Resources for People Affected by the Federal Government Shutdown
Following recent court rulings in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, the federal government announced that SNAP will continue with partial funding during the shutdown. The exact benefit amounts and timing are not yet known, and some payments may be delayed.
SNAP helps people buy groceries each month using an EBT card. If funding stops, many families could lose this support.
If SNAP benefits are delayed or stopped, local food assistance is available:
- Merrimack Valley Food Bank – SNAP help and pantry locations: mvfb.org/snap-application-assistance | mvfb.org/pantry-schedule
- Dwelling House of Hope – 866-674-9988 | 125 Mount Hope St, Lowell
- Central Food Ministry – 978-454-7445 | 370 W. Sixth St, Lowell
- Open Pantry of Greater Lowell – 978-453-6693 | 13 Hurd St, Lowell
- Salvation Army – 978-458-3396 | 150 Appleton St, Lowell
- Meals on Wheels (AgeSpan) – 1-800-892-0890 | agespan.org/solutions/nutrition-and-food-security
- FoodSource Hotline – 1-800-645-8333 (for help finding food anywhere in Massachusetts)
- NH Food Alliance – https://www.nhfoodalliance.org/find-local-food (for help finding food anywhere in New Hampshire)
- Other resources: https://www.findhelp.org/
Click Here to view Lowell CHC’s Community Resource Page
Some local restaurants and community groups are also offering free meals to those impacted.
WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) services are a separate program and are not currently affected in Massachusetts.
In New Hampshire, WIC funding is expected to continue through November 7, but may become uncertain after that date. Learn more here: New Hampshire WIC Program Update.
More information about SNAP is available at gettingsnap.org.
Lowell Community Health Center is open during the government shutdown, and is accepting new patients. If you need care and wish to become a patient, please call 978-937-9700.
