Government Shutdown Threatens Food Assistance for Over 1 Million Massachusetts Residents
More than one million Massachusetts residents could lose critical food assistance benefits starting November 1, 2025, due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, Governor Maura Healey has warned. The state cannot replace the $240 million in monthly federal SNAP funding, putting vulnerable populations at immediate risk.
Key Takeaways
- Over 1 million Massachusetts residents face SNAP benefit loss from November 1, 2025
- Massachusetts receives $240 million monthly in federal SNAP funding
- New Jersey, Maryland, New York, and Texas also at risk
- Governor Healey launches emergency response fund with food banks
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, provides monthly funds on EBT cards for low-income families to purchase groceries. The program serves over 40 million Americans nationwide.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture confirmed it has “insufficient funds” to pay full SNAP benefits in November due to the appropriations lapse. Both the USDA and White House have declined to comment on the impending crisis.
Massachusetts Funding Crisis
Governor Healey stated that Massachusetts lacks the resources to replace the federal SNAP funding. “Two hundred forty million dollars a month is what the state receives, its residents receive from the federal government for these benefits, so you can’t begin to make this up,” Healey told CBS News.
The situation is particularly dire given that one in three Massachusetts residents already faced food insecurity in 2024, according to the Greater Boston Food Bank.
Emergency Response Measures
During an October 24, 2025 news conference in Roxbury, Governor Healey announced partnerships with Project Bread, United Way, and local food banks to create the United Response Fund. The initiative aims to generate donations to support affected families.
“Those who have the means, this is the time to step up,” Healey urged, noting she plans to make a personal donation. The governor is also calling on President Trump to release contingency funds to maintain SNAP benefits during the shutdown.
Healey emphasized that children, elderly residents, and disabled individuals would suffer the most severe impacts from benefit interruptions. Normally, SNAP beneficiaries receive approximately $187 monthly ($6 daily) for essential food purchases.
