Massachusetts Families Facing Hunger Crisis as Government Shutdown Continues
Project Bread Hotline Connects Residents with Critical Food Resources
EAST BOSTON, Mass. – For the first time in history, more than a month into the federal government shutdown, over 1 million Massachusetts residents are facing the first month in which they will not receive any funds for food through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). There is no clarity on when SNAP benefits will resume, but for so many families, SNAP is a lifeline. They are already stretching their budgets to the max to put food on the table each day. Amidst rising food prices, increased heating and utility bills for the colder seasons, and the holiday season just around the corner, the USDA has refused to release SNAP contingency funds available to prevent hunger in this manmade crisis, and states are left with an immense federal funding gap. In Massachusetts, that is up to a $240 million deficit in November for SNAP funding.
As the government shutdown extends, Project Bread remains committed to ensuring individuals and families have the support they need. Through the statewide FoodSource Hotline (1-800-645-8333), Project Bread helps all Massachusetts residents find free meals, locate emergency food programs, access other federal nutrition programs, such as the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), and apply for SNAP. The FoodSource Hotline provides free, expert assistance in understanding what programs are out there to help people unsure of their next meal to stretch their food budget and feed themselves and their families.
"The stress of not having enough to eat is real – it’s physical – and nobody should face it alone," says Erin McAleer, President and CEO of Project Bread. "Project Bread’s FoodSource Hotline exists to provide accurate information and immediate, compassionate support to Massachusetts residents. Whether it is finding a local food pantry, a community meal, tips to stretch a grocery budget, or assistance with SNAP applications for when the government reopens, we are here to help everyone in the Commonwealth get through the challenging days ahead."
For the college student, furloughed federal employee, recent immigrant, senior facing a health crisis, or the family facing a hardship, the FoodSource Hotline is a confidential, free, trusted resource recommended by the Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education for anyone seeking food assistance.
The FoodSource Hotline operates Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with support available in more than 180 languages. The Hotline is operating extended hours this weekend (November 1 & 2) to support individuals impacted by the shutdown.
People experiencing food insecurity can call or text 1-800-645-8333. For access to resources, visit www.projectbread.org/get-help for information in English, Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Haitian Creole.
About Project Bread
Project Bread, the leading statewide food security organization in Massachusetts, connects people and communities in Massachusetts to reliable sources of food while advocating for policies that make food more accessible—so that no one goes hungry. For more information, visit: www.projectbread.org.