BRIDGETON — A guns buy-back program spearheaded by the Cumberland County Sheriff's Department and the Prosecutor's Office is exchanging food cards for firearms as part of efforts to reduce gun -related violence in the county.

The program was to have begun this coming Saturday, but its start has been postponed until after the holidays.

"The Guns for Food events due to take place on November 21, November 28 and December 5 have been postponed until after the holidays due to logistical and scheduling difficulties. New dates and times will be made available to the public as soon as possible," said a spokesperson for county government.

"The event participants regret any inconvenience this postponement may have caused."

The Cumberland County Freeholder Board approved a resolution allocating $10,000 for the purchase of supermarket cards that residents can trade for firearms. The money comes from the general expense account.

“The program will allow individuals to anonymously drop off any illegal or unwanted firearm, regardless of its condition, at three area churches in the upcoming weeks,” explains Freeholder Director Louis N. Magazzu.

The county is providing Acme and ShopRite cards in $50 denominations per firearm turned in.

Freeholder James Dunkins, liaison with the county Department of Public Safety, calls this guns for food program unique.

“We are not only getting dangerous firearms off the street but we are also helping to feed some residents in the county who are in need.

Dunkins acknowledges this program has never been tried in the county but believes it’s a win-win situation.

“Violence has hit our country and our county hard over the past few years,” Dunkins says; adding: “If we can organize citizens around this idea, it is the perfect collaboration and a way to deliver effective relevant government.”

Freeholder William F. Whelan, also a liaison to the Public Safety Department, believes that “taking any un­wanted or illegal firearm out of circulation is a success because it reduces the risk that it will be used in a crime.”

Sheriff Robert Austino is anticipating strong response to the program.

“Residents have to be aware of the life-changing impact of gun use in our communities,” he emphasizes, “and why we desperately need to reduce their numbers.”

Once the firearms are collected, they will be turned over to the Prosecutor's Office for disposal.