The Greater Boston Food Bank COVID-19 Response

“When you leave a situation, sometimes very quickly, you need resources fast,” explains a 30-year-old mother of two—and the survivor of domestic violence. Having fled home with her children for a shelter, she reflects on what was her new reality—a version defined in part by no job, no car, and no permanent home. “It was difficult for a long time,” she says simply.

“This place has honestly saved my life… and it’s given me the resources and nutritious foods needed to survive.”

And then she brightens. “But this place has given those to me,” she says, describing the assistance she has received from the Needham Community Council. “Leaving the shelter, I’ve been able to survive with my children, thanks to the food pantry,” she adds. “Full bellies are happy bellies.” It’s not just the fresh produce, milk, eggs, and bread that drew her to the pantry once a month for the last two years. Grocery Gift Cards, the backpack program that provides school supplies, household goods and personal hygiene products are also welcome. “It’s nice to have dish soap…toilet paper…and that’s made a huge difference for us, not having to worry about basic necessities.” Appreciated too, is the judgement-free zone in which the pantry operates. “They don’t judge whether you’re just leaving a domestic violence situation, whether you’re homeless, whether you’re just getting on your feet,” she explains. “There were times when it was very scary but knowing that I had food and other necessities—that is the greatest blessing. This place has honestly saved my life… and it’s given me the resources and nutritious foods needed to survive. I want people to know that I’m doing well now, and that the food pantry has been a huge help for me.” “So, I am grateful to every single person who has ever donated. We need help and it’s amazing that we can come here to get it.”

The Needham Community Council runs several programs designed to help Needham residents in need, including a food pantry that provides residents with fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, dairy and shelf stable products.

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• Link to article

“Really this drop of benefits is coming at a time that is just going to be really hard for people,” says Catherine Lynn of The Greater Boston Food Bank.

That’s because right now the costs of food, gas, and energy are through the roof. Now add a $95 drop in SNAP money after the pandemic hunger relief program comes to an end. Catherine Lynn of The Greater Boston Food Bank worries about the timing of the SNAP cuts when donations at the food bank are already down.

“You’ve got inflation where the dollar is not going as far so people aren’t donating as much as we saw at the height of the pandemic, so donations are slowing,” says Lynn.

But the need for food is growing. Lynn says The Greater Food Bank has been serving more than double the amount of people pre-pandemic-a number that could increase as fewer dollars hits people’s EBT cards.

“We’re a little worried, we are going to do everything that we can to meet the need and we just need people to continue to stay with us and support our mission and support the people that are really in need,” says Lynn.

According to the Center on Budget and Policy, a little more than one million people used SNAP benefits in Massachusetts in 2022-that’s 15% of the state’s population.  For a single household receiving $281 in SNAP benefits that amount will now decrease to $186 according to mass.gov

“If you are in need of help, we are here to help. If you are in a position to help others, please do that please donate to The Greater Boston Food Bank.”

The Greater Boston Food Bank says it hopes that the governor’s proposed supplemental bill will provide some relief.

Links:

• GBFB preparing to feed more mouths after drop in SNAP benefits