As we gather for our November meeting, the Mattapoisett Democratic Town Committee is launching a community food drive to support our neighbors who may be struggling to put food on the table. This effort comes at a critical time. With the cessation of federal funding for the SNAP program (formerly known as food stamps) beginning November 1, many families across our region will face increased hardship and uncertainty. Food insecurity is not a distant issue \u2014 it affects families right here in our local communities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Local Impact<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n In the Tri-Town area \u2014 Marion, Mattapoisett, and Rochester \u2014 hundreds of households rely on SNAP benefits to help make ends meet:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Marion: <\/strong>429 SNAP recipients out of a population of 5,341 \u2014 about 8% of residents<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mattapoisett: 347 SNAP recipients out of a population of 6,763 \u2014 about 5.1% of residents<\/p>\n\n\n\n Rochester: 290 SNAP recipients out of a population of 5,936 \u2014 about 4.9% of residents<\/p>\n\n\n\n These numbers represent our friends, neighbors, and community members \u2014 people who are feeling the strain of rising costs and reduced assistance. We believe that when times get tough, neighbors come together to care for one another. That\u2019s why we\u2019re collecting non-perishable food items at our next meeting to be donated to Damien\u2019s Place Food Pantry in Wareham.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Local Resources: Food Pantries<\/strong> Local Resources: State Services<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n In addition, the State of Massachusetts provides free breakfast and lunch to all students enrolled in public schools, ensuring that every child has access to healthy meals during the school day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Massachusetts also maintains the Healthy Incentives Program (HIP), which helps families on SNAP purchase fresh, healthy local food directly from Massachusetts farmers. HIP benefits are added automatically to your EBT card and become available on the first of each month. Starting September 1, 2025, monthly HIP benefits will be $40, $60, or $80, depending on household size.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You must have SNAP funds on your EBT card to access HIP, but maintaining a balance of even $0.01 will keep your HIP benefits active. While unused SNAP funds carry over month to month, unused HIP benefits expire at the end of each month.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Learn more at Massachusetts Healthy Incentives Program (HIP) FAQ<\/mark><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For those seeking additional assistance or wishing to help, here are several local resources providing food support to individuals and families in need:
\ud83e\udd6b Marion Food Pantry \u2014 Benjamin D. Cushing Community Center, 465 Mill Street, Marion, MA 02379
\ud83e\udd6b Damien\u2019s Place Food Pantry \u2014 242 Marion Road, Wareham, MA 02751 Visit damiensfoodpantry.org<\/mark><\/a> Hours: Thursday & Saturday, 7:30 AM \u2013 11:00 AM
\ud83e\udd6b The Shepherd\u2019s Pantry \u2014 1215 Main Street, Acushnet, MA 02743 (508) 763-9289 Hours: Every Saturday, 9:00 AM \u2013 11:00 AM<\/p>\n\n\n\n