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Right now, too many families in Boston are feeling the effects of cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
For many, these benefits are the difference between having a full meal at the table or going without. No one in our city should ever have to make the choice between paying rent and putting food on the table.
As an At-Large City Councilor representing every neighborhood in Boston, I remain deeply committed to ensuring that our families—especially our children—have access to the resources they
need to avoid hunger. The ongoing uncertainty surrounding federal funding threatens that access, and we cannot ignore how harmful that is to our most vulnerable residents.
In moments like these, our city must come together. That means standing firm to protect SNAP benefits, supporting our local food providers and community-based organizations, and ensuring
that every Boston resident—regardless of background or income—has access to healthy, reliable food.
In this email please find resources and links to support you and your community and I encourage residents who are directly impacted by these cuts to reach out
to my office. My team and I will continue working with local partners and City departments to connect families with available resources and advocate for solutions that put people
first.
Boston is strongest when every family is fed, cared for, and supported—and I will continue to fight to make that a reality for us all.
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For the most up to date information and updates
regarding SNAP benefits, please visit the
Department of Transitional Assistance website
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Boston Public Library has done an incredible job compiling city-wide resources for neighborhoods across Boston
These links offer resources in multiple languages.
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Food
resource list and map (Allston-Brighton, Back Bay, Chinatown, Fenway, South End)
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Food
resource list and map (Beacon Hill, Charlestown, Downtown, East Boston, North End, West End)
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Food
resource list and map (Dorchester)
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Food
resource list and map (Hyde Park, Jamaica Plain, Mattapan, Roslindale, West Roxbury)
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Food
resource list and map (Mission Hill, Roxbury, South Boston)
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Farmers
Markets in Boston
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Healthy Incentives Program (HIP)
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HIP benefits are NOT affected by the current Federal shutdown.
The Healthy Incentives Program (HIP) is a Massachusetts program that applies state funds to your purchase when
you use your EBT card to buy fruits and vegetables at participating vendors (find
a list of approved vendors here).
To keep your HIP benefits working, keep AT LEAST $0.01 on your EBT card.
There is no special sign-up for HIP. If you live in Massachusetts and get SNAP benefits, your household is automatically
able to participate in HIP. The amount of HIP you can use each month depends on your SNAP household size.
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Project Bread is the food assistance line for all of Massachusetts. Their counselors can help you find food resources, check your eligibility for SNAP, and provide
information in over 180 languages.
Project Bread's FoodSource Hotline is confidential
Hotline Hours: Monday-Friday: 8am-7pm
Please click below to check for extended weekend hours & additional resources.
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The YMCA Mobile Market provides free produce and shelf stable items. They will be bringing the truck to sites all around the
Greater Boston area. The Mobile Market is open to the public and all are welcome to come make a grocery bag completely
free of cost! No ID or registration required.
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Women, Infants, & Children Nutrition Program (WIC)
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WIC benefits are NOT affected by the current Federal shutdown.
WIC is a nutrition program that provides healthy foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and referrals to healthcare
and other services, free of charge, to Massachusetts families who qualify.
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Free Community Food Resources
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ABCD Food Access Centers:
ABCD operates five Food Access Centers for Boston residents in
Allston/Brighton, East Boston, Mattapan, Parker Hill/Fenway, and Roxbury/North Dorchester.
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The Greater Boston Food Bank (GBFB)
GBFB partners with hundreds of food pantries, mobile markets, and community meal programs. You can use their online tool to find help.
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Local Community Fridges
These are 24/7 mutual aid resources. "Take what you need, leave what you can." Please note, this is not an exhaustive list and there may be a fridge near you!
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All/Bright Community Fridge: 404 Washington St., Brighton
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Roslindale Community Fridge: 1 Firth Road, Roslindale
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Jamaica Plain Community Fridge: 672 Centre St., Jamaica Plain
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Somerville/Medford Fridges: 35 Prospect St. (Union Sq), 36 Sewall St. (Winter Hill), 33 St Clement Rd (Medford)
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Fridge in the Square: 45 Mt. Auburn St., Cambridge
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Brookline Community Fridge: 7 Station St., Brookline
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Dorchester, South Boston & Roxbury Pantries:
Dorchester Bay Economic Development Corporation (DBEDC) maintains a helpful list of food pantries serving these neighborhoods.
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Allston/Brighton Food Pantry
Offering weekly grocery distribution and community dinners
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Gopuff –
Gopuff is offering a $50 credit for SNAP-eligible items, delivered for free in as fast as 15 minutes in November.
Free
Farmers Market by Allandale Farm – Allandale Farm is offering a free farmers market of fresh produce and Iggy’s Bread to those who lose SNAP (Supplemental
Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits on three upcoming Thursdays (Nov. 6, 13, and 20) from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Loring Greenough House.
The
Centre Food Hub JP – Discounted groceries, a food pantry, and community meals.
Little
Cocoa Bean Co. – In Boston (located at The Children’s Museum); income-constrained families can come to feed their children for free. You do not need to go
to the museum to go to the cafe.
Taco
Azul – Offers free kids meals to any families that have been impacted by the loss of their SNAP benefits.
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Discounted Food Resources
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How you can help your neighbors
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Many residents have also asked how they can support the community during this time.
Here are a few ways to help:
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Donate to Food Pantries: Support local food pantries like The Greater Boston Food Bank or your neighborhood pantry. Financial donations often go furthest, allowing
them to purchase bulk food and exactly what they need most.
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Stock a Community Fridge: If you are able, "leave what you can" at one of the community fridges listed above. Please focus on fresh produce, sealed goods, and
essentials.
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Share This Information: Forward this email to neighbors, friends, or community groups. Ensuring everyone knows where to find help is a critical step.
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Check In: A simple check-in with a neighbor, senior, or family in your building can make a significant difference. Community care is our strongest resource.
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Navigating these systems can be overwhelming, and
you do not have to do it alone.
If you are having trouble connecting with any of these resources, or if you have a specific case issue you need help with, please do not hesitate to contact our office directly at
(617)
635-4205 or by replying to this email.
We will continue to fight for the support our community deserves.
Sincerely,
Warmly,
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Henry Santana, Boston City Councilor At-Large · 1 City Hall Sq Ste 550 · Boston, MA 02201-2043 · USA
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