TRENTON, NJ — Governor Mikie Sherrill is defending New Jersey’s efforts to combat child hunger while sharply criticizing the Trump administration’s approach to federal nutrition programs.
In a statement posted on X, Sherrill said her administration has expanded access to school meals, made it easier for families to enroll in school meal programs, protected SNAP benefits, and provided Summer EBT benefits to more than 680,000 New Jersey families, arguing that no child should go hungry.
“While the Trump Administration slashes nutrition programs that families rely on, my Administration has expanded access to school meals, made it easier for families to enroll in school meal programs, protected SNAP benefits, and provided Summer EBT benefits to more than 680,000 families – because no child should ever go hungry,” Sherrill wrote.
The governor’s comments highlight the growing political divide over food assistance programs. Sherrill argues that New Jersey is expanding support for children and families at a time when she believes federal policies are moving in the opposite direction.
Earlier this summer, Sherrill signed legislation requiring New Jersey public schools to prominently display information about free and reduced-price school meal programs on their websites, making it easier for eligible families to find and apply for assistance. At the same time, the state announced Summer EBT benefits for more than 681,000 eligible children, providing $120 per child to help families purchase nutritious food while school is out.
Supporters of the measure say it removes unnecessary barriers for families seeking meal assistance and helps address child food insecurity. The governor has also argued that changes to federal programs, including SNAP, could make it harder for some families to qualify automatically for subsidized school meals.
The debate reflects broader national disagreements over nutrition assistance and social safety net programs, with New Jersey’s Democratic leadership emphasizing expanded access to food assistance while Republicans have defended changes aimed at reducing federal spending and tightening eligibility requirements.
Source: Governor Mikie Sherrill (@GovSherrillNJ) on X; Office of Governor Mikie Sherrill