WMass food pantries face surge in demand as SNAP benefits pause

Growing Demand for Food Assistance Amid SNAP Benefits Pause

In Easthampton, the demand for food assistance has surged as the pause in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits continues to impact families across the region. This week, people began lining up at 6:30 a.m. at the Easthampton Community Center for its food distribution program, even though the doors didn’t open until 9 a.m.

Robin Bialecki, the executive director of the center, said she encouraged people to wait in their cars due to the cold weather. However, many chose to remain outside in line, stating that they wanted to ensure they received food. “We want to make sure we get food,” they told her.

The Impact of the Government Shutdown on SNAP Benefits

The government shutdown has led to a temporary halt in SNAP benefits, which is causing significant hardship for many individuals and families. A federal judge recently ruled that the Trump administration must fully fund SNAP benefits for November by Friday, but it remains unclear when people will be able to access these benefits.

According to Bialecki, the Easthampton Community Center has seen a roughly 30% increase in the number of first-time clients in the last week since SNAP benefits ran out. The pantry, a member of the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, serves about 5,500 households monthly and is open to anyone in the region.

At the center’s weekly mobile market, cars lined up early and stretched several blocks down the street and around the corner. Lourdes Matos, who was waiting in her minivan with her toddler son, explained that her family relies on SNAP benefits. “We count on that,” she said. Her family of five started receiving SNAP benefits in recent months, and the budget became tighter when she left her job as a certified nursing assistant to take care of her baby while her husband continued working.

Matos also mentioned that she occasionally picks up food delivery work on DoorDash, like the previous night when she made $20 and used it to buy groceries. She is considering whether her mother-in-law can move from Puerto Rico to Holyoke to care for her son, allowing her to return to work. She is also exploring options for state assistance with childcare.

Increased Need Across the Region

Kimberly Thibault, another SNAP beneficiary missing out on her payment, expressed concerns about the rising cost of food. At the end of the line of cars, volunteers distributed food in a parking lot. Leo Rodriguez, who was volunteering and packing onions for the food bags, also noted that he relies on SNAP benefits. “That is something I’ve deeply relied on my whole life,” he said. “I’m absolutely concerned for everyone — not just me.”

Alongside Rodriguez, Rose Schwartz helped pack onions. She has been furloughed from her federal job at the National Resources Conservation Service since October and decided to help during the distribution near her home.

Andrew Morehouse, the executive director of the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, stated that all nearly 200 food pantries in the region are seeing increased need. “For every meal the food bank provides, the SNAP program provides nine meals,” Morehouse said. “There is no way we can make up for the loss of that.”

Community Response and Support

The Food Bank spokesperson noted that all mobile markets in the last week saw an increase in demand. On Wednesday, Trinity United Methodist Church in Springfield had the largest increase, with 291 participants compared to its typical 195.

Bialecki, who has worked at the community center for 25 years, described the panic she is witnessing now as similar to how people felt at the start of the pandemic. “We’re seeing that same type of fear they are not going to get food,” she said. So far, the center has not had to turn anyone away, and they hope to keep it that way.

On Election Day, candidates encouraged people to bring food donations, which helped Bialecki. Donations can be small, even a few cans of food. “It all adds up,” she said.

Local Efforts to Provide Access to Nutritious Food

At its Walnut Street Farm Store in Springfield, Gardening the Community is offering milk, eggs, and produce to those who need it, according to Liz O’Gilvie, director of the community nonprofit and executive director of the Springfield Food Policy Council. With cuts to SNAP, the store has seen an uptick in visitors. “They are scared,” O’Gilvie said. “They are terrified.”

Springfield has the highest per-capita use of SNAP, with 47.4% of residents receiving food assistance. Initially, the offer of support was for SNAP recipients, but the USDA said grocery stores are not allowed to give discounts to SNAP recipients under a rule that requires equal treatment of beneficiaries.

O’Gilvie is worried about people’s access to fresh produce and milk, which pantries don’t always have because they are not shelf stable. Making fruits and vegetables accessible to the urban neighborhood through the farm and its store and programs is core to the organization’s mission.

“Our only response to this moment is to lean in and try to do a better job than we’ve been doing all along,” O’Gilvie said. She also worries about the trauma the situation can cause — she grew up not always having access to food. “These are horrific choices people have to make that they shouldn’t have to make,” she said.

As a woman left the farm store Thursday morning, O’Gilvie asked her to spread the word about the organization’s offer to help. “Tell everyone you know,” she said. “Tell your friends please.”