BREAKING: United Way of Massachusetts Bay has just announced a vital $85,000 in rapid response grants aimed at fighting food insecurity in Lynn, Massachusetts. This urgent initiative comes as local organizations report a surge in demand for food assistance amidst recent federal policy changes and the ongoing government shutdown.
In a powerful show of support, the Atrius Health Equity Foundation has contributed $1 million to the United Response Fund, a statewide effort designed to assist households facing food access challenges due to disruptions in SNAP benefits. Lynn Mayor Jared Nicholson joined representatives from both organizations at My Brother’s Table for the announcement, emphasizing the need for immediate action.
“The recent disruption in SNAP benefits forced many Lynn residents to endure a time of uncertainty and fear,” stated Mayor Nicholson. He highlighted the city’s commitment to combating food insecurity through collaboration with local organizations that serve as essential lifelines to families in need.
New data shows that over 28,500 residents in Lynn—approximately 27% of the population—rely on SNAP benefits to meet their basic needs. The recent changes to SNAP, which took effect on November 1, 2023, have raised alarms as families face unprecedented challenges.
“We’re deeply grateful for partners like the Atrius Health Equity Foundation whose generosity is providing immediate relief today,” said Marty Martinez, President and CEO of United Way of Massachusetts Bay. “Families are being forced into impossible choices as they face rising costs and reduced support for food, heat, housing, and health care.”
The United Response Fund, led by United Way in partnership with the Healey-Driscoll Administration, aims to support Massachