Government Shutdown threatens social safety nets for millions of US citizens
DTA “is waiting on federal rule before making changes. Your benefits stay the same today.” Mass.gov, October 22, 9:57 am
Worcester, MA. — [October 22] — The ongoing federal government shutdown threatens access to social safety nets for millions of US citizens. The Massachusetts Department of Health and Human Services announced Tuesday that it will not receive November’s funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), amidst the federal government shutdown reported by WCVB, threatening access to food for already vulnerable Massachusetts residents.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which administers SNAP, has informed all states that they will not receive federal funding in November. States are warning residents that SNAP benefits may be delayed, reduced, or temporarily suspended if the shutdown continues.
Don’t Panic
It is unclear if this will affect Worcester residents. Despite the advisory, the DTA website Mass.gov still reflects the message from July 10, 2025, that the state is monitoring the situation and DTA “is waiting on federal rule before making changes. [Your] benefits stay the same today.” The best practice for Worcester residents is to regularly check benefits and updates and pay attention to the SNAP balance when shopping.
Local food banks and community organizations are preparing for increased demand, stocking food banks and calling for donations, as families seek alternative sources of support. Many are calling for emergency funding measures to ensure that no one goes hungry during the shutdown. Worcester residents can find local food banks and resources through Project Bread.
The shutdown’s potential impact extends beyond SNAP, affecting or threatening other essential nutrition programs such as the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program and school meal services, as well as other federal programs and services such as: healthcare, housing assistance, social security, access to updated NIH health and human services information, and more..
About SNAP
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides monthly benefits to eligible low-income individuals and families to help purchase food. It is the largest federal nutrition assistance program in the United States, serving over 40 million people nationwide.
Media Contact:
Betsey Taft Kennedy
Writer
What’s Up Worcester
betsey@whatsupworcester.com
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