What you need to know
November Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits could be delayed if the federal government doesn't resolve the shutdown or provide emergency funding.
SNAP provides about $212 million each month to Massachusetts residents, with benefits issued between the 1st and 14th. A delay would affect both SNAP recipients and local grocery stores and farmers, who would see less money from SNAP purchases.
Below, please find links on how to find food resources, as well as ways you can help your community.
Additionally:
- At this time, no other benefits are impacted. WIC, Cash Assistance (TAFDC and EAEDC), School Meals, and HIP are operating normally. Existing SNAP balances won't be affected.
- The possible delay in benefits is separate from the SNAP cuts, which will be rolled out over the next year plus.
- Call the number on the back of your SNAP card to check your balance at anytime.
- People can and should still apply for SNAP.
Jump To:
Food Resources:
- Somerville Food Security (SFS) Coalition: Offers a comprehensive list of food resources ranging from food pantries and community meals to community fridge locations and farmers markets.
- Somerville Food Resources (Flyer - all languages): Food pantries, free community meals, and community fridges.
- Food Pantry Calendar (Flyer - all languages): Multilingual Somerville area food pantries calendar and map.
- Council on Aging: The Somerville Council on Aging has resources to help with 60+ adults (such as their taxi program that offers rides to food pantries in Somerville).
Important Information:
- Children in Somerville Public Schools can get FREE lunch and breakfast at school.
- SNAP shoppers at farmers markets can extend benefits with HIP (Healthy Incentives Program) in November if they have even $1 of SNAP left from October.
- Local Farmers Markets:
- Market Map and Benefits:
How can I help impacted residents?
- Give money or gift cards to a local organization. This will have the most impact for households who rely on SNAP. Click here for more information.
- Bring food to your Community Fridge. Community fridges are shared refrigerators, anyone can donate food or take what they need from them. Click here for more information.
- Donate a frozen meal or grocery card to support homebound individuals and older adults who rely on SNAP.
- Frozen, pre-packaged, store-bought meals are being collected from Monday, November 3, to Friday, November 7.
- Drop-off at the City Hall Annex (50 Evergreen Ave.) between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
- To help ensure food safety, donations will not be accepted outside of these hours.
Questions? Contact the City of Somerville Office of Food Access and Healthy communities: ofahc@somervillema.gov
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