10/16/2026
A tremendous thank you to NJ Department of Human Services Commissioner Dr. Stephen Cha and his incredible team for joining us yesterday at Fulfill's B.E.A.T. Center for a SNAP Navigator Listening Session! š
We are especially grateful to Commissioner Cha, Deputy Commissioner Michael J. Wilson, Assistant Commissioner Natasha Johnson, Deputy Director Larry Braasch, Assistant Division Director Alecia Eubanks, and their colleagues for being so extraordinarily generous with their time, their thoughtful engagement, and, most importantly, their openness to listening.
Yesterday brought together SNAP Navigators from Fulfill, The Community FoodBank of New Jersey, and the Food Bank of South Jersey for an honest, meaningful dialogue about what they are seeing and hearing every day as they help New Jersey residents access and maintain critical SNAP benefits.
At a time when SNAP is facing significant challenges and changes, opportunities for this kind of direct conversation and collaboration are more important than ever. We are deeply grateful for the dedicated public servants at NJ DHS and the Division of Family Development who work tirelessly to strengthen SNAP and ensure it serves New Jersey families effectively every day.
And even amid the challenges, there are moments worth celebrating! New Jersey has been at the forefront of the transition to more secure chip-enabled SNAP benefit cards, an important step forward in protecting participants from benefit theft. Progress like this reflects the commitment and hard work of so many people across our state.
An equally heartfelt thank you to all the extraordinary SNAP Navigators, who brought such honesty, thoughtfulness, expertise, and heart to yesterday's conversation. Every day, these dedicated professionals help our neighbors navigate complex systems, overcome barriers, and access the food assistance they need. SNAP Navigators build meaningful relationships rooted in trust, compassion, and understanding. These relationships make them not only invaluable guides through the SNAP process, but also trusted messengers and sources of support in communities across New Jersey. Their firsthand experiences and perspectives are invaluable in shaping a stronger SNAP program.
Yesterday was a wonderful reminder that strong programs are built through strong partnerships that are grounded in trust, collaboration, and a shared commitment to the people we serve.
To Commissioner Cha, his entire team, our fellow food banks, and every Navigator who participated: thank you for showing what meaningful partnership looks like. We are so grateful for your leadership, your dedication, and the opportunity to do this important work together! š
