This article was updated on November 3 at 5pm with updated information & more information from other organizations

With the government shutdown in its 33rd day, the Trump administration faces deadlines today to comply with court orders to continue funding SNAP – the nation’s biggest food aid program, serving approximately 1 in 8 Americans. However, it is uncertain if this will be done. Therefore, the City of Lynn and local non-profit organizations such as The Food Project have released statements and resources to help families in need.

Statements and resources courtesy of these organizations are below.

The City of Lynn

The City of Lynn is preparing for the anticipated suspension of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) food assistance beginning Saturday, November 1st.

This change is expected to pose a critical food security risk and will negatively impact many Lynn residents.

We are committed to working with our local partners to ensure continuity of access to nutritious food and essential resources. If you rely on SNAP or are facing food insecurity, we urge you to please review the linked document below of local resources or connect with any of the listed organizations for assistance. This information is also included on the City of Lynn website.

The United Way has launched a United Response Fund to collect private donations to help SNAP recipients in Massachusetts. The fund was announced in late October 2025, in partnership with the state government, in response to the federal shutdown.

Residents can also contact Project Bread’s Food Source Hotline at (800) 645-8333 to help navigate immediate hunger. You can call or text Project Bread’s Food Source Hotline to receive information about food resources in your area or talk with a Project Bread counselor. The hotline is available Monday-Friday (8am-7pm) and Saturday (10am–2pm).

If you have any inquiries, please do not hesitate to contact the Mayor’s Office at (781) 598-1814.

NEW LYNN COALITION

You will still be able to use HIP in November even if SNAP benefits are not sent. It is an extra $40-$80 (depending on family size) on your SNAP account each month when you buy local food directly from a farmer, farmers’ market or farm stand. The Food Project has a Farmers Market EVERY THURSDAY UNTIL NOVEMBER 20th AT LYNN COMMONS BAND STAND FROM 11AM – 3PM

• If your SNAP household size is 1-2 people, you qualify for $40 in monthly HIP benefits.
• If your SNAP household size is 3-5 people, you qualify for $60 in monthly HIP benefits.
• If your SNAP household size is 6+ people, you qualify for $80 in monthly HIP benefits.

You need at least $0.01 on your SNAP account to access HIP.

The Food Project

Last week The Food Project published a response to SNAP cuts, and an updated statement today (November 3), which is below:

As of today the USDA has declared they will cover 50% of SNAP benefits in November using emergency funds. This comes after the Trump Administration threatened to stop distributing SNAP benefits, formerly Food Stamps, during the government shutdown. Rulings by two federal judges found this unlawful and is requiring the Trump administration to restore funding.

While this is fantastic news, 50% — or just $4 daily — is still not enough to help get families through the month and it will likely still take at least a week to reach households. 

As Iris Ivette Montfar, a mother of two from Chelsea, powerfully said on Tuesday “Taking away SNAP, it doesn’t just take food off our table. It affects our health, our minds, our hearts, and the future of our children.” 

Last week The Food Project pivoted to help meet the immediate needs of our communities and will continue to do so to fill the gap created by the temporary loss of funding

• We’re working with neighborhood partners in Dudley to distribute bags of veggies to people most at risk.
• We’re also closing sales for our fall CSA early, so our remaining stock — more than 3,000 pounds of vegetables — will be donated to community fridges and food pantries in the coming weeks.

Within 24 hours of us sharing our plan on Thursday you helped us over $5,500 to support our work. Thank you to everyone who stepped up! The effects of the gap in funds will continue to be felt by our communities, so if you have not had the opportunity to donate, please consider doing so below to help us get food to our neighbors.

What else can you do to help?

• Keep spreading the word on SNAP cuts and how to retain access to HIP.
• Join the Springfield Food Policy Council’s statewide postcard campaign to save SNAP/HIP. Register for their informational webinar on Wednesday, November 5 at 10 A.M., during which they will offer instructions on how to join the campaign. 
• Call or email your elected representatives to demand they protect and strengthen SNAP. 

The Food Project will continue to run our farmers markets, where EBT users will still have access to $40-$80 to spend at farmers’ markets through the state’s Healthy Incentive Program (HIP). You need to leave at least $0.01 on your SNAP account to access your HIP benefits!

Please visit thefoodproject.org/farmers-markets/ for the full market schedule. 

If you need support accessing food, please reach out to Project Bread’s hotline: 1-800-645-8333.

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Right now, nearly 140,000 residents across Essex County, including kids, seniors, and people with disabilities, are unable to receive their SNAP benefitsbecause of the ongoing government shutdown.

As we move into the holiday season, when so many families are already stretching every dollar to cover food, heat, and medical care, this disruption couldn’t come at a worse time. It’s a heavy blow, not just for the families affected, but also for the local food pantries and food banks already working overtime to meet growing demand.

If SNAP funding isn’t restored soon, more than one million people across Massachusetts who depend on this vital program — 32% children, 31% people with disabilities, and 26% seniors — will be left wondering how they’ll feed themselves and their loved ones in the days ahead.

Across the state, community foundations are stepping up to help. Together with local leaders, nonprofits, and volunteers, we’re mobilizing resources to keep food on tables, strengthen our food systems, and build resilience for the future. This is what community is all about, showing up for one another when it matters most. 💪

Here in Lynn, one simple but powerful way to help (or get help) is through our Lynn Family Resource Center’s Lynn Community Fridge — a shared space where neighbors can take what they need and leave what they can. The fridge is stocked as often as possible with fresh produce, pantry staples, and prepared meals thanks to the generosity of local residents and volunteers.

📍 Location: 16 City Hall Square (in the Centerboard Parking Lot
🕒 Open 24/7 – no questions asked, no paperwork required.

Our team has also worked with local advocates and partners to pull together a list of regional food resources to support anyone who needs a little extra help right now.

👉 Please share this message with your friends, neighbors, and networks — you never know who might need it.
💬 And if you or someone you know could use more information, recommendations, or assistance, reach out to us. We’re here for you.

Together, we can make sure no one in our community goes hungry this season. 💚

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other resources

• DTA offices remain open to provide other services. State funded programs including HIP, TAFDC, and EAEDC continue normally. 
• Catholic Charities launched its food pantry at 8 Silsbee Street in Lynn. To learn more call 617-451-7999. Hours are:
  • Monday & Wednesday:  9AM – 12PM & 1 – 3PM
  • Friday: 9AM – 12PM