Government Shutdown Food Resources

Here is a list of food resources for anyone in Massachusetts seeking assistance during the government shutdown.  Please note that this is not a comprehensive list of all available programs and that information is subject to change as information is continuously changing. 

For anyone in Massachusetts who needs food assistance, start by calling the FoodSource Hotline. Here is your one-stop-shop to learn about all the resources available to help you. 

Project Bread's FoodSource Hotline is  toll-free and confidential, at 1-800-645-8333.

Hotline Hours: Monday-Friday: 8am - 7pm. 

Extended Weekend Hours for November 1st & 2nd - Saturday: 9am-4pm Sunday: 9am-1pm

Our counselors can assist callers in 180 languages. 

While the shutdown continues, USDA has stated that they will not continue to fund SNAP benefits beyond November 1. Starting November 1, households will see a disruption in their monthly SNAP benefit amount. 

• Benefits already on your card will remain there and can continue to be used in November. 
• For help finding local community food resources, please call, text, or chat Project Bread’s FoodSource Hotline at 1-800-645-8333. 
• Our FoodSource Hotline can also help you learn if you are eligible for SNAP and help you apply.

Access funds for food through HIP while SNAP benefits are delayed

In Massachusetts, SNAP users are automatically enrolled in HIP. This is a state-funded program that will continue to be available even if federal SNAP dollars are delayed. 

What is HIP? 

HIP provides additional funds to help SNAP recipients purchase more fresh, local produce each month. 

How can I continue using HIP funds?

HIP can be used at eligible HIP retailers so long as a household has a non-zero dollar SNAP balance. For example, if you have 45 cents available on your EBT card, you can continue to use your HIP benefits. 

Where can I use HIP? 

Find a HIP retailer where you can make HIP eligible purchases or call Project Bread's FoodSource Hotline to speak to a counselor about how and where you can use HIP at 1-800-645-8333.

How much am I eligible for?

HIP benefits are different based on household size. Households of 1-2 people are eligible for $40 in HIP per month. Households of 3-5 people are eligible for $60 in HIP per month. Households of 6+ people are eligible for $80 in HIP per month.

School meals are free for all students during the 2025-26 school year in Massachusetts. 

Your child participating in free school meals does not take away meals from anyone else – in fact – it helps other children and families who need it most!  All parents are encouraged to take advantage of free school meals, because it: 

• Saves you time & money 

• Boosts revenue for your child's school 

• Breaks down barriers and stigma for other children who eat school meals 

WIC is a nutrition program that provides healthy foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and referrals to healthcare and other services, free of charge, to Massachusetts families who qualify.

WIC’s goal is to help children under 5 and those that are pregnant, just had a baby or are breastfeeding stay healthy.

The WIC website​ contains updated information and individuals may contact the local WIC programs with any questions about breastfeeding, nutrition, and shopping.

WIC is available to all families regardless of immigration or citizenship status. Check out WIC's eligibility page to see how families can apply online for WIC services.  Individuals receiving SNAP and many types of MassHealth are automatically income-eligible for WIC.

Parents, grandparents and foster parents may apply for children under the age of five years who are in their care.

Meals on Wheels is a program that offers well-balanced meals to adults through home delivery or congregated dining sites.

Meals on Wheels is run by senior nutrition agencies located throughout Massachusetts. To find the closest agency to you, visit www.massmealsonwheels.org.

If you need home-delivered meals, staff will make an appointment for a home-delivered meal assessment.

Food pantries provide free emergency groceries to individuals and families in their local communities.

For the latest information about pantry hours and operations, please visit:

• Greater Boston Food Bank: www.gbfb.org
• Worcester County Food Bank: www.foodbank.org
• The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts: www.foodbankwma.org
• Merrimack Valley Food Bank: www.mvfb.org