Boston businesses, farmers markets mobilize as SNAP set to end

Why it matters: More than 1.1 million Massachusetts residents will lose a lifeline as the federal government delays issuing benefits under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program next month amid the shutdown.

• One-third of them are children.

Between the lines: Gov. Maura Healey said Massachusetts can't cover the nearly $240 million the feds send the state each month in SNAP benefits.

• Food security advocates, however, say Healey should pull from the rainy day fund to cover the gap if the U.S. Department of Agriculture won't use existing funds to keep SNAP afloat.
• While that fight unfolds on Beacon Hill, food pantries, farmers markets and residents across Boston are mobilizing to help their neighbors.

Threat level: Organizations from Community Servings to the Urban Food Institute to ABCD Boston have offered a lifeline for residents navigating crisis after crisis, from the COVID-19 pandemic to egg-flation and other inflation spikes.

• But these organizations can't meet the groundswell of demand expected if SNAP benefits are delayed indefinitely, says Sharon Scott-Chandler, president and CEO of ABCD Boston.
• ABCD, which runs five food pantries in Boston, plans to gather donations of food and money if SNAP funds are delayed. Food pantries in Roslindale and Quincy are also fundraising.

Yes, but: The panic has prompted businesses to step up while nonprofits and other organizations raise funds to stay afloat.

What they're saying: "I cannot fathom a world where SNAP benefits are not being received," said Alexis Cervasio, who owns EBO & Co. Grocery in East Boston.

• "SNAP benefits helped me for several years when my son was young and my single income was simply not enough. I am disgusted."
• Cervasio is channeling that disgust into action: She launched a food drive Wednesday for nonperishable items at her gourmet grocery shop, donating $250 worth of groceries herself.

• Anyone passing by can pick up the donated items, "no questions asked."

🍞 The Allendale Farm in Chestnut Hill is hosting a free farmers market in Jamaica Plain for SNAP recipients losing benefits next month.

• The farm is offering produce and bread starting next Thursday, 11am-1pm, at the Loring Greenough House.

🍽️ Ritcey East in Watertown is offering free meals to SNAP recipients.

• The restaurant also launched a community food drive this week, offering a coupon for free fried pickles to anyone who donates.

🦞 Summer Shack in Cambridge is collecting nonperishable food items and asking diners to add a donation to their bills between now and Nov. 30.

• Those donations will support the Cambridge Community Center Food Pantry.

🍕 American Flatbread is offering a free small pizza at its Brighton and Worcester locations for anyone who shows a SNAP card starting Saturday.