Local community charity Good Hope, Inc. is bracing for larger crowds at its food bank events as SNAP benefits run out due to the Federal Government shutdown.
Executive Director and Board Chair Sreevani Juvvadi said, “We’re anticipating that this Thursday’s distribution could draw close to double our usual turnout.”
Juvvadi said Good Hope has already seen “about a 30% uptick in families coming through our doors from an average of around 300 households to just under 400. The impact has been especially noticeable over the past couple of weeks as more residents reach out for assistance.”
Those receiving SNAP benefits across the country did not receive their expected November benefits, though any money still left over from the previous month with roll-over, and EBT card holders will still be able to spend that money. Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance officials recommend budgeting carefully to stretch resources until funding restarts.
The federal government agreed on Monday to pay half of the usual SNAP benefits, but the delay in providing this funding will lead to further delays in people receiving their benefits. DTA officials currently do not have a timeline yet for when benefits will hit cardholders’ accounts.
Good Hope’s food pantry happens on the first and third Thursday of every month from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. and offers a wide selection of dry goods, canned items, milk, eggs, meats, and fresh fruits and vegetables.
“If someone can’t make it on pantry days, we refer them to nearby organizations so no one goes without food support.” Juvvadi said. “We’re always here to support local families facing food insecurity.”
She encourages anyone with questions to contact Good Hope directly for information at (781) 715-0203.
“In addition to the larger crowds, we’ve received a surge in phone calls and emails from families asking where they can turn for help,” Juvvadi added. “We’ve been doing everything we can to respond — offering limited emergency assistance and deliveries for those in urgent need, along with a few emergency bags of non-perishables available as supplies allow.”
