SNAP benefits lapse: resources and how to help

More than 41 million Americans – and one million Massachusetts residents will go hungry starting on November 1st if the Trump administration doesn’t release funding for SNAP (formerly known as Food Stamps). The majority of SNAP recipients in Massachusetts are older adults, people living with disabilities, and children – vulnerable people who need the government to keep its promises and meet its obligations to taxpayers. The USDA should be using emergency funds that are intended for this exact situation, rather than punishing those struggling the most. 

Find more details on the SNAP lapse from the State here.

Free food, meals, and other resources if you need help

HIP — Healthy Incentives Program
HIP is a statewide program that provides an instant rebate when you use SNAP to buy produce from participating local vendors. Everyone with SNAP is automatically enrolled in HIP, and HIP will continue to function normally in November. If you keep even one cent of SNAP on your EBT card, you will be able to earn the HIP benefit up to the monthly limit.

Food Finder Map
The Food Bank of Western Mass has a searchable database of food pantries, meal sites, mobile food banks, and Brown Bag distribution sites.

How you can support our neighbors

Volunteer

Every small food pantry and meal site can use dedicated volunteers. Use the Food Finder Map above to find your local site. And here are some other ideas, too:

Gleaning with Rachel’s Table
Springfield-based nonprofit Rachel’s Table organizes regular gleaning opportunities on local farms. You can pitch in, get more food to local people, and help reduce food waste.

Food Bank of Western Mass
The Food Bank is a central hub that supports many smaller emergency food distribution sites. They need ongoing volunteers for food sorting and distributions at locations around the Valley and the Berkshires.

Donate

In addition to donating to the Food Bank of Western Mass and your local emergency food providers, The United Way has launched an emergency response fund. You can find more details about that — and donate — here.