This bill proposes a supplemental appropriation of $175 million from the General Fund to the Department of Human Services (DHS) for the fiscal year 2026, specifically allocated to the Division of Family Development. The funds are designated for issuing monthly Emergency SNAP Replacement Benefits to eligible households participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). These replacement benefits will be provided during any month in which the federal SNAP benefit amount is less than the household's most recently certified federal SNAP monthly benefit, ensuring that families receive the full amount they are entitled to.

The bill outlines that the monthly replacement benefits will be issued in a manner that aligns with existing State rules and procedures for SNAP, including the use of the SNAP Electronic Benefit Transfer system. Additionally, the Division of Family Development is required to seek reimbursement from the United States Department of Agriculture for all State funds expended under this program by June 30, 2026. This initiative comes in response to the suspension of federal SNAP funding due to a government shutdown, which has left many low-income families in New Jersey facing food insecurity.