Middlesex County is ready to support government families and their families who are affected by the government shutdown.
“Our county and the Board of Chosen Freeholders have been supported by so many government departments and employees over the years. Now is our chance to give back to you and your families,” Middlesex County Freeholder Director Ronald G. Rios said in a prepared statement. “We understand your need for food and other resources may increase as the shutdown goes on, and we are here to help make accessing those resources easier. I have directed our county staff to assess the potential impact of a prolonged shutdown and explore further ways the county can provide support.”
The recently updated MCFOODS (Middlesex County Food Outreach Organization and Distribution Services) directory has listings of the open hours for food banks and pantries in Middlesex County. Visit the Middlesex County Improvement Authority website at www.mciauth.com or call 609-655-5141.
For information on how to apply for unemployment, and the Unemployment Compensation for Federal Employees program, visit the N.J. Department of Labor at www.nj.gov/labor/ui/
Additional services may be needed as the furlough continues. The Middlesex County Services Locator, the county’s online resource directory, provides information on a wide range of supports including job training, mental health, caregiving, substance abuse and veterans services. Access at www.middlesexcountynj.gov/.
“We encourage all of our residents to support those affected by the shutdown, including the families of our government workers,” said Freeholder Blanquita B. Valenti, chair of the Community Services Committee, in the statement. “A good way to start is to hold a food drive at your local school or church, or to make a private donation to a local food bank, which MCFOODS can assist you with.”
