Holyoke families who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for food assistance may find their benefits no longer available on November 1 unless the federal shutdown is resolved or other solutions are put in place. Approximately one million residents of Massachusetts receive about $240 million a month in SNAP benefits—and of those recipients, about one third are children.
“While there is still reason to hope that this matter will be resolved, the Holyoke community offers a number of resources to provide meals and other support for families who are facing food insecurity or food instability for any reason at any time of the year,” said Interim Superintendent, Anthony Soto. Detailed information about such programs can be found on the district website, including information about Kate’s Kitchen and Margaret’s Pantry run by Providence Ministries, among others.
Additional resources include:
The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts’ Holyoke Food Programs and Mobile Food Pantry with pickup locations for fresh and packaged food in Holyoke and other nearby communities
Full Cart (Note: There is currently a wait list)
HPS families can also seek assistance from their school's Family and Community Engagement members. And, as a reminder, all HPS students are eligible for free breakfasts and lunches at school when school is in session.
“There are no eligibility requirements. There is no need to sign up, and there are no forms to fill out. Every student can eat breakfast and lunch at school every day,” explained Sodexo District Manager Ashley Plante, who heads up the district’s Food Service department.
All HPS cafeteria menus can be found on the Nutrislice website, a digital platform that provides a seamless experience so families and students can view daily, weekly and monthly menus. Each school's cafeteria menus can also be found below:
IF YOU CAN HELP:
Consider donating to or volunteering your time at a local, regional, or statewide agency that provides meals and other assistance for people in need. HPS is supporting a food drive sponsored by Invertir Holyoke that begins on October 30 and runs through the winter. Community members who wish to participate are encouraged to drop off non-perishable packaged foods at the district’s Enrollment Office at 57 Suffolk Street, as well as Donahue, E.N. White, and Kelly schools, and other locations throughout the city.