County Extends Deadline for Post-Irene Food Assistance

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders announced they are extending the deadline two more days – until Friday, Sept. 23 –for the application process of a food benefit program aimed at assisting victims of Hurricane Irene.

Under its guidelines, county residents who suffered losses due to Hurricane Irene may be eligible for a one-time food benefit ranging from $200 to a maximum of $1,202. Residents meeting the Federal Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program income guidelines can apply until Sept. 23 at three locations: Union County’s  Social Services offices in Elizabeth and Plainfield, along with a temporary site at 65 East Cherry Street in Rahway that has been established specifically for this purpose.

“There are many residents who have been severely impacted by Hurricane Irene and need help to make ends meet,” Freeholder Chairwoman Deborah Scanlon said. “We certainly encourage those who are in need and may be eligible to apply for food assistance.”

The amount of the assistance varies according to gross monthly income and family size. County social services staff has received training from the state and will assist eligible residents in completing a short application. If approved, the benefit will be electronically applied to a debit/credit card and will be available within three days of completing the application.

For residents already receiving SNAP benefits, the one-time benefit will be applied to their cards. All three sites will be open to take applications until the deadline from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

LOCATIONS:

ELIZABETH: The Union County Social Services Building is located at 342 Westminster Avenue in Elizabeth.

PLAINFIELD: The Union County Social Services Building in Plainfield is located at 200 West Second Street in Plainfield. 908-757-9090

RAHWAY: 65 East Cherry Street in Rahway.