Photo: James Rojas/WBZ NewsRadio
METHUEN, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — Federal food assistance programs will be cut off on Nov. 1 as the government shutdown heads into day 28. Local officials across the state are responding with haste.
In Methuen, Mayor DJ Beauregard launched a citywide food donation program, Methuen Cares Food Drive, Monday to help families that rely on SNAP benefits to stay fed.
"The federal government shutdown may be a partisan political issue, but its effect on the ground here in Methuen is not. We have families and neighbors who are going to go hungry, and our city government will not stand idly by while that happens,” Mayor Beauregard said. "I'm calling on all Methuen residents and leaders to stand up and support your neighbors."
Jason, a local resident who used to rely on that assistance, told WBZ NewsRadio that too many people in Massachusetts need those benefits to live.
“I wouldn’t be here today [without it],” he said.
Nearly 10,333 Methuen residents are on SNAP benefits.
“Knowing that at least the community that I live in, somebody is stepping up and doing the job that they’re supposed to be doing,” Jason added.
Large boxes for collections are set up at eight food drive locations, including senior centers, libraries, and fire and police stations.
Distributions begin Saturday, Nov. 1.
WBZ NewsRadio’s James Rojas (@JamesRojas.bsky.social) reports.