Food Security & Access

Important Announcement 

The Trump Administration told states that the federal government will not pay SNAP benefits on time for the month of November. On October 30th, Governor Healey and Lieutenant Governor Driscoll held a press conference at the State House to address the federal lapse in SNAP funding effective November 1st. The Governor announced that the United Way Response Fund has already surpassed $1 million in donations and that the state will advance $4 million in Massachusetts Emergency Food Assistance Program (MEFAP) funding to help food banks and pantries respond to this crisis.

Following a court order on November 6th, USDA was required to pay full November SNAP benefits to clients. Current active SNAP households that missed a payment received their full benefits the week of November 8th. All other current active SNAP households received their full benefits on their previously scheduled day, during the week of November 10-14. New SNAP applications will still be processed, but payments for newly approved cases will not be sent until there is legal clarification. For additional questions about November 2025 SNAP Updates, please visit the MA FAQ page.

Massachusetts continues to work closely with community partners to support residents who have been impacted by the SNAP benefits freeze. Below are resources in the Middlesex & Worcester district. To find locally-owned SNAP retailers in your community, please visit the MA SNAP Retailers app. To find a YMCA distributing food near you, please visit this guide to the YMCA Response to SNAP Benefit Freeze.

If you are impacted by President Trump’s decision to withhold SNAP benefits, help is available. Project Bread runs a free confidential FoodSource Hotline at 1-800-645-8333 to help you find food. Residents facing immediate hunger can also contact their local food bank, including the 4 regional food banks listed below.

Local organizations across the Commonwealth continue to step up to help families bridge the gap. Residents who are facing food insecurity are encouraged to reach out to local food banks, community centers, and nonprofits providing direct food assistance.

Constituents can access emergency groceries and meal services through organizations such as the Greater Boston Food Bank, Project Bread, and Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, as well as local pantries and community-based programs throughout the state. Constituents in Worcester County can also refer to this map of local food banks and other resources.

Our office is here to listen, answer your questions, and connect you with the resources you need. By working together, we can meet these challenges with compassion and determination.