SNAP remains under threat

Policy & Food Justice Newsletter

On supporting neighbors *and* the local food system beyond the shutdown

The government may be back open, but SNAP remains under threat

The recent shutdown revealed the central importance of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program in putting food on the table for a striking number of individuals & families. SNAP serves more than 40 million people across the country each month, and supports additional programs that benefit both farmers and food shoppers (read on to learn more about HIP). The suspension of benefits, at the start of November, arrived at a moment when SNAP, already insufficient at addressing hunger in the U.S., is under threat from sweeping cuts, with more on the horizon. This administration’s Department of Agriculture has announced more barriers to SNAP enrollment in the months ahead, with additional work requirements in December and more frequent re-enrollments proposed for January.

The end of the shutdown does not signal the end of the battle to save public food benefits; it serves, rather, as a call to action. More than ever, this moment reveals the interconnected nature of our fights: to protect food stamps and farmland, to secure farm workers’ rights and living wages for food workers, and to keep local stores in business.

If you’re looking for help with your SNAP benefits, contact the Food Bank of Western MA’s SNAP line at 413-992-6204 or fill out a referral form here

The world we want to live in, the one we want the next generations to inherit, is worth fighting for, and some of the steps you can take, however small, remain impactful.

We think Abby Ferla of Foxtrot Farm (pictured above) says it best:

As a local farmer, I want to share my approach to the current moment and ask you to consider supporting community funds at the places that you and your neighbors with SNAP benefits shop. Many food banks and supporting organizations have access to funds that your local bodega or favorite farm store might not. Local food economies are nimble, flexible, and resilient, but they are not infallible, and large parts of the local food economy are built on accepting federal food benefits. Small groceries, CSA’s, market farms and coops are scaled to meet current demand, and the local food system runs on very tight margins.

For the greatest impact: contribute directly to community funds at farms and stores that feature local food

I’m personally proud to support the fund at local treasure The Atlas Store who not only has the best food in town but also supports *so* many farms like ours by stocking the shelves with local products. I don’t do enough in-person sales to accept SNAP, but you can buy our products with SNAP because of our local grocery partners. Stores like this are the linchpins of our local food system. Grow Food Northampton also has a community fund for SNAP users at their farmers’ markets- this money supports farmers and eaters alike. My friends at Just Roots are also raising money so that CSA members who pay with SNAP will continue to receive their shares. I’m so heartened by each of these efforts to keep our community fed.

If you don’t live locally (or even if you do), I encourage you to think about the businesses and farmers’ markets that you value the most. Reach out and ask if there are ways that you can contribute directly to feeding people.

Mutual aid doesn’t have to be big to be impactful – just a few $ every time you’re shopping: we can feed our neighbors *and* we can support the infrastructure that keeps the local food system alive!

Abby is the owner and manager of Foxtrot Farm in Ashfield, MA, a certified-organic, eight-acre farm that grows climate-resilient foods and botanical herbs using no-till methods.

Hear more from Abby Ferla of Foxtrot farm in person on February 28 at the NOFA/Mass Winter Conference, as co-facilitator, with Ang Roell of They Keep Bees of a roundtable with farmers and land stewards on the impacts of climate change in our region.

Food for All! At the Franklin Community Co-op

The Franklin Community Co-op’s Food for All discount program provides a discount on all purchases (excluding alcohol) for one year at Green Fields and McCusker’s Markets to anyone receiving benefits such as SNAP, WIC, SSI, fuel assistance, and Section 8. Participation can be renewed annually.

Questions about whether you qualify? Reach out to the Co-op at communications@franklincommunity.coop

Image above from the Franklin Community Co-op

Support Local Food Access + Everything you Need for Soup Weather!

During the shutdown, Just Roots (in Greenfield MA) stepped up to cover the cost of SNAP for their Community Supported Ag (CSA) farm shares, to support the families in our community who would not be able to afford a share without SNAP (& HIP) benefits.

Now that SNAP is back, support Just Roots, and your neighbors with food assistance benefits, (and your future self!) by signing up for the Just Roots Three Season CSA.

The Healthy Incentives Program (HIP) is a MA-based fruit and vegetable food access feature available to all SNAP participants: no sign up, enrollment or extra steps to participate.

Use HIP to fund your produce purchase at any participating farm store, grocer, or farmers’ market: HIP applies to fresh, canned, dried, and frozen fruit and vegetables, and can even be used to buy seeds and plant seedlings.

More details about the program

Find HIP vendors near you!

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