BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — As SNAP benefits remain frozen during the Federal Government shutdown, the annual unloading of frozen turkeys at the Greater Boston Food Bank is filled with both joy and uncertainty.
The 20th annual Chain of Giving had a sea of people heading over to grab a frozen turkey for the upcoming holiday season. Helpers, along with Governor Maura Healey, took part in the human chain, passing down turkeys from a semi-trailer to those in need.
A federal judge in Rhode Island ruled on Thursday that the Trump Administration must fully fund SNAP for the month of November, after the government previously said it would only fund roughly 65% of the program. Prior to that ruling, Healey had some choice words for the Trump Administration at the event.
"Look, I'll be really direct about things. What's happening right now in our country and President Trump's decision to withhold SNAP benefits is unconscionable,” said Healey. "I hope the shutdown ends and I hope the president does what he's been ordered to do already, which is to send these SNAP benefits along.”
Greater Boston Food Bank President Catherine D'Amato spoke about the influx of people in need since the shutdown.
“We could anticipate doubling our distribution this month based on the SNAP cuts because of the uncertainty, as the Governor stated, we still haven't received any money from the Federal Government,” said D’Amato. “So, we know our pantries are seeing between 100 and 300 more requests on a regular basis.”
Despite the gloomy mood, Governor Healey encourages people to donate their time or money to local food banks, and the Greater Boston Food Bank still expects to distribute 50,000 frozen turkeys and 100,000 chickens during this holiday season.
WBZ NewsRadio’s James Rojas (@JamesRojasMMJ) reports.