A message from the Superintendent

We recognize that the recent changes to federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funding will impact many of our families. In keeping with our efforts to support those in need, we wanted to share additional resources with you that may be of assistance.

There are several local and statewide resources available to help households access food, health insurance and energy assistance during this time. Families may also contact Mass 2-1-1 at any time to be connected with food, housing and health resources in the community.

Our district is committed to supporting all families. Please do not hesitate to reach out to your school if you need additional assistance connecting with resources.

• SNAP Benefit Alerts - learn more and stay up to date
• Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) FAQ: Federal Shutdown and SNAP
• Department of Public Health (DPH) Women, Infants & Children Nutrition Program (WIC) Alerts
• MA Healthy Incentives Program (HIP) & find HIP Vendors
• Mass 211 is a resource available 24/7 that connects callers to information about government benefits and critical health and human services available in their community. To learn more and get connected, click here.
• For up-to-date shutdown information on health care, immigration, housing, and more, see MassLegalServices.org/Shutdown

• In response to the SNAP Freeze, the Healey administration has set up Mass.gov/SNAPFreeze
• It is a new Resource Hub with information on how families facing hunger can get help and ways for people and businesses to offer help.
• It is alongside the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ Food Bank Finder.
• Project Bread’s FoodSource Hotline: 1-800-645-8333
• If you are facing immediate hunger, you can call or text this hotline to receive information regarding food resources in your area or talk with a Project Bread Counselor.
• The Hotline includes 180 languages and is available Monday – Friday, 8 AM to 7 PM and Saturday 10 AM to 2 PM
• United Way’s United Response Fund
• To support local community-based organizations provide critical services and meet the needs of their communities; deploy emergency financial assistance to individuals and families; and make organizations resilient to funding cuts over the long-term
• Feeding America’s Local Food Bank Locator
• Foodpantries.org’s list of Massachusetts food pantries
• FreeFood.org’s list of Massachusetts food pantries
• Homeless Shelter Directory's list of food banks and soup kitchens
• Catholic Charities Boston: https://www.ccab.org/

Regional Food Resources

• South Shore Food Bank: https://www.southshorefoodbank.org/

Massachusetts Health Connector

• Health Insurance Enrollment Page
• Updates on changes to health insurance enrollment due to new federal policies
• Find your local healthcare enrollment navigator

Health Care For All’s free hotline to help constituents navigate enrolling in health insurance: 800-727-4232

MassOptions

• Resources built to connect residents to health insurance, aging, and disability services

Massachusetts Health Policy Commission

• Resources for public and private health insurance recipients, health care providers, and elder services

Are your health insurance premiums significantly increasing in 2026? Share your story with Senator Markey's office by clicking here.

• The Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities extended the statewide moratorium on utility shut-offs for low-income residents’ gas and electric services, which began October 27, 2025 and goes until April 1, 2026. To receive this protection, you must provide verification of financial hardship to your utility company. Visit the Massachusetts Councils on Aging for more information. If your gas or electricity services are turned off, please reach out to Senator Markey's office for assistance.

• Beginning November 1, Local Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) agencies will have limited funding for heating emergencies only during the shutdown, as utility bill assistance will be frozen. You can still apply for the season to receive assistance once government funding resumes.

• Salvation Army Utility & Rent Assistance: https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/utility-rent-assistance/

• National Energy & Utility Affordability Coalition (NEUAC) Massachusetts Energy Resources