The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is the nation’s largest food assistance program, serving 42 million Americans—including 16 million children, 8 million seniors, and 4 million people with disabilities.

Beginning November 1, 2025, more than one million Massachusetts residents, including 337,000 children, risk losing SNAP benefits due to the federal shutdown and the Trump Administration’s refusal to release emergency funds.

On the Southcoast, the impact is especially severe: nearly half of New Bedford households rely on SNAP, compared to the 10–15% statewide average. With an average benefit of $323 per month, SNAP supplements—but rarely covers—household food budgets, making any disruption devastating.

This preventable crisis threatens a vital lifeline for families across the Commonwealth. The USDA has contingency funds available, and while Massachusetts’ Congressional delegation has urged immediate action, if the Administration fails to respond, state leaders must act decisively to protect families from hunger and close the gap in benefits.

SNAP is an economic stabilizer. SNAP is indispensable to more than one million residents and 650,000 households who rely on it to purchase essential food. It also sustains over 5,500 participating retailers. Each month, SNAP participants inject approximately $220 million in federal dollars into our local economy—representing one out of every five grocery dollars spent in Massachusetts. Even a temporary disruption would have devastating consequences for both public health and economic stability.

Overly stretched Food Banks and Food Pantries. If November’s benefits are not issued, and families are forced to turn to the statewide food pantry system, the four Massachusetts food banks would need to provide up to $56 million worth of additional meals—an impossible burden given current constraints on funding, volunteers, and food supplies.

Devastating Personal impacts on SNAP Recipients: With less than one week remaining, many families remain unaware of the cliff they are about to be pushed over. Without time to prepare, they may be left scrambling—falling into debt, skipping meals, causing short and long term harm to the health of already vulnerable seniors, veterans, and single parents and their children.

Take Action NOW! Contact your state Senator and Representative and urge them to allocate the necessary state funds to safeguard Massachusetts families and businesses. Fill out the short form on the right to begin.

Thank you!

The Marion Institute's Southcoast Food Policy Council Team