The current shutdown of the federal government means that SNAP benefits for November may be delayed. This means that more than 1 million people--about 650,000 families--in MA alone will not be able to buy the food they need. This will very likely put even more strain on food banks and pantries. Additionally, local grocery stores and markets will be financially strained as their customers' purchases decline.

Available Resources

If you need help getting food for you or your family, you can use the following resources:

1. Call the Project Bread Food Source Hotline at 800-645-8333 to get connected to services anywhere in MA.
2. Find your local food pantry. Food pantries are committed to serving those in need in their community. Many do not require eligibility or documentation.
3. Go to 413Cares.org. Enter your zip code and search for “Food Pantry”. Watch the video below to learn how to use 413Cares.
4. Use the Food Bank’s Food Finder map.
5. DTA offices remain open to provide other services. 
6. Find more food information and resources on 413Cares Food Resource page.

Why is this happening?

In October 2025, Congress failed to pass an appropriations bill (a budget) leading to a shutdown of the federal government. The Trump Administration has decided not to allow spending for SNAP benefits past October 30^th, 2025. If a deal is not reached to pass an appropriations bill, SNAP benefits will not be provided starting November 1, 2025.

What you need to know?

• You will not lose your SNAP benefits if you don’t use them before November. There’s no need to spend them all now. Any funds already loaded on your EBT card will remain available to spend in November, even if the shutdown continues.
• It's a good idea to leave at least $1 on your EBT card to keep accessing your Healthy Incentives Program (HIP) benefits for produce from local farm stands and farmers markets. (HIP is a state funded program and is not affected by the shutdown. Find HIP vendors here.
• State funded programs including HIP, TAFDC, and EAEDC will continue operating normally. EBT cards will continue to function in November with any carryover benefits, though no new funds will be added until the federal government re-opens or the USDA releases the funds it has for SNAP--either voluntarily or because a court has ordered it to.
• SNAP enrollment remains open. The DTA and the Food Bank’s SNAP Enrollment team are continuing to help people apply for benefits, even though they may not be available in November. Reach out to the Food Bank’s SNAP team at 413-992-6204.
• For more information about impacts on SNAP:
• Mass.gov/SNAPupdates
• Food Bank of Western MA
• For more information about impacts of the government shutdown on SNAP and other benefits:
• Mass Legal Services Information on the Government Shutdown

Changes to SNAP Eligibility coming soon!

Separate from the impacts of the government shutdown, eligibility to SNAP will be rolling out.  President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill was signed into law in July 2025.  Among many other things, this new law permanently restricts who is eligible for SNAP benefits going forward and requires states to make significant changes to meet severe “Payment Error Rate” targets. SNAP clients will not all be impacted at once; the changes will happen on a rolling basis at each client’s annual recertification. Clients will be notified by the MA Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) when they need to recertify, and if any of these changes apply to them.

How you can help

Here are some ways you can help by advocating for SNAP or supporting local food programs (if you have means to do so):

1. Support your local food pantry or the Food Bank of Western MA. Contact them to see what is the best way to provide support. Some prefer specific food donations, while others prefer cash donations or volunteer support.
2. Share your story. Congresswoman Pressley communications team put together a storytelling website to capture the impact of SNAP cuts in Massachusetts.
3. Join the Springfield Food Policy Council statewide postcard campaign, which invites children and youth to spread awareness and speak directly to the people who shape their future and who are making decisions that affect food access, farms, and families every day. The SFPC is hosting a webinar on the campaign on Wednesday, November 5th, at 10:00 am. Please register for the webinar here.
4. Sign up for advocacy alerts from the Food Bank of Western MA to stay informed on ways you can share your voice.