Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey says "there's no way" the state can cover a food stamp shortfall if federal funds for SNAP [Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program] are frozen amid the government shutdown.

"As of the end of next week, SNAP benefits are going to be frozen, they go away," Healey told reporters on Wednesday.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture sent a letter to state agencies earlier this month saying that if the government shutdown continues, there will be "insufficient funds" to cover full SNAP benefits for November. It's not clear yet if the USDA might use contingency funds to bridge the gap.

Massachusetts SNAP benefits

Healey said state funding "can't begin to match" what Washington, D.C. sends for food stamps.

"The federal government provides about $240 million a month in SNAP benefits to Massachusetts residents. There's no way that the state can make up for that," the governor said. "Which is why I urge, along with governors everywhere, the president to do the right thing and unfreeze SNAP, feed our families, even during this shutdown."

Healey said she's meeting with her anti-hunger task force to figure out next steps before November.

"We're currently evaluating what we can do. Obviously it's a time to give as much as you can to our food pantries who do a wonderful job," she said.

More than 1 million Massachusetts residents currently receive SNAP benefits. A report this year from the Greater Boston Food Bank found that one in three residents faced food insecurity in 2024, and said the problem could only get worse amid federal funding concerns. 

Nonprofits worried about not having resources

At Road to Responsibility in Norwell, their mission is providing people with disabilities with everything from nutritional meals to residences. But this Thanksgiving, services could come at a great cost.

"This is going to cause great pain to everybody involved in human services, for sure," said Road to Responsibility President and CEO Chris White. 

White estimates losing SNAP could cost Road to Responsibility $40,000 a month. Then there are his 1,300 clients, many of whom live with elderly parents.

"Take away SNAP, what's going to happen to all these people? And what's going to happen to folks in the cities who are already dealing with poverty? It's unconscionable."

White is urging people to make donations to local food banks, with Road to Responsibility hosting a fundraiser. He's also calling for politicians to pay attention.

"Stay on the politicians. Get them to come up with a solution," said White. "There has to be a way through this." 

New Hampshire SNAP benefits

The state of New Hampshire on Thursday announced a contingency plan to help more than 75,000 residents who receive SNAP benefits. The New Hampshire Food Bank will expand to open up to 20 locations in the state, twice a week for the next five weeks. Only SNAP participants will be able to access the additional food pantries.

"I want to thank our partners at the New Hampshire Food Bank for joining us in this effort to ensure vulnerable Granite Staters get the food they need in the event this shutdown continues," Gov. Kelly Ayotte said in a statement. "Now, politicians in Washington must get their act together and reopen the federal government so critical programs like SNAP and WIC can continue without disruption."  

The state is also reaching out to families of schoolchildren to let them know that free and reduced school meals will still be provided, regardless of the shutdown status.