Food supply issues in Mass. after government shutdown: ‘My confidence is shaken’

Food insecurity is on the mind of many across the Massachusetts, after the 43-day government shutdown and its brief pause in SNAP food aid funding

The crisis sent ripple effects throughout the food benefits system and put a strain on supply.

“My confidence is shaken,” said Andrew Morehouse, with the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts.

He said the organization “has had to dip into private funding,” and that about a third of its food comes from the state.

“With the rising need and SNAP disaster, we’ve realized we need to do more,” said Rachel Albert with Food Link.

People in Massachusetts who rely on SNAP food payments will get the payment that had been missed in November amid the government shutdown had the funds released, Gov. Maura Healey said.

Gov. Maura Healey on Monday discussed the “continuing need across” Massachusetts for food.

Previously, the federal government had funded SNAP benefits during government shutdowns, and she said, “I sure hope that, as we go forward, human beings, people, aren’t used as political pawns.”

Political calculations that only add to growing uncertainty.

“During the great recession and pandemic, the federal government had our backs,” said Morehouse, “That was not the case during the government shutdown.”

SNAP benefits have been extended through September 2026 as part of the agreement to reopen the government.