News of paused Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for millions of Americans, a casualty of the 43-day government shutdown, dominated recent headlines. Yet apart from the sensational nature of that news, many are likely unfamiliar with the true nature of that impact on their communities. Often referred to derisively as “food stamps” or “EBT”, the truth is that these benefits help lift many Americans out of poverty. Working families and their children, the elderly, veterans and those with disabilities are some of the demographics who benefit from the program. Not to mention that the rate of 1 in 8, or 12% of Americans, are SNAP recipients, which means the affected are very likely our neighbors and community members. Amid the deluge of headlines, one thing remains clear, food security for all Americans, especially our most vulnerable populations, is of the highest priority.

According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP), SNAP is the nation’s most important and effective anti-hunger program. It plays a critical role in reducing poverty, improving health and economic outcomes, supporting people who are paid low wages and serving as the first line of defense against hunger during economic downturns.

In its work to create strong, stable communities and their residents, food security represents a major portion of Mission First’s Resident Services initiative. The effects of the recent government shutdown on SNAP recipients indicate why. In New Jersey, more than 64% of SNAP participants are in families with children; while more 37% are in families with members who are older adults or are disabled; and more than 31% are in working families. At Mission First Supportive Housing: Edison, at least 90% of residents are SNAP benefit recipients, which makes our work to address food security an important, multipronged approach.

In addition to a dedicated and rapidly growing food pantry program at Mission First, a gardening program rooted in horticultural therapy reaps dividends for resident’s holistic health. “In the garden, residents can learn how to grow and eat nutritious food, grow flowers and plants that beautify their community and also engage in physical activity,” explained Andrea Dean, who oversees both pantry and gardening programs. That activity now reliably yields fresh produce that supports resident’s nutritional needs.

The work does not end at the harvest. Efforts to engage residents in food preparation demonstrations led both by partners and residents themselves, continues to grow. The recent Plant-to-Plate Nutrition discussion group featured fall favorite butternut squash and a resident-led demonstration on roasting it with delicious results. Sustainable snacks were also produced with a bit of resourcefulness and inventive thinking, demonstrating how residents might maximize the garden’s bounty. “We saved the seeds,” explained Andrea, “toasted them and gave out samples and recipes during our Fall Festival.” That sustainable trajectory is indicative of the way in which Mission First’s food security programming is interlinked.

When faced with the difficult choice, “people will choose to buy groceries over paying rent” noted Melissa Mascolo, Director of Program Management in Edison. Bearing that in mind, it is also evident that supporting food security plays a crucial role in supporting resident’s ability to remain stably housed and Mission First’s Food Pantry program steps in to further bridge that gap. What started as a partnership with First Presbyterian Church of Metuchen to facilitate food pantry pop-ups has blossomed into a formalized pantry supported by regular donations from First Presbyterian. Open three times a month at each site, the pantry serves approximately 70 residents per month, providing access to essential food stuffs which complement their existing supplies and any produce obtained from the garden or donations. 

Despite this safety net, demand is still high and donors may still find themselves exceptionally burdened. At an estimated 9% of the State’s total population, the 91 individuals residing at Mission First Supportive Housing: Edison represent a small portion of the more than 800,000 SNAP recipients in the State, all of whom are likely feeling the lingering effects of the shutdown. Furthermore, the end of the shutdown does not mean the end of hardships for recipients, as experts predict quality control and other issues within the system and cannot guarantee that beneficiaries will receive 100% of their eligible benefits. Similarly, pantries across the State will be strained by the demand and it may still be feeling the trickle-down effects of the pause in benefits into the new year.

SNAP recipients are our family members, friends and neighbors. While it can be easy to read the news and depersonalize the struggles of these individuals, consider that care for any community is the responsibility of all who reside in it.

