SNAP Benefits In Jeopardy In MA Due To Government Shutdown, New Fed Rules

MASSACHUSETTS — Hundreds of thousands of Massachusetts residents who rely on SNAP benefits — formerly called food stamps — risk losing those benefits for essential food needs if the federal government shutdown continues into November.

According to the Greater Boston Food Bank's Fifth Annual Statewide Food Access Report, about 2 million adults in Massachusetts — 1 in 3 individuals — faced food insecurity in 2024 with 24 percent facing "very low food security."

The GBFB said recent federal cuts, once implemented, could put 175,000 Massachusetts residents at risk of losing benefits.

"An important role of the government is to provide that safety net for those with the least among us," said U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins on Oct. 16. "We're going to run out of money in two weeks (in the SNAP program). So, you're talking about millions and millions of vulnerable families, of hungry families, that are not going to have access to these programs because of this shutdown.

"We remain focused on doing everything we can to move these funds out for as long as we can. But that is coming to an end. It is time to open the government back up and serve the American people."

About two million people, or more than 15 percent of the state's population, receive SNAP
benefits.

Those receiving SNAP benefits remain responsible for completing renewals and reporting any changes to income, contact information, or people living in a recipient's home during the shutdown.

Additionally, SNAP recipients should be aware of changes mandated by the federal government that will take effect on Nov. 1 and report their work, schooling, or volunteer participation to DHS.

The federal government shutdown began on Oct. 1 after President Donald Trump and Congress failed to strike an agreement to keep government programs and services running. The Senate rejected the Republicans' proposal, which fell short of the 60 votes needed to advance the bill.

Democrats insisted the resolution reverse the Medicaid cuts in Trump's mega-bill passed this summer and extend tax credits for health insurance premiums through the marketplaces established by the Affordable Care Act.