Massachusetts Allocates $4 Million to Food Banks Amid SNAP Cuts

Massachusetts is set to provide an additional $4 million in emergency food assistance to food banks as federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) payments come to a halt this weekend due to the ongoing government shutdown. Governor Maura Healey announced this initiative during a press event, emphasizing the state’s commitment to supporting over 800 community organizations as demand for food assistance is expected to surge.

The funds will be drawn from the existing Massachusetts Emergency Food Assistance Program (MEFAP), which typically distributes $4 million per month to local partners. Governor Healey stated, “As a state, we’re going to advance $4 million to our food banks, which support over 800 community organizations around the state.” This temporary increase aims to address the anticipated spike in need as monthly SNAP payments, which aid roughly one in six residents in Massachusetts, will not be issued on November 1, 2023.

The state Senate Republican Caucus has called for a “time-limited appropriation to sustain SNAP benefits,” describing it as a reasonable use of one-time funds. They noted that the governor has already acted quickly to allocate $2 billion to address issues within the emergency shelter system.

Massachusetts typically receives around $240 million monthly in SNAP benefits, supporting approximately 1.1 million residents. The suspension of payments marks the first time a federal administration has opted not to use contingency funds during a government shutdown, according to reports from the Trump administration. This decision has sparked legal action, with the Massachusetts Attorney General joining a coalition of 24 states in a Boston court to compel the federal government to release necessary funds.

As the shutdown looms, there have been suggestions from advocates for state leaders to tap into an $8 billion stabilization fund or other resources to continue SNAP payments throughout November. Governor Healey, however, expressed reluctance, stating, “No state is tapping into its Rainy Day Fund, or Stabilization Fund as it’s called,” highlighting the potential future impact on other federal programs like food aid through WIC and heating assistance for seniors.

In light of the impending SNAP cutoff, Massachusetts faces pressure to follow the lead of other states. Vermont has pledged to cover the first 15 days of SNAP assistance, while New York has released $30 million in food aid, and Rhode Island declared a state of emergency, reallocating $6 million from Temporary Assistance for Needy Families funds. Governor Healey remarked, “The number of SNAP beneficiaries in those states just far outweighs whatever states are able to do. And that’s why we need the USDA to release those funds right now.”

As the situation unfolds, Governor Healey and food aid advocates are urging residents to contribute in any way possible. Approximately 32% of SNAP recipients in the state are children, 26% are seniors, and 31% have disabilities. “Hunger is bad for all of us,” said Project Bread CEO Erin McAleer. “That’s why getting help matters for you, for your family and for everyone around you, and it’s also why all of us need to take action.”

Residents in need can reach out to Project Bread at 1-800-645-8333 or visit the Greater Boston Food Bank’s website for support. Advocates are also encouraging community members to volunteer at local food banks or donate through the United Way’s Emergency Response Fund, which has already raised over $1 million in the last week alone.

Governor Healey expressed her gratitude for the community’s support, stating, “For anyone who has the means to help, I encourage you to do so. And to those of you who are headed into this weekend with tremendous anxiety, know that we will do everything we can to help you and your families.” She urged residents to visit the mass.gov/snapfreeze website to access available resources and learn how they can assist their neighbors in need.