Dear Nutley School Community,
As many of you may be aware, upcoming changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will impact funding for many families in our community. We understand that this change may create challenges related to food security, especially as schools will be closed this Thursday and Friday (November 6th and 7th) for the NJEA Convention.
During this time, the Nutley Public School District is committed to supporting our families in need through two initiatives:
- Food Pickup – Wednesday (November 5th) Afternoon: Families may pick up food packages at John H. Walker Middle School school on Wednesday from 3PM to 4PM. Families should complete the request below by Monday, November 3rd, at 1PM so that your food may be ready for pickup.
- Prepared Meals – Thursday and Friday, November 6th and 7th, 11AM until 2PM: The John H. Walker Middle School cafeteria will be open from 11 AM to 2 PM on Thursday and Friday for district families to enjoy prepared meals together. Families should complete the request below by Monday, November 3rd, at 1PM so that our staff can make preparations for the meals.
These efforts have been made possible thanks to the generous support of the LoCurcio family and the ShopRite of Nutley, as well as our district’s food services partner, Pomptonian Food Service. Their collaboration ensures that our students and families continue to have access to nutritious food when federal support funding is paused, even when schools are closed.
Families who currently participate in the free or reduced lunch program or receive SNAP benefits are encouraged to take part in these opportunities. We will also support families that are not receiving a paycheck due to the government shutdown. To help us plan and ensure we have enough food available, please complete the short form below by Monday, November 3rd at 1PM to either:
- Apply for a food pickup package on Wednesday, or
- RSVP for an in-person meal on Thursday and/or Friday at John Walker Middle School
- Meal times between 11am-2pm.
Supporting Our Families - Meal Distribution Form:
https://forms.gle/ug7bPb8gVcNhZtNC8
As we assess community needs and monitor changes to available funding, the district will continue to adjust our efforts to support Nutley families when possible.
Additionally, the district will continue to work with the Township of Nutley, and the Nutley Family Service Bureau (NFSB) to coordinate support. The Nutley Family Service Bureau is open Monday through Friday 9AM until 8PM at 169 Chestnut Street. NFSB offers emergency food assistance (bags of groceries to individuals and families in need) to all community members. In addition, the Nutley Family Service Bureau will help residents in need with clothing, pet items, holiday meal programs, utility assistance and public benefit assistance case management.
Thank you for your continued partnership and care for one another. Together, we can ensure that every child and family in our community feels supported during this uncertain time.
Warm regards,
Kent Bania
Superintendent of Schools
Nutley Public Schools