Thanksgiving Visibility Brigade & Food Drive: Local Indivisible Groups Launch Mutual Aid Action in Hawthorne Following SNAP Crisis

Hawthorne, NJ — In the wake of the recent federal government shutdown—and the temporary suspension of SNAP benefits that left families across the country struggling—two local Indivisible groups, The Resistance Alliance (Hawthorne, NJ) and Wayne Indivisible, are organizing a combined visibility action and mutual aid food drive to support neighbors still reeling from the disruption.

The Thanksgiving Visibility Brigade & Food Drive will take place on Saturday, November 22, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the RT. 208 Walkway Bridge, 145 Ethel Avenue, Hawthorne, NJ. Volunteers will gather with the “NO ONE SHOULD GO HUNGRY” visibility message while collecting non-perishable food and essential household supplies for Martha’s Pantry at St. Clements Church.

Although the shutdown has ended, families who lost access to SNAP benefits continue to face uncertainty, and advocates warn that ongoing federal decisions may cause further stress on programs that keep families fed and stable—especially during the holiday season. Organizers aim to meet immediate needs while raising awareness about the long-term consequences of federal inaction.

Items Most Needed

• Non-perishable food
• Paper products, tin foil, cling wrap
• Laundry and dish detergents
• Soap, body wash, shampoo, conditioner
• Toothpaste

Millions of Americans remain at risk as federal leaders continue to leave key nutrition supports vulnerable to political brinkmanship. Local organizers are stepping in where policy has fallen short.

Quote from Christine Rea-Briskin, Group Leader, The Resistance Alliance

“Our action is a response to the crisis caused when SNAP went unfunded during the shutdown—and to the ongoing stress the federal government continues to place on essential nutrition programs. Families are still recovering, and many fear another disruption as the holidays approach. When those in power create instability, communities like ours step up. We want our neighbors to know we are here for them, and we will not let anyone go hungry.”

A Community Response Rooted in Solidarity

Organizers emphasize that the event is both an act of immediate care and a statement of long-term commitment. “When policy decisions leave people vulnerable, we respond with collective care—feeding our communities and fueling a movement for justice,” the groups stated.

Join Us (Please note: The food-drive collection will proceed regardless of weather. If it rains, volunteers will still be onsite to accept donations, but the visibility demonstration will be rescheduled.)

Saturday, November 22, 2025
11 AM – 2 PM
RT. 208 Walkway Bridge, 145 Ethel Avenue, Hawthorne, NJ

Together, the community will fill pantry shelves, raise awareness, and send a clear message: compassion is power—and no one should go hungry.