By Raeanne Raccagno
News Editor
Numerous local businesses and organizations in the Mercer County area have started their own food donation programs to assist families and individuals affected by changes in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program funding.
Amid the previously resolved government shutdown, the United States Department of Agriculture sent a notice to all regional SNAP directors, instructing them to hold benefits, stating that there was only enough funding to cover October. On Nov. 10, a new funding bill was passed through the U.S. Senate, but it will take days for the government to fully reopen.
The deal would only extend money for the federal government until Jan. 30, but would fund SNAP benefits until September 2026. The bill also requires that states get reimbursed for federal expenses that were paid during the shutdown, including SNAP costs that were paid.
One of the food pantries aiding the College and Mercer County is The Shop@TCNJ, which started in response to students requesting more emergency food assistance, especially during extended breaks, according to their website.
“The experience is fulfilling because you are in a position to help others,” said Nicole Harris, the College’s manager for health promotion and resiliency. “But stressful because some neighbors come to the SHOP needing more than we are able to provide for them and have situations bigger than we are able to solve.”
The Shop began preparing when reports of SNAP pauses first came out by planning extra shopping trips and stocking their shelves and freezer ahead of usual scheduled times. Since The Shop is now open to Mercer County residents, not just the campus community, it has received full membership status with Mercer Street Friends.
Mercer Street Friends is a nonprofit food bank that helps stock other food pantries. The Shop receives a monthly allotment of shelf-stable foods, eggs, fresh produce and frozen protein from them.
The Shop has also been sharing on social media other partner pantries’ food giveaways, and the campus food pantry also sent out an email on Nov. 6 requesting donations from the community.
Outside of the College’s immediate campus area, multiple businesses, organizations and individuals have been attempting to raise funds or arrange alternative food donation programs.
“I believe in food as a human right, and I couldn’t just sit by while families were left behind,” said Tyrell Smith, owner of Trent-towne market.
Trent-towne market is a farmers' market on Ingham Avenue in Trenton that focuses on food sustainability and partners with local farms and other entrepreneurs to offer produce and host events for the public. Smith said that data from Trenton Health Team, Ingham Avenue, has a food insecurity index of 97 and SNAP usage over 70%.
The score, from zero to 100, demonstrates the likelihood of food insecurity at the census block group level. The map has 241 block groups in Mercer County; the score is amalgamated from nine demographic and socioeconomic indicators that reflect people’s ability to purchase food.
The community hub started preparing in August, anticipating the “ripple effect” of SNAP reductions in the area. Trent-towne began engaging with local farmers, ride-share partners and community health providers to develop an alternative program model to connect families to fresh produce consistently.
The program is funded by hospitals, foundations and nonprofits. Trent-towne uses the money to purchase fresh produce for families that are referred through partners, or people reach out directly at community events. Food boxes or credit are distributed and offered to anyone in need.
“People feel seen and supported,” Smith said. “Our community appreciates that this program is not charity — it’s solidarity.”
Trent-towne just launched its first official partnership in its SNAP alternative program, which will support 25 families with fresh produce boxes this month. Smith said it will be scaling up and expects the number to grow as more partners come on board.
“We’re tired but driven. There’s a lot of emotional and physical labor involved, but there’s also deep purpose,” Smith said. “We’re building something bigger than ourselves — something sustainable, rooted in justice, and led by the community.”
Some business owners are moved to help their neighborhoods not only with compassion but with relation. Jasmine Wesley, owner of Jasmine’s Nadas, nestled off the Trenton Farmers Market parking lot, said she had to depend on food stamps to help feed her children last year when a car drove through her restaurant, keeping her and her husband out of work.
“Though I am in a better place now I will never forget how terrifying that time was,” Wesley said. “I am just trying to spread some love through food and make someone's day a little brighter.”
Wesley is hanging food tickets on her restaurant’s wall that customers in need can take, with no questions asked, which will get them three empanadas and a side of rice for free. Wesley is matching all donations and families can take up to two tickets.
Wesley first announced her donation program on Facebook to inform her community about the resources and ask for donations. Within the first two days of launching her initiative, Wesley raised $2,000, which allows her to make 200 meals.
With each $10 donation she receives, Wesley can provide a free meal to someone. So far, Jasmine’s Nadas have given away over 150 free meals.
“This community has rallied around my family and I when we needed it last year so I am not surprised at all,” Wesley said. “We are all going through our own struggles but the love is strong in this community.”
