Photo: Susan Sausville/WBZ NewsRadio
DEDHAM, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — The Dedham School District is collecting donations amidst risk of funding cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
Although two federal judges in New England ruled Friday that the federal government must use contingency funds to fund SNAP, it's unlikely beneficiaries will have access to the money starting on Nov. 1. According to Superintendent Nan Murphy, more than 400 students in her district rely on SNAP.
"We are really trying to be thoughtful and streamlined in how we prepare to support these families," said Murphy. "We want to make sure every family in Dedham has what they need to be healthy."
Read More: Boston, R.I. Judges Rule Federal Government Must Continue Funding SNAP
Schools in the district will have donation boxes set up throughout November to help the families in need. Dedham High School will be collecting toiletries, while the other schools focus on different kinds of important items.
"Our early childhood center is collecting baby wipes, baby food, and formula. Our elementary schools are focused on an array of support from pastas to canned soups to oatmeal," said Murphy.
WBZ NewsRadio's Suzanne Sausville (@WBZSausville) reports.