Re: The Temporary Suspension of SNAP Benefits

The One October 31, 2025

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Regarding the Temporary Suspension of SNAP Benefits
and Its Impact on Food Insecurity

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

As of tomorrow, November 1st, the potential temporary suspension of SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits will place thousands of Massachusetts residents in immediate jeopardy of going hungry. Hunger is not a new crisis, it is a daily reality for hundreds of thousands of our neighbors and friends across the Commonwealth.

At the United Way of Tri-County, we see this struggle every day. As the owner/operator of three large food pantries and two congregate meal programs in Framingham, Marlborough, and Clinton, last year alone we provided 199,589 hot meals and distributed 5,719,180 pounds of food to 95,103 individuals from 33,508 households. Of those, 3,727 families came to us for the first time, having never needed our help before.

The need has grown dramatically over the years, now encompassing not only those who are chronically in need but also the underemployed and working families struggling to afford life’s basic necessities. The federal budget dispute and possible interruption of SNAP benefits threaten to overwhelm an already stretched emergency food system that is working tirelessly to feed the hungry.

This is a time for compassion and cooperation, not division. We need fewer political fights and more action to strengthen our shared capacity to ensure no one in Massachusetts goes hungry. Government, foundations, and private citizens alike must come together to provide the resources needed to sustain this vital work.

Children who go to school hungry cannot learn. Adults who go to work malnourished cannot perform at their best and often face long-term health challenges. Hunger affects every part of a person’s life and every part of our community.

We urgently need your help. Please support our Feed-A-Family Response Fund today by visiting www.uwotc.org/feed. Your donation will help us continue to provide meals, groceries, and hope to families in crisis during this critical time.