News Flash

Below are additional resources to support residents who may be impacted by the recent SNAP benefits freeze or experiencing food insecurity.
  
SNAP Benefits 
 For up-to-date shutdown information and emergency food resources visit: 

• SNAP Response Hub | Mass.gov 
  • For residents impacted by the SNAP benefits freeze 
  • For residents who want help 
  • For farms and retailers with extra food can connect with food recovery organizations like Spoonfuls to donate surplus inventory. 
• November 2025 SNAP updates (FAQ) | Mass.gov 
  • Outreach materials 
  • What help is available for affected families 
  • State funded programs like Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children (TAFDC), Emergency Aid to the Elderly, Disabled and Children (EAEDC), and the Healthy Incentives Program (HIP) will continue normally. Residents can still access WIC and school meals. 
• Department of Transitional Assistance caseload by ZIP code reports | Mass.gov 
• Federal Shutdown and impact in Massachusetts for families with low incomes: What to know | Mass Legal Services 
• For those able to support, there are several ways to get involved. The United Way Response Fund is accepting monetary contributions.  

 
Food Pantries and Meal Programs 

• Find a food pantry near you - Food pantries provide free groceries to those in need. 
• Find a meal site near you - Community meal sites offer free meals to individuals and families. 
• Use the Food Bank's Food Finder - A tool to help you locate food assistance in your area. 
• Call Project Bread’s FoodSource Hotline (call or text): (800) 645-8333 Monday-Friday 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. 
• Call Mass 2-1-1 or visit online 
• Contact the Food Bank in your area: 
  • Greater Boston Food Bank: GBFB.org/need-food 
  • Food Bank of Western MA: FoodbankWMA.org/get-help/ 
  • Worcester County Food Bank: Foodbank.org/find-food/ 
  • Merrimack Valley Food Bank: https://mvfb.org/pantry-schedule/ 
  • Pantry schedule (PDF) 
• There are many foodbanks across the state. Here is a list of foodbanks on the south coast.  
• Mutual Aid Networks 
• Buy Nothing groups on Facebook are organizing for food share. Check your local Buy Nothing group.  

Download this information