$2M in SNAP Rapid Relief Grants Already Distributed by United Way for Emergency Food Assistance Across Massachusetts
BOSTON – Two weeks after launching a statewide emergency fundraising effort in partnership with the Healey-Driscoll Administration, United Way of Massachusetts Bay (UWMB) today announced that the United Response Fund has raised more than $5.6 million to support individuals and families impacted by disruptions to federal food assistance across the state. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) serves 1.1 million residents in Massachusetts.
While recent legal rulings and federal policy changes have created unprecedented uncertainty around SNAP benefits, thousands of residents have faced delays in receiving benefits as well as new eligibility requirements that threaten access to food support. While bridging the SNAP gap has been an urgent need in recent weeks, federal funding changes to other programs that support heating assistance, housing, health care and other essential needs will continue to pressure household budgets and food insecurity.
In response, United Way of Massachusetts Bay has already begun distributing over $600,000 in rapid relief grants to more than 60 trusted community organizations and food pantries in eastern Massachusetts, providing immediate support to households who rely on SNAP for food assistance. United Way of Massachusetts Bay also announced today it will distribute an additional $600,000 this Friday, bringing UWMB’s total for distribution of rapid relief grants to $1.2M by the end of this week. To date, $2M for emergency food assistance has been distributed by United Way organizations statewide.
"While President Trump is continuing to try to force Americans to go hungry, the people of Massachusetts are stepping up to support their neighbors in need," said Governor Maura Healey. "Thank you to the United Way and to every person who has contributed to United Response Fund. It's great that these funds are already flowing to local organizations that are helping people in our communities every day."
"The generosity of the people of Massachusetts is making a real impact when it comes to making sure that children, veterans, seniors and people with disabilities can afford food," said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. "Here in Massachusetts, we take care of one another, and I'm grateful to the United Way and everyone who has made the United Response Fund a success."
“The speed and generosity of this response reflect what makes Massachusetts strong and truly sets us apart,” said Marty Martinez, President and CEO at United Way of Massachusetts Bay. “This rapid relief has been made possible by the strong community response and support from corporate, foundation, and individual donors who have provided significant funding during the first weeks of this crisis. United Way will continue to mobilize support to provide immediate relief to individuals, families and communities, ensure access to food, and help organizations adapt and expand to meet the increased demand.”
Rapid Response to Growing Food Crisis
The United Response Fund is helping communities respond by strengthening the local food access network and providing flexible support to households in crisis. Aligned with guidance from the Governor’s Anti-Hunger Task Force, the early investments announced today by United Way of Massachusetts Bay totaling $600,000 to over 60 organizations from the United Response Fund will expand and stabilize food access and assistance through:
- Increased capacity at local food pantries: Supporting organizations to expand inventory, extend operating hours and open new emergency distribution sites and mobile pop-up pantries and markets
- Direct financial relief: Issuing grocery store gift cards and vouchers ranging from $20 to $600 to help families purchase what they need most
- Culturally appropriate food options: Ensuring food access that reflects the diversity and dignity of local communities
“Our providers are seeing that food access is coming up more and more often during medical appointments. Often these are working people, concerned about their children having enough to eat halfway through the month,” says Guy Fish, MD, MBA, the CEO of Codman Square Health Center, whose organization received a United Response Fund grant on Friday. “We refer many patients to our Codman Square Health Center food pantry, which was already operating at capacity. These additional resources will go a long way toward helping feed our community members who deserve our care and respect. We are grateful for United Way’s swift and decision action.”
The United Response Fund Rapid Relief Grants announced this week by United Way of Massachusetts Bay are concentrated in communities experiencing demonstrated needs and high percentages of households receiving SNAP benefits in Boston neighborhoods of Dorchester, Mattapan, Roxbury, Hyde Park, East Boston, South Boston, and Charlestown and more than 20 communities in eastern Massachusetts.
New federal policy and eligibility changes that took effect November 1 have disrupted assistance for more than $1.1 million Massachusetts residents who rely on SNAP. Of those, 32% are children, 26% are seniors, and 31% are people with disabilities. The disruptions also affect 21,000 veterans – nearly one in ten across the Commonwealth – as well as 5,500 farms and grocery stores that depend on SNAP revenue.
United Way of Massachusetts Bay continues to accept applications for SNAP Rapid Relief Grants on a rolling basis. Information for community-based nonprofit organizations in Massachusetts interested in applying for a United Response Fund SNAP Rapid Relief Grant can be found here: Snap Application United Way of Massachusetts Bay.
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