With SNAP benefits set to expire on Saturday, Nov. 1, East Orange is making sure that none of their residents go hungry.

Mayor Ted Green announced the creation of a voucher program from the steps of City Hall.

It will be paid for with city funds, and it will enable SNAP users to buy food at the grocery store as they normally do.

The mayor and city council made the announcement as the government shutdown reached Day 29.

The mayor said they are working on the program now to have it up and running as soon as possible.

“We’re meeting with our local grocery stores this week to really present what our plan is in terms of our voucher that we’re creating. People are going to need food, people are going to need assistance, so we want to make sure as a city that we jump in front of it,” said Mayor Green.

The voucher program will only be for SNAP recipients.

The city will also be holding a food distribution on Wednesday for those who use SNAP. It will be located at South Clinton Street and Elmwood Avenue.

The plan is to hand out 700 boxes of food.

At that time, city officials also hope to get a more definitive count as to how many vouchers will be needed.