Beyond the Shutdown: How Goodwill NYNJ is Filling the SNAP Gap & Supporting its Workers

Brooklyn, NY – November 6, 2025 – As the recent government shutdown continues to disrupt vital social safety nets, Goodwill Industries of Greater New York and Northern New Jersey (Goodwill NYNJ) is mounting a multi-faceted response, providing over $115,000 in emergency aid to vulnerable communities and, notably, extending that same support to its own employees impacted by the disruption. While food banks scramble to meet increased demand, and families face the immediate threat of food insecurity, Goodwill NYNJ's approach highlights a growing trend: nonprofits not just filling gaps left by government inaction, but also prioritizing the wellbeing of the very people who deliver these critical services.

This month, the organization allocated $15,000 to the Food Bank of NYC, Regional Food Bank of Northeastern NY, and the Community FoodBank of New Jersey. Beyond direct donations, Goodwill NYNJ is self-funding mini food pantries at select locations, distributing Instacart gift cards to at-risk clients through its Mission Programs, and, crucially, launching an Employee Assistance Program offering temporary stipends and resources to staff facing hardship.

“The shutdown has created a perfect storm of need,” explains a source within Goodwill NYNJ’s community outreach team. “We’re seeing a significant increase in demand for our services, and many of the individuals we serve are now facing even greater challenges. It’s not just about providing a meal today; it’s about ensuring stability and helping people maintain their dignity during a difficult time.”

The Ripple Effect of Food Insecurity

The suspension of SNAP benefits has hit particularly hard in New York and New Jersey, where approximately 1.7 million people rely on the program. Prior to the shutdown, roughly 1 in 7 New Yorkers and 1 in 10 New Jersey residents were already facing food insecurity. The disruption has exacerbated these existing vulnerabilities, pushing many families to the brink.

“We’ve seen a 30% increase in requests for emergency food assistance since the shutdown began,” says a representative from the Food Bank of NYC. “Families are coming to us for the first time, and they’re often desperate. They've exhausted their other options.”

Goodwill NYNJ’s response goes beyond simply providing food. The organization recognizes the importance of addressing the root causes of food insecurity and empowering individuals to regain self-sufficiency. The Instacart gift cards, for example, are intended to provide immediate relief while also allowing clients to choose the foods that best meet their dietary needs and preferences.

An Employee-First Approach

What sets Goodwill NYNJ's response apart is its commitment to its own workforce. The Employee Assistance Program, offering financial support to staff facing hardship, reflects a growing recognition that those delivering social services often face the same challenges as those they serve.

“It’s easy to focus solely on the external need, but we realized we had a responsibility to our employees as well,” says a senior leader within Goodwill NYNJ. “Many of our team members are low-wage earners who are also struggling to make ends meet. We want to ensure they have the resources they need to support themselves and their families.”

This commitment resonates with a growing trend within the nonprofit sector, where organizations are prioritizing employee wellbeing as a key component of their sustainability. Burnout and high turnover are major challenges for nonprofits, and investing in employee support can help attract and retain qualified staff.

Beyond Emergency Relief: A Sustainable Solution?

While the immediate focus is on providing emergency relief, Goodwill NYNJ is also exploring ways to address the underlying causes of food insecurity and build a more sustainable solution. The organization’s workforce development programs, which provide job training and placement assistance, are designed to help individuals gain the skills and experience they need to secure stable employment and achieve financial independence.

“We see our role as not just providing a temporary fix, but also empowering people to build a better future for themselves,” explains a program director. “We want to help individuals break the cycle of poverty and achieve long-term self-sufficiency.”

However, experts caution that relying solely on nonprofits to address systemic issues is not a sustainable solution. “Nonprofits play a vital role, but they can’t fill the gaps left by government inaction indefinitely,” says a policy analyst specializing in food security. “We need to address the root causes of poverty and invest in policies that create a more equitable and just society.”

As the government shutdown continues, the need for emergency assistance will only grow. Goodwill NYNJ’s response serves as a reminder that community-based organizations are often the first line of defense for vulnerable populations – and that prioritizing the wellbeing of those delivering these critical services is essential for ensuring a sustainable and equitable future. The organization’s proactive approach to supporting both its clients and its employees sets a powerful example for nonprofits nationwide.

For more information about Goodwill NYNJ and its programs, please visit www.goodwillnynj.org.