Photo courtesy of Hunger Free UIC Hudson County.
Communities are coming together in food assistance, education, tributes and more. Here’s this week’s news roundup.
New Jersey Will ‘Protect Vulnerable Communities’ During SNAP Suspension
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy has declared a state of emergency after the Trump administration’s decision to suspend federal food assistance benefits, also known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
More than 800,000 New Jerseyeans rely on SNAP, including half of that number being children, 1 in 3 having a disability and 1 in 5 is 60 or older, according to the state. Though the program went into suspension on Saturday, Nov. 1, New Jersey, including Hudson County communities, have mobilized to help feed those in need.
“The Trump Administration‘s decision to suspend benefits has created a clear and present threat to the health and safety of our residents,” Murphy said in a statement.
“We will not stand by while families face hunger. That is why our state will mobilize every available resource to strengthen our food access networks banks, protect vulnerable communities, and ensure that every resident has access to the meals they need.”
You can find some food pantries throughout Hudson County below:
Slice of Culture will be releasing a more in-depth article regarding SNAP assistance, resources and more for Hudson County and New Jersey residents.
Jersey City Is Making Sure You Don’t Go Hungry This Holiday Season
Triangle Park Community Center is having “emergency” food pantry distributions for November and December to ensure no one goes hungry.
They will work on finding extra food sources and bring them to the community.
The November dates include:
- Friday, Nov. 7: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Friday, Nov. 14: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Saturday, Nov. 15: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
The December dates include:
- Friday, Dec. 5: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Friday, Dec. 19: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Saturday, Dec. 5: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
This Non-Profit Is Feeding The Community This Holiday Season
AngelaCARES Inc. is hosting their 14th Annual Thanksgiving Feed on Nov. 26. The event serves 1,000 senior citizens with a warm meal.
If you are a senior citizen in need of a meal you can register for a free one from now through Nov. 19.
To register you can call 201-706-2884.
Bye Halloween, Hello Christmas! Vendors Needed In Hudson County
The Harrison Lions Club will be having their Craft Market at the Harrison Elks Lodge and they need vendors!
The market will happen on Nov. 30 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m at 406 Harrison Avenue. The cost is $35 per table and $20 for a second table.
You can register here to be a vendor.
Need Help With Your School Work? This After School Program Is Here To Help!
Jersey City’s Triangle Park Community Center will be restarting its Youth Program by providing free after-school programming to youths in the Ward A area every Tuesday from 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Students will be helped with homework and special projects plus tutoring help with core ELA/Math skills by teen Mentors from local schools like High Tech High School. A hot meal will also be provided every week.
Arts and crafts, outdoor play and light snacks will also be provided. Reach out to [email protected] or triangleparkccjc on Instagram for more information or to register.
Hudson County Says Goodbye To Iconic Diner, Welcomes Fellow Longtime Eatery Into Space
The community showed up this past weekend for Jersey City’s iconic Miss America Diner, who announced Friday night that they will close its doors forever on Monday, Nov. 3.
“It is with extreme sadness we announce that the Miss America Diner will be closing her doors on Monday, November 03, 2025,” the owners posted on Facebook.
“We wish to thank our hardworking staff for their dedication and especially to our loyal customers who kept us going for the last 13+ years. We thank you for your patronage and the support you gave to our small business!”
The diner was flooded with tributes from customers and took to social media to share what’s next for them.
“The community will continue to be served excellent, freshly prepared food by our other-side of West Side neighbor Salumeria Ercolano, who will be relocating to the Miss America space!” they wrote. “No condos coming, just great food!“
Community members expressed their sadness about the closure and took to social media to share their feelings.
“I literally grew up in this diner in the 90s. I have the best memories of hanging out on the bar stools, chit chatting with all the waitresses,” one user wrote.
You Can Achieve Homeownership In Jersey City. Here’s Some First Steps
The first-time homebuyers program is aimed at helping low- and moderate-income families to achieve homeownership, and it will be expanding next year.
Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop and the city’s Division of Community Development spoke more on the Golden Neighborhood First-time Homeownership Program (GNHP), which helps eligible first-time buyers with a pre-approval mortgage, completion of an eight-hour HUD-approved homebuyer education and a certificate that shows “readiness” for homeownership. “Eligible” first-time buyers are residents who earn 80% or less than the Area Median Income (AMI).
“Homeownership is one of the most important pathways to financial security,” said Deja Anderson, Director of the Division of Community Development. “The response to this program shows how strong the demand is among residents who are ready to invest in Jersey City but need help bridging the gap to ownership.”
To get started on the homeownership program, find details and resources here.
The Division of Community Development will also soon launch its Home Improvement Repair Program, which offers up to $25,000 in assistance for critical home repairs like roofing and masonry.
17-Year-Old Will Be Prosecuted As Adult In Connection To Fatal Shooting Of Cianna Lee
Willie Shuler, of Jersey City, who was charged in connection with the January fatal shooting of Cianna Lee, will now be prosecuted as an adult.
Shuler has been charged with:
- Murder, first degree
- Attempted Murder, first degree
- Aggravated Assault, second degree
- Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, second degree
- Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, second degree
The shooting happened back in January, shortly after 11 p.m. in the area of Martin Luther King Drive and Union Street in Jersey City. The 15-year-old was heading home to Jersey City from a birthday party with her stepmom Xiao Kuang. The bullet only grazed Kuang’s back before striking Lee.
Lee was transported to Jersey City Medical Center where she was pronounced dead just after 1:20 a.m. on Jan. 19. Kuang was treated for a nonfatal gunshot wound.
Know any local news we should include? Email Stella Accettola at [email protected]!
