Throughout the COVID-19, some Massachusetts households have been getting additional Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits at the beginning of each month to purchase food. Due to federal action, the last COVID-19 SNAP Emergency Allotment payment will be on March 2, 2023. Starting in April, SNAP recipients will get only one (1) normal monthly payment.

It is important to know that SNAP benefits are influenced by multiple factors so SNAP recipients should make sure that information is updated including: medical cost information if over $35 a month for anyone in the SNAP household who is 60 or older or has a disability, housing costs increasing (rent/mortgage), and child or disabled adult care costs. For more information visit mass.gov/ExtraCOVIDSNAP.

With the upcoming end of the COVID-19 SNAP program, potential SNAP decreases with Cost of Living (COLA) increases in Social Security (SSI) allotments, and the increases in current grocery costs, many families may struggle more financially, and knowledge and utilization of additional outside resources may be crucial in helping lessen the burden this may cause.

We wanted to share some the other available resources that may be helpful to families and individuals.

Community Food Resources

· The Healthy Incentives Program (HIP) puts money back on your EBT card when you use SNAP to buy healthy, local fruits and vegetables from HIP farm vendors.

· Project Bread’s Food Source Hotline: 1-800-645-8333

· Greater Boston Food Bank: https://www.gbfb.org/need-food/

· Worcester County Food Bank: https://foodbank.org/find-food/

· The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts: https://foodbankwma.org/get-help/covid19-food-pantry-meal-program-schedule/

· Merrimack Valley Food Bank: https://mvfb.org/member-agencies/

Financial Resources

· 2022 taxes and any COVID stimulus or Child Tax Credit money that is owed can be found by utilizing FindYourFunds.org

· Individuals 65 or older or who are disabled with no or very low income, may be able to get EAEDC through DTAConnect.com

Housing and Utilities Resources

· Rent or mortgage help: Mass.gov/covidhousinghelp or call 2-1-1

· Fuel Assistance: https://www.toapply.org/MassLIHEAP or call 800-632-8175

· Money for the internet or a computer: GetInternet.gov, AccedeAInternet.gov