‘We are here’: SNAP pause sparks action at local food pantries
NORTHAMPTON — Anticipating losing her Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits on Nov. 1, and already facing a 50% increase in monthly rent, Julie Edwards of South Hadley is stocking up on shelf-stable food items and using her culinary skills to prepare meals she can store in the freezer.
“It’s a lot of work, but worth it,” says Edwards, explaining that the cabbage, zucchini and potatoes she got during a pickup at the Northampton Survival Center this week, put into the back of her vehicle, will be made into soups and other dishes.
But Edwards knows other people aren’t as fortunate or capable.
“I feel like everyone who qualifies for SNAP, to not have access to food, that’s going to be a problem and a very precarious situation,” Edwards said. “I’m envisioning people will panic as their resources get low.”
While many area residents likely have legitimate fears as the Trump administration pauses SNAP benefits starting Nov. 1 as the government shutdown continues, Northampton Survival Center Executive Director Heidi Nortonsmith is assuring those who depend on the services that she and her team are ready to deal with a possible surge in need.
“We are here, we’re not going to run out of food,” Nortonsmith said.
Quantifying the exact impact is difficult, though, with about 13,000 residents in Hampshire County, and another 12,000 in Franklin County, receiving SNAP benefits. Already, some portion of these turn to the Northampton Survival Center, the Amherst Survival Center, the Easthampton Community Center and other similar entities to meet their nutritional needs.
At the Northampton site, Nortonsmith said various ethnic foods and vegetarian and gluten-free options will continue to be offered, and deliveries will keep going out. The center has kept up with a demand that now means 900,000 pounds of food and over 58,000 distributions annually to 4,000 clients. The center has seen a 45% increase in new clients over the past year.
Numerous inquiries are being made, with many calling to find out both what is offered and what can be done to help.
“Phones are ringing off the hook,” Nortonsmith said. “People are not only worried about their own situations, but their neighbors’, as well.”
Nortonsmith said under the circumstances, she is being blunt that financial support is critical.
“What we need is money,” Nortonsmith said. “Just send out the money and we’ll figure it out.”
Carleen Basler, interim executive director at the Amherst Survival Center, is relaying a similar message to those who depend on SNAP, and that this disruption will be an issue for those who are managing tight budgets and dealing with food insecurity.
“For a lot of folks, this is very scary and very unsettling,” Basler said. “We want our community to know, the Amherst Survival Center has plenty of food for everyone who needs it. We are here to help.”
Both sites depend on the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, along with local farms, grocery partners and community donors so that nutritious food, and other essential resources, can be offered.
“We’ve anticipated the rising need well before the government shutdown, and are in a good position to meet any needs that would come our way,” Basler said.
The Amherst Survival Center serves 3,000 people a month, with households ranging in size from one to six, and about 300 to 350 pounds of food going to a household of four.
Its food pantry is available to residents of Amherst, Belchertown, Deerfield, Granby, Hadley, Leverett, Pelham, Shutesbury, South Deerfield, South Hadley, Sunderland, Ware and Whately, as well as individuals experiencing homelessness.
No disruptions or decrease in service is expected, with the once-a-month shopping yielding enough food for 10 to 12 days, and the Fresh Boost supplementing that with milk, eggs, and other perishables.
“We want people to know we are with them every step of the way,” Basler said.
Amherst is also extending a welcome to any federal employees who are furloughed and is helping people to fill out applications for SNAP benefits, though any filed after Nov. 1 won’t be immediately processed.
Geoff Naunheim, executive director of the United Way of Franklin and Hampshire Region, said that of the almost 30,000 residents impacted, the majority are senior citizens, families with young children, and people with disabilities. He added that the benefit suspension could not come at a worse time, as one in two families in Franklin and Hampshire counties are already grappling with food insecurity.
“This is kinda like pouring gasoline on a bonfire,” Naunheim said.
The United Way is aiming to raise funds that will go directly to partner organizations so people will get the nutrition they need.
“Food security is a priority focus area of our United Way, and we’re going to continue working in collaboration with our partners to make sure those who are underserved in our local community continue to have access to food and the other resources they need,” Naunheim said in a statement.
The need to help
As a result of the suspended benefits, state legislators are urging residents to donate to their local food pantries and food assistance programs.
“Massachusetts residents receive $240 million each month in SNAP benefits from the federal government. These benefits provide food to children, seniors and people with disabilities. If you are able, please consider a monetary donation or a donation of non-perishable food to one of our many local food pantries,” said State Rep. Susannah Whipps (I-Athol).
“During times of need, our neighbors show up for one another … there has never been a more important time to donate time, food or money to your local food pantry or community organization,” said state Rep. Natalie Blais, D-Deerfield.
Local assistance agencies are echoing legislators’ calls for assistance.
“We cannot wait for Washington, D.C.,” Jessica Thompson, director of community
engagement at Community Action, added. “We’re looking to our neighbors to step up right now — before the crisis hits, not after.”
Naunheim said that all year, United Way has been asking community members to donate if they have not done so previously, and increase their support if they previously have donated and are able to do so.
He added that recently, the eligibility requirements for the SNAP program changed, restricting eligibility for people who now need to turn to other options.
“If people don’t give, and they have the ability to so, I would encourage them to consider it,” Naunheim said. “It’s not going to be a one year thing, even after the SNAP crisis is solved food insecurity is going to be an ongoing crisis.”
Naunheim said the best place for people to find out what resources are still available is by checking the Department of Transitional Assistance website or calling the United Way helpline 2-1-1.
Driving her vehicle to the line formed outside the Northampton Survival Center on Monday, Ksenia Klepitskaya of Northampton isn’t eligible for SNAP benefits, as a graduate student, but appreciates that what the site provides helps her to make ends meet.
She observes that if demand increases, it could be more time consuming for people to come to the site, and will challenge them to carve out part of their day to get groceries.
“This isn’t doable for everyone,” Klepitskaya said.
Klepitskaya also wonders about a “domino effect” that will happen to her friends and acquaintances who are on SNAP.
“This is terrifying,” Klepitskaya said. “I’m so scared for the so many people who are going to be impacted.”
Edwards is confident the safety net in Hampshire County will hold, and part of the reason she comes to Northampton is the welcoming atmosphere.
“It feels like they have a good basic system here,” Edwards said. “Northampton, like Amherst, is heavy into people, treating people like human beings. Other food banks would get steamrolled.”
“The support can be a difference between being able to live,” Edwards said.
Other parts of the country might not fare as well, she said, wondering if President Trump’s intent is for people to go hungry, causing Americans to be further divided politically.
“They want us terrified, they want us at each other’s throats,” Edwards said, adding that those who might feel the most pain are Trump supporters.
“Maybe this will snowball and take out the Cheeto,” Edwards said.
Material from the Greenfield Recorder was used in this report.