Timilty Directs ARPA Funding To Canton Food Pantries

CANTON, MA - State Sen. Walter F. Timilty, who represents Canton, along with his colleagues in the Massachusetts State Senate recently passed a $3.82 billion spending plan to invest funds from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to meet the urgent needs of the Commonwealth’s ongoing recovery. The bill includes increased investments in issues ranging from housing, education, and economic development, as well as local initiatives being undertaken in the district.

“The economic hardship experienced by workers, households, and small businesses during the COVID-19 Pandemic has been devastating. The ARPA legislation we passed in the state Senate is an opportunity to support a strong and equitable economic recovery in the Commonwealth,” said Timilty. “I am very proud to be supporting infrastructure improvements, business recovery, and access to mental health care and social services.”

Twelve amendments filed by Timilty were approved, including the allocation of $80,000 for local food pantry assistance.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has fueled a hunger crisis, unlike any other in our lifetime. There has been tremendous hardship within the district I serve and throughout the Commonwealth,” said Timilty. “This pandemic has exacerbated food insecurity because of increased unemployment and financial hardship. As such, our local food pantries are a lifeline for so many of our residents.”

Locally, ARPA funds will be allocated to the Canton Helpline Food Pantry, Rehoboth Baptist Church of Boston and Jewish Family & Children’s Services.