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The Federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) ran out of funding affecting hundreds of thousands of people in New Jersey. In response, community leaders have been reaching out to each other to help aid those in need. Five Hoboken restaurants have stepped up to help fight against food insecurity within the Hoboken community. Read more to find out how the Hoboken community is reacting to the loss of SNAPS and the five restaurants that stepped up.
Photo Credit: Louis Quinones
Background
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a monthly food benefit program assisting in alleviating food insecurity in low-income households. SNAP is funded by the US Department of Agriculture, which does not have the budget for the fiscal year 2026. SNAP benefits were set to run out of funding on November 1st. Per a 2025 statement from New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, more than 800,00 New Jersey residents received SNAP benefits.
Many communities are being hit with the effects of losing SNAPs, and supplementary resources can be found here.
Read More: Hoboken + Jersey City Resources for Families Affected by SNAP Changes
As the first week without SNAP benefits comes to a close, communities have been looking inward to find solutions and provide support. Louis Quinones is the Chief Executive Officer of Community Lifestyle, a nonprofit that provides free community programs to youth and teens in Hoboken. Concerned for kids in his programs who live in the Hoboken Housing Authority, Louis connected with Jubilee of Hoboken, which focuses on children’s programming.
Louis wanted to restart the retired meal program that Jubilee of Hoboken had been running for 17 years, from 2002 to 2020. During this time, four Hoboken restaurants, including the Madison Bar + Grill, Black Bear, and 10th + Willow, provided meals once a week for families affected by food insecurity. Together, Community Lifestyle and Jubilee of Hoboken turned toward the community and asked if any restaurants would be willing to supply meals for the Community Lifestyle program.
Read More: Where to Donate Food in Hoboken + Jersey City
Five restaurant owners have each taken one respective night a week and will be sending dinner for 40-50 children of the Community Lifestyle program. Not every family has the time, resources, or space to cook meals, so the Community Life Meal program will alleviate stress for youth. The Hoboken community response is setting an admirable precedent.
The restaurants stepping up are:
The Madison Bar & Grill | 1316 Washington Street
The Madison Bar + Grill serves American comfort classics alongside a variety of other cuisines so everyone can find something they enjoy.
Black Bear | 205 Washington Street
Black Bear Bar & Grill is a sports bar great food and a plethora of TVs to watch your favorite game.
10th & Willow | 935 Willow Avenue
10th + Willow has been operating for 25 years with fresh spins on traditional bar foods and craft cocktails.
O’Nieals | 343 Park Avenue
O’Nieals is a cozy spot serving up burgers, pasta, and light fare with locations in Hoboken and in SOHO, NY.
The Shepherd + the KnuckleHead | 1313 Willow Avenue, Hoboken
The Shepherd and Knucklehead is a familiar Hoboken spot housing burgers, craft beers, and game watchers.
You can get involved and support Community Lifestyle through volunteering and donations on the website here.
See More: Essex County Resources for Families Affected by SNAP Changes
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