With this in mind, Mission First urges readers to donate food items to Mission First: Edison’s Food Pantry. Our program is looking for the following items for the Food Pantry:

• Fruits and vegetables: Fresh, dried or canned (in water or juice rather than syrup) Note: items with pull-tab cans are preferred when possible.
• Whole grains: bread; low sugar cereals; rice (brown or white); grains such as quinoa, oats, barley; pastas (including gluten-free) crackers; granola bars and popcorn.
• Proteins: canned or vacuum packaged meats, such as chicken, tuna, salmon or sardines.
• Vegetarian and vegan-friendly protein: canned or dried beans; nuts and seeds; as well as nut butters such as peanut, almond, sunflower.
• Canned items; soups, stews or pastas. Note: items with pull-tab can are preferred when possible.
• Beverages: shelf-stable milk (including plant-based), water, fruit juice, vegetable juice, tea, coffee.

100% percent of your food donations will help to feed your neighbors and community members this holiday season and beyond. Consider the positive impact a pantry donation to Mission First: Edison could have!

If you would like to donate items, please contact Andrea Dean at adean@missionfirsthousing.org to arrange for delivery or pick up. Thank you for your consideration.  

OceanFirst Bank Check Presentation:

Locating and identifying new funders can be tricky, obtaining funding on the first application even trickier still. On Wednesday, November 5th, OceanFirst Bank staff stopped by Amandla Crossing for a check presentation. OceanFirst Foundation awarded Mission First with a $15,000 grant to support Resident Services in Edison. To add to the excitement, the bank saw fit to award us $5,000 more than our initial $10,000 request after assessing our mission and impact.

This year, OceanFirst Foundation received a record 352 Major Grant requests from nonprofits across New Jersey, New York and Philadelphia and awarded only 110 organizations - including ours – with general operating support. These dollars will go directly to funding our supportive housing program in Edison, which is key to success in housing for our residents.

Manasquan Bank Grantee Breakfast

On Friday, November 7th, our Melissa Mascolo joined other grantees for a breakfast held by Manasquan Bank at their headquarters in Brick, New Jersey. This fall, Mission First Supportive Housing: Edison received a $1,000 grant from Manasquan Bank Charitable Foundation for supportive services at the property.

Attendees heard from the Manasquan Bank CEO and staff about the history of Manasquan Bank and its commitment to the community. Members of the nonprofit organizations in attendance had the opportunity to meet and introduce their respective programs and do some networking.

This is the fourth year Mission First has received funding from Manasquan Bank, and the funding represents a deepening relationship with the Bank, who has partnered to facilitate financial literacy coaching for Edison residents.

Last month financial literacy coaches met with residents at Amandla Crossing in Edison, NJ to share information and tips about building budgets and overall money maintenance. Mission First looks forward to continuing to grow this relationship with Manasquan Bank to continue enriching the lives of residents of Amandla Crossing and Imani Park.

Edison Fall Festival at Amandla Crossing

Plant to Plate Discussion Group at Imani Park

Fall Decorating and Activities at Imani Park

Financial Literacy event with Manasquan Bank at Amandla Crossing

We have great things planned for the future as well! Want to keep up-to-date on what's going on at Edison and Mission First's other work? Follow us on social media:

Mission First Supportive Housing: Edison provides permanent supportive housing for homeless individuals and families in Middlesex County. Our on-site support services offer our residents access to the resources they need to increase health, independence and housing stability. When you make a donation to Mission First Supportive Housing: Edison, you are helping to ensure that residents have the supports they need to remain successfully housed, get back on their feet and live as thriving members of the community. Your support means so much! 

Donate online by clicking below or by mail to Melissa Mascolo, Supportive Housing: Edison, c/o Amandla Crossing, 100 Mitch Snyder Drive, Edison, NJ 08837.

Do you want to do more than make a donation?

Here are some other great ways for you to help:

• Help secure a matching gift from your employer.
• Host a fundraising event and donate the proceeds to Mission First Supportive Housing: Edison.
• Host an essential items supply drive.
• Introduce your friends, family and colleagues to Mission First Supportive Housing: Edison and encourage them to give.

Do you have ideas you’d like to discuss? Give us a call! We’d love to work with you. For more information, please contact:

• Melissa Mascolo, Director of Program Management, 609.373.8550, mmascolo@missionfirsthousing.org
• Moira Rooney, Senior Vice President, Fundraising & Communications, 267.269.3331, mrooney@missionfirsthousing.org