FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 10/31/2025
For further information, contact:
Susan Scully Petroni
City of Framingham Public Information Officer
spetroni@framinghamma.gov
508-782-8629
Resources Available If SNAP Benefits Not Issued on November 1
FRAMINGHAM –The City of Framingham understands that there may be confusion or concern about the future of SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits, especially in light of the ongoing federal government shutdown.
SNAP benefits are not ending on November 1. However, the Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) cannot issue SNAP on its regular schedule until the federal government shutdown ends or additional program funding is approved. This will result in delays or changes to the program’s distribution timeline.
On October 31, 2025, two federal judges ruled that the Trump administration must use contingency funds to continue making payments for SNAP during the shutdown. The rulings address the threat of a lapse in benefits that millions of Americans depend on for food assistance.
In Massachusetts, Judge Indira Talwani ordered the administration to access emergency funds to make at least partial payments and to report its plans to the court by Monday.
In a separate case in Rhode Island, another judge granted a temporary restraining order requiring the U.S. Department of Agriculture to release contingency funds and provide an update by noon Monday.
Together, the decisions aim to ensure continued SNAP benefits for about 42 million Americans.
“The City of Framingham is deeply concerned about how a prolonged federal shutdown could impact our most vulnerable residents,” said Mayor Charlie Sisitsky. “We are committed to working with our state and regional partners to ensure that families, seniors, and individuals in need have access to food and other essential resources during this uncertain time.”
The City has been in touch with Senator Elizabeth Warren’s, Senator Ed Markey’s, and Congresswoman Katherine Clark’s offices regarding this issue.
According to federal data, approximately 8,800 Framingham residents currently receive SNAP benefits, but city officials believe the actual number of individuals experiencing food insecurity is significantly higher.
Chief Public Health Nurse Linda Phalen emphasized the public health implications of food insecurity.
“Food insecurity is a significant public health crisis, and programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) help the most vulnerable people in our communities, including here in the City of Framingham,” said Phalen. “People who are more profoundly impacted include children, older adults, veterans, and people with disabilities. Food insecurities can result in malnutrition, which affects people’s ability to heal. Without these benefits, hard choices are having to be made around how to utilize limited resources — including food, rent, and medicine.”
In addition to SNAP, state-funded programs such as Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children (TAFDC), Emergency Aid to the Elderly, Disabled and Children (EAEDC), and the Healthy Incentives Program (HIP) will continue to operate normally. Residents can also continue to access the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) nutrition program and school meal programs without interruption.
The Framingham Public Schools continue to provide two free meals daily to all students, and through a partnership with Daniels Table, freezers stocked with ready-to-eat meals are available at all public schools for families in need. This summer, a freezer was also installed at the Main Framingham Public Library, providing meals for individuals and families. Last week, a new food pantry was added to the library to expand access to food resources.
Resources for Residents
If you or someone you know relies on SNAP, the following local and statewide resources are available:
Statewide Hotlines and Assistance
• Project Bread’s FoodSource Hotline: Call or text 1-800-645-8333 (Mon–Fri, 8 a.m.–7 p.m.; Sat, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.) for food resources and local assistance.
• United Response Fund: Established by the 13 United Ways across Massachusetts in partnership with the Healey-Driscoll Administration to address food aid gaps.
• Mass 211: Dial 2-1-1 for connections to local food pantries and community services.
Local and Regional Food Banks
• The Greater Boston Food Bank: Partners with more than 500 hunger-relief agencies throughout eastern Massachusetts. Call 617-598-5022 or email snap@gbfb.org.
• The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts
• Merrimack Valley Food Bank
• Worcester County Food Bank
• United Way of Tri-County – Gus the Grocery Bus: 46 Park St. #2, Framingham | 508-872-3291 or 888-811-3291
• Pearl Street Cupboard & Café: 46 Park St., Framingham | 508-370-4921
• Daniels Table: 56 Park St., Framingham | 508-405-0769
• Greater Framingham Community Church: 44 Franklin St., Framingham | 508-626-2118 (Grocery Bag distribution every other Saturday)
• Salvation Army Framingham Food Pantry: 350 Union Ave., Framingham | 508-875-3341
• HOPE Framingham Food Pantry: 214 Concord St., Framingham | 508-848-2401
• Lucy and Joe Press Food Pantry (JFS Family Assistance): Offers case management and emergency food support.
For the latest updates on SNAP and other DTA programs, visit www.mass.gov/DTA
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