Massachusetts Launches $8M Food Aid Program Amid SNAP Benefit Freeze

The federal government shutdown has caused a freeze on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits starting November 1, threatening over a million residents in Massachusetts and hundreds of thousands in Oregon with food insecurity. Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey has launched a SNAP Resource Hub and doubled state aid to food banks by advancing an additional $4 million to support those impacted, while also partnering with the United Way to raise funds for community organizations. Local efforts include increased food pantry hours and donations from restaurants and other groups to provide emergency food support. In Oregon, counties and schools have mobilized resources such as food pantries and assistance centers to help families facing SNAP benefit losses. Massachusetts and 24 other states are suing the Trump administration to restore SNAP funding, with officials blaming the administration for withholding contingency funds. Both states emphasize that food insecurity is a crisis exacerbated by political stalemates and urge residents and businesses to contribute to relief efforts.