What Will November SNAP Changes Mean For Burlington Families?

Changes to how low-income families receive support are coming in the next week. How can families be prepared, and how can community members support those whose benefits may be impacted?

Impacts of the federal budget bill passed by Congress in June have already been impacting Americans, and the bill's changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, also known as food stamps or EBT) are set to go into effect in November. These changes impact families' eligibility and work requirements to participate in the program and, according to the mass.gov website, will impact recipients on a rolling basis as their annual recertification is completed.

On top of that, the current government shutdown is set to have its own impacts; the federal administration "has told all states that, if a federal funding deal is not reached before November 1, the federal government may not pay SNAP benefits for the month of November." If this comes to pass, says the state, it is unable to supplement the program with state funding. This shortfall would leave more than a million SNAP recipients across the state without benefits in November.

Burlington's food pantry, operated by People Helping People, said earlier this year that they're serving more than 600 clients each month, nearly a third more than at the same time in 2024. Hundreds in Burlington rely on SNAP benefits to purchase enough food to feed their families, and a lapse in these benefits will surely put a greater strain on the local nonprofit.

The best way to support families right here in Burlington is to make a donation to People Helping People (scroll down to see their current needs). There will also be a drive-thru food drive on November 22 at the United Church of Christ, Congregational, at 6 Lexington St. to collect Thanksgiving foods and nonperishables.

Burlington families who need additional support or have questions can reference the support list on the PHP website.