Click on the following sections to get updated information and resources:
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
SNAP benefits are being impacted by the recent federal shutdown and the implementation of President Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill, which passed back in July.
You can find even more information at
Mass.gov/SNAPupdates.
Impacts of the Shutdown
During the shutdown, November SNAP benefits were delayed because the Trump Administration refused to fund them even though they had funding to pay at least partial benefits. On November 9th, an appeals court ruled that the federal government must issue full SNAP benefits for November. Based on previous court rulings (read more about these in a previous blog), Massachusetts was already moving swiftly to issue full benefits to recipients and is continuing to do so while the federal government is in the process of reopening.
If you receive SNAP, here's what you should know:
- SNAP households who missed payments last week now have full, active balances on their EBT cards that are immediately available for them to use.
- The remaining SNAP households should get their full November SNAP during the week of November 10-14 on their normal date this week, barring further action by the Trump Administration
- HIP continues to be available for households with balances on EBT cards (even $0.01) and have not used their November HIP allotment.
- The federal government fully funded SNAP through September 2026, so upcoming benefits will be issued at the expected level and on time.
If you were recently approved for SNAP benefits, you will get your SNAP benefits starting 11/14 and over the next few days.
Impacts from One Big Beautiful Bill
Starting November 1st, new eligibility and work requirements go into effect:
- Certain non-citizens will no longer be eligible when they go to apply or recertify.
- People will need to meet the Able Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD) work rules. This includes parents with teens 14+, homeless individuals, veterans, and people up to 65. This will cause confusion and burden for many. If you have questions about these new rules, contact the Food Bank of Western MA's SNAP Outreach Team or find a SNAP outreach partner near you (scroll down and search for your town/city to see who provides SNAP enrollment support near you).
Available Food Resources
If you need help getting food for you or your family, you can use the following resources:
- Call or text the Project Bread Food Source Hotline at 800-645-8333 to get immediate help. The Hotline is available Monday–Friday, 8am–7pm, and Saturday, 10am–2pm.
- Find your local food pantry. Food pantries are committed to serving those in need in their community. Many do not require eligibility or documentation.
- Go to 413Cares.org. Enter your zip code and search for “Food Pantry”. Watch the video below to learn how to use 413Cares.
- Use the Food Bank’s Food Finder map.
- DTA offices remain open to provide other services.
- Find more food information and resources on 413Cares Food Resource page.
Fuel Assistance (HEAP)
(updated 12/4/25)
Fuel Assistance programs have been impacted by the October shutdown of the federal government. Finally, federal funding for this year's HEAP (Heating and Energy Assistance Program) has been released to the states and tribal organizations. Massachusetts is finishing the paperwork that must be in place before local agencies can send approval letters and release funds to our community. Hopefully this will happen over the next 1-2 weeks. Applications will be processed in the order they are received.
Learn about the latest HEAP updates:
- Check Community Action Pioneer Valley's fuel assistance website and the flyer below.
- Check Valley Opportunity Council's Facebook
- Contact your local HEAP program for more information.
Also, the
Winter Moratorium has been put into effect. The Moratorium begins 10/27/2025 and ends 4/1/2026. This means low-income customers will have their utility protected from termination, provided they have submitted verification of financial hardship to the utility company.
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