Councilwoman At-Large Crystal Feliciano Calls on the Mayor and Administration to Reallocate Budget Funds to Support Families Impacted by SNAP Cuts
Councilwoman At-Large Crystal Feliciano is requesting that Mayor W. Reed Gusciora and his administration to review the City’s budget to identify unfilled vacancies that will remain open through the end of the fiscal year, proposing that the unused funds be redirected to provide assistance for Trenton families affected by the recent reductions in SNAP program benefits.
“Now is the time for the city to do the work we all promised to do when running for office and step up to help lessen the burden that will be undertaken by many families in our city. With the rising costs of food and the reduction in SNAP support, many Trenton families may have some difficult choices to make regarding household expenditures,” said Feliciano. “As a city, we have a moral and fiscal responsibility to do everything within our power to ease that burden (within reason).”
The Councilwoman emphasized that this request does not call for new spending but rather a reallocation of funds already budgeted for positions that remain vacant.
“I am asking the administration to consider my request,” Feliciano continued. “We can’t sit idly by looking for everyone else to step in and rescue us, which may or may not happen, while our residents struggle to put food on the table. Redirecting these dollars would show our city’s commitment to standing with families during difficult times.”
“I am pleased to see so many community members stepping up to help, and I would also like to commend Trenton Central High School’s Teacher Leader, Mrs. Nicole Dent, for organizing a “Dinner in a Bag” initiative to assist students during the upcoming mini break and beyond. The imitative consists of a grab and go gallon – sized bag including shelf-stable ingredients and a printed recipe card to prepare a simple, nutritious meal for a family of four. It’s efforts like these that demonstrate what true community looks like!”
Councilwoman Feliciano emphasizes that targeted reallocations of unused funds are not adding to the current budget, but rather utilizing the funds in place to help in an area where there is an immediate need, providing short-term relief while maintaining budget integrity.
“The landscape of the nation is changing, and with it, the landscape of our city continues to change. We need to be good stewards as public officials to help in every area that we can, within reason, to assist our residents and provide for our city. We need to start thinking and moving differently; it’s long overdue.”
