Letter To Patch: SNAP Crisis Isn't Over, Our Neighbors Still Us

The following is a Letter to Patch submitted by Beverly Bootstraps:

BEVERLY, MA — Last fall, during the federal government shutdown, uncertainty surrounding Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits left millions of families worried about putting food on the table.

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At Beverly Bootstraps, we saw the impact firsthand. Visits to our Food Pantry increased by 25% as neighbors stocked up on food and prepared for the possibility of losing a vital part of their grocery budget.

As demand grew, we faced difficult conversations about potentially limiting how much food clients could take home. Such restrictions go against our commitment to client choice and dignity. Then, something incredible happened: our community stepped up.

Together, we met the needs of our community. We distributed an additional 250,000 pounds of food compared with the previous year, and everyone who came through our doors was able to get what they needed.

But the crisis hasn't ended. Federal policy changes have contributed to nearly 200,000 Massachusetts residents, including nearly 70,000 children, losing SNAP benefits over the past year. Meanwhile, rising grocery costs continue to strain household budgets.

Beverly Bootstraps now serves more than 600 families through our Food Pantry each week. Families who once relied on our programs to supplement their grocery shopping are increasingly depending on us for much of their food. Clients who visited once or twice a month are now coming weekly.

Meeting this growing need is stretching our resources to the limit. The cost of purchasing food to supplement donations continues to rise, as do the expenses of operating our trucks to collect donated food.

Last year's response showed us what a community can accomplish when it comes together. But food insecurity is not a one-time emergency, and neither is the need for support. Access to nutritious food is essential for children to learn, adults to work, and families to thrive.

We are grateful to everyone who has supported our mission through food and financial donations, volunteering, and community food drives.

Our neighbors still need us, and together we can continue showing up for one another. Please consider making a donation at give.beverlybootstraps.org.