Massachusetts politicians share concern over SNAP benefits
SPRINGFIED, MA (WGGB/WSHM) - The U.S. Department of Agriculture has warned state agencies across the nation there won’t be enough funding to pay full SNAP benefits next month, prompting Governor Maura Healey to demand action.
Governor Healey expressed her frustration, knowing hundreds of thousands of people in Massachusetts who need these food stamps could be at risk of losing them. This as one local food bank says it’s important to listen to those who rely on these programs.
“They are making excruciating choices between paying their rent, paying utilities, buying medicine, putting food on the table, and so much more,” the Executive Director of the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, Andrew Morehouse, explained the situations hundreds of thousands of people go through when it comes to food insecurity.
As this week comes to a close, he and several federal and state officials are sounding the alarm as many people in western Massachusetts could be at risk of losing their SNAP benefits.
On Friday, Senator Ed Markey and Governor Maura Healey held separate events, both placing blame on President Donald Trump and his administration. “There is no lack of food in the richest country in the world. This is a complete lack of conscience. Shame for the Republicans and the MAGA supporters all across this country,” said Massachusetts Senator Ed Markey
More than one million people in Massachusetts could face a direct impact, including children, seniors, and those with disabilities. The governor said if no action is taken by the administration, it will not just be food stamp users who will face the consequences.
“It’s bad enough that you’re taking food away from people and families. But, you’re also taking revenue away from our grocery stores and our farmers. That’s a big deal for the American economy because without that revenue, our stores (there’s a Nubian Market or a Big Y or anywhere else in this great state), they’re going to be losing revenue,” Governor Healey did not hold back her emotions knowing how personal this is to her, “I was raised by a single mom. And I do not want to see single moms or anyone else in this state (and) in this country suffer needlessly.”
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said it is the Democrats’ fault for how this is unfolding, “If Democrats continue to hold Americans hostage, there will not be enough funds to provide SNAP benefits for more than 40 million Americans on November 1st. That is next week.”
Leavitt added that the president would support a resolution that would fund the government at its current levels, however it would not address expiring affordable care act subsidies.
Closer to home, Morehouse says the federal government currently does not have his and other food banks’ backs, and he is imploring the country’s leaders to do their jobs, “we must insist upon the federal government, Congress, (and) The White House approving the funds needed through the SNAP replenishment fund, for every meal that combined all food banks provided across the country, the federal SNAP program provides 9 meals. There’s no way that the food bank network or pantries or meal sites or volunteers or communities coming together can replace that.”
Governor Healey said she and her administration are going to work to give resources to food banks. She is even encouraging everyone to get in touch with food banks and pantries to ask how they can contribute additionally, she brought up United Way’s United Response Fund, which you can donate to in this time of need.
To find the link, you can go to their website.
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