IRVINGTON STANDS UNITED: "THESE ARE OUR NEIGHBORS, NOT STATISTICS" MAYOR VAUSS LAUNCHES EMERGENCY FOOD SECURITY ALLIANCE AS FEDERAL SNAP CRISIS THREATENS COMMUNITY.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

IRVINGTON, N.J. (October 31, 2025) — As federal SNAP benefit uncertainty threatens thousands of local families, Mayor Tony Vauss today unveiled a bold community-wide emergency response initiative that transforms potential disaster into a powerful demonstration of Irvington's collective strength and commitment to its most vulnerable residents.

"When Washington fails to provide clarity on essential nutrition programs, Irvington refuses to wait while our neighbors suffer," Mayor Vauss declared during the announcement. "This is more than a food crisis—it's a moment that demands we demonstrate who we truly are as a community. No resident of this township will go hungry while we have the power to prevent it."

The mayor announced the immediate formation of the Irvington Emergency Food Security Alliance—an unprecedented collaboration between government agencies, food banks, religious institutions, schools, businesses, and community volunteers. This coalition creates a unified emergency response system capable of identifying needs, mobilizing resources, and delivering assistance across all township neighborhoods.

"What makes this response different is its comprehensive nature," explained Mayor Vauss. "Rather than fragmented efforts, we've created a coordinated system that breaks down traditional barriers between sectors and leverages our entire community's capacity to protect vulnerable families."

The Alliance includes the Irvington Neighborhood Improvement Corporation (INIC), township schools, local businesses, and a rapidly growing network of resident volunteers—all working through a centralized command structure to maximize efficiency and ensure no who was on the SNAP program falls through the cracks.

"This initiative represents Irvington at its finest," Mayor Vauss emphasized. "People from every background, profession, and neighborhood uniting with a single purpose—ensuring that every resident has access to food, regardless of federal program disruptions."

The mayor highlighted how community participation in this emergency response builds lasting resilience beyond the immediate crisis. The initiative strengthens neighborhood connections, develops emergency response capabilities, creates sustainable support networks, and demonstrates that communities can effectively protect vulnerable members when institutional systems falter.

MULTIPLE WAYS TO PARTICIPATE:

Recognizing that residents have different resources and capacities to contribute, Mayor Vauss outlined various participation pathways:

• Financial Support: Direct donations to emergency food programs
• Volunteer Time: Two-hour shifts for food distribution, meal preparation, or administrative support
• Material Donations: Non-perishable foods, personal care items, and household essentials
• Community Leadership: Neighborhood captains to identify vulnerable residents and coordinate local response
• Professional Services: Healthcare providers, social workers, and educators offering specialized expertise
• Transportation Assistance: Volunteer drivers helping seniors and disabled residents access services

The mayor specifically addressed concerns about accessibility, emphasizing that the initiative includes targeted outreach to seniors, individuals with disabilities, and working families who often face barriers to traditional assistance programs.

"If transportation, mobility, or application complexity stands between you and food assistance, this initiative removes those barriers," Mayor Vauss stated. "We've developed systems to ensure every resident can access support—whether that means providing transportation to distribution sites, delivering food directly to homes, or offering assistance with complex application processes."

Beyond addressing immediate needs, the mayor emphasized how this community mobilization builds critical awareness about food insecurity and its systemic causes.

"Many Irvington residents may not realize how many of their neighbors face food insecurity daily," Mayor Vauss noted. "This crisis creates an opportunity for education and awareness that will fuel longer-term advocacy for meaningful policy reform. By working together now, we build understanding that motivates sustained commitment to addressing hunger's root causes."

The initiative positions Irvington among forward-thinking municipalities nationwide that are developing robust local emergency response capabilities as federal safety nets become increasingly unreliable.

"Cities across America are recognizing that local government must step forward when federal systems falter," Mayor Vauss concluded. "Irvington joins this national movement, demonstrating that municipalities—with their unique understanding of local needs and ability to mobilize community resources—represent the most effective front line in protecting vulnerable populations during crisis."

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Residents seeking assistance who were on the program or wishing to volunteer can contact:

Irvington Neighborhood Improvement Corporation
Josie Monel, Director
346 16th Avenue, Irvington, NJ 07111
Phone: 973-416-0916
Email: jmonel@irvingtonnj.gov

ABOUT IRVINGTON:

Home to 65,000 diverse residents, Irvington Township combines urban vitality with strong community bonds. Under Mayor Vauss's leadership, the township has established itself as a model for innovative governance, responsive public services, and strategic partnerships that enhance quality of life for all residents. Irvington's commitment to protecting vulnerable populations reflects its core values of compassion, resilience, and collective responsibility