Residents of Methuen, Massachusetts, faced food insecurity as SNAP benefits expired due to a government shutdown on March 9, 2024. In response, the Methuen Senior Center organized a food distribution event aimed at assisting those impacted by the disruption of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
The food drive provided essential items ranging from baby food to fruits, vegetables, and bread, collected from eight locations around the city. Individuals who had previously received SNAP benefits or other government assistance were eligible to receive packages on Saturday.
Caeli Tegan Zampach, the city’s Public Health Director, highlighted the community’s concerns, stating, “With the questions around SNAP benefits, we heard from a lot of people that they were worried about getting food on the table in the next few weeks.”
The need for support was evident, particularly in a city where approximately 20 percent of the population, or about 10,000 residents, rely on SNAP benefits. Volunteers reported a steady flow of cars throughout the day as families sought help.
One anonymous single mother of seven expressed her gratitude, saying, “It’s real hard. Extremely hard. I’m a single mom; I work more than 40 hours a week just to pay for my kids, so this is actually a huge help.” Her situation reflects the challenges many face as government support falters.
Community member Maria Wizboski contributed significantly, donating a trunk load of items. She remarked, “We might have been in the situation at some point in our lives, and I’m fortunate to be able to do it, so it’s really an honor to serve.”
The urgency surrounding SNAP benefits intensified when a federal judge in Boston instructed the Trump administration to utilize contingency funds to ensure partial payments during the ongoing government shutdown. The White House is expected to provide an update on its plans by March 11, 2024.
“I think everybody who depends on SNAP shouldn’t because we don’t know what’s going to happen after this month,” the anonymous mother added in an interview with WBZ-TV.
Nationwide, around 42 million Americans depend on SNAP to help cover food costs. The Methuen community has stepped up to support its residents during this critical time, with plans for a second food drive scheduled for Wednesday. Volunteers continue to rally, demonstrating solidarity and resilience in the face of uncertainty.
As the situation continues to evolve, Methuen’s initiative highlights the pressing need for reliable food assistance and the strength of community action in times of crisis.
