By Claudia Rufo-For the North Star Reporter
Though the federal government shutdown is over and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program [SNAP] benefits are set to resume, families and local agencies are entering the holiday season with mixed feelings of relief and uncertainty.
More than 7,000 residents in North Attleborough rely on food pantries to support themselves and their families, especially during the holiday season. The town recently implemented a new temporary relief policy for residents affected by the shutdown, allowing federal employees to waive late fees for water, taxes, and electric bills, among others.
The town also encouraged community members to call local assistance programs, such as Lenore’s Food Pantry, for short-term help.
“Over the last two months we, and other local pantries, have seen increased referrals. These are people who have SNAP benefits and would not otherwise need to come to the pantry,” said the town’s Human Services Coordinator, Stephen Berdos.
With the shutdown resolved, SNAP users are beginning to see benefits restored, though not immediately. The state has emphasized the continued availability of unused SNAP balances and the importance of the HIP program, which provides up to $80 per month in fruits and vegetables from local vendors. These resources are expected to help soften the gap for families preparing for the costly holiday season.
Local pantries, including Hebron Food Pantry and the Hockomock Area YMCA Food Access Program, continue to feel the effects as residents wait for their benefits to stabilize fully. The Greater Boston Food Bank is increasing food purchasing and expanding distribution to help partner agencies handle the post-shutdown surge in demand.
“My biggest concern overall is that the government shutdown has effectively punished millions of its most vulnerable residents by withholding access to food,” Berdos said.
While grateful for community support, he emphasized that pantries cannot sustain elevated demand indefinitely.
“Our pantry and other local pantries should not be asked to pick up the slack… Access to food and clean water are human rights and should not be made into political issues,” Berdos said.