM-1 PM. Spanish translation will be available for the community.
“Food insecurity impacts many in our community. NJ SNAP's provision of healthy food and nutrition education, coupled with the increase to monthly benefits brought forth by Governor Murphy, will go a long way in helping of our families most in need. I also believe the increased presence and assistance from Princeton Human Services and United Way of Greater Mercer County will ensure more residents enroll in SNAP and other supportive programs and services,” said Rhodalynn Jones, PHS Executive Director.
“Access to quality foods, like fresh fruits and vegetables, is critical for everyone's health and well-being. United Way of Greater Mercer County and Princeton Human Services are working together to broaden outreach to Princeton residents. It is imperative that we do not let families go without adequate food. We are committed to working for solutions to increase access to food and other resources for all in need. Governor Murphy’s measure to boost the monthly allotment will help families to keep putting food on the table,” said Sandra Toussaint, UWGMC President & CEO.
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About Princeton Human Services: Through advocacy, leadership, and collaboration, the Department of Human Services helps to improve the quality of life of individuals in our community who are vulnerable, economically disadvantaged, or otherwise in need. The Department coordinates and administers programs and services to the various population groups in need. The scope of services supported and provided by the Human Services Department includes programs that assist residents with limited income and resources in the areas of financial assistance, employment, housing, and emergency assistance. The department also serves the community as an information and referral source for residents in need of various services. To learn more about Princeton Human Services visit https://princetonnj.gov/344/Human-Services.
