31 Oct COMING TOGETHER FOR OUR NEIGHBORS: NOVEMBER FOOD DRIVE
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 — it affects families right here in our local communities.
Local Impact
In the Tri-Town area — Marion, Mattapoisett, and Rochester — hundreds of households rely on SNAP benefits to help make ends meet:
Marion: 429 SNAP recipients out of a population of 5,341 — about 8% of residents
Mattapoisett: 347 SNAP recipients out of a population of 6,763 — about 5.1% of residents
Rochester: 290 SNAP recipients out of a population of 5,936 — about 4.9% of residents
These numbers represent our friends, neighbors, and community members — 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’s why we’re collecting non-perishable food items at our next meeting to be donated to Damien’s Place Food Pantry in Wareham.
Local Resources: Food Pantries
For those seeking additional assistance or wishing to help, here are several local resources providing food support to individuals and families in need:
🥫 Marion Food Pantry — Benjamin D. Cushing Community Center, 465 Mill Street, Marion, MA 02379
🥫 Damien’s Place Food Pantry — 242 Marion Road, Wareham, MA 02751 Visit damiensfoodpantry.org Hours: Thursday & Saturday, 7:30 AM – 11:00 AM
🥫 The Shepherd’s Pantry — 1215 Main Street, Acushnet, MA 02743 (508) 763-9289 Hours: Every Saturday, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Local Resources: State Services
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.
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.
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.
Learn more at Massachusetts Healthy Incentives Program (HIP) FAQ.
Another valuable tool for anyone seeking local assistance is FindHelp.org, a free online resource that connects individuals and families to food, housing, financial assistance, health care, and more. Simply enter your ZIP code to locate services close to home and get connected quickly to the support you need.
Volunteerism
This time of year, can be especially difficult for our most vulnerable neighbors. With Thanksgiving and the holidays approaching and the cost of goods continuing to rise, many families are feeling the strain. Our goal is to work with community members to help connect people to resources — always with dignity, compassion, and the care they deserve.
In addition to donating non-perishable items for our food drive, we encourage community members to consider volunteering their time to support these vital organizations listed above. Local pantries depend on volunteers to stock shelves, greet guests, and make sure food reaches those who need it most. Even a few hours can make a meaningful difference.
Next Steps
Join Us on November 5
We invite everyone to bring a donation to our Mattapoisett Democratic Town Committee meeting on Tuesday, November 5, at 6:30 PM at the Mattapoisett Free Public Library. Together, we’ll collect items for Damien’s Place and share information on local programs that help our neighbors access food with dignity and respect