Photo: James Rojas/WBZ NewsRadio
REVERE, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — Many food pantry operators in Massachusetts are feeling pressure from the pause in SNAP benefits due to the ongoing federal government shutdown.
WBZ NewsRadio reporter James Rojas spoke with The First Congregational Church of Revere food pantry's director, Wendy Baur, who said they've had many emergency meetings since SNAP cuts were announced.
Bauer said they are wondering how many of people who were on SNAP will have to start coming to food pantries now. "Especially since the governor has advised everybody who is not getting SNAP to visit their local food pantries, which is us," said Baur.
Baur said the church has gotten many phone calls from people who are panicking. Many said they don't know what to do, they have to feed their children and they are desperate.
The increase of demand will make it harder for local pantries like the FCCR to provide for everyone in need.
"We're not really designed to provide a month's worth of food like SNAP does, and that's why it's so important that people get supplements," Baur said.
Due to the increase in demand on food pantries, there is also a higher demand for volunteers.
"Especially if we open up a second night, because the volunteers I have currently are already here for four hours on a Wednesday. I don't know if they're going to come back the next day if we open up another day, so we will definitely need more volunteers, so we are reaching out for that too," Baur said.
Since SNAP funding stopped on Nov. 1, two federal judges issued an order for the Trump Administration to partially fund SNAP. On Monday, the administration said it would partially fund SNAP for November. It is unclear when that funding will be available.
Over 10,000 residents in Revere rely on SNAP.
WBZ NewsRadio’s James Rojas (@JamesRojas.bsky.social) reports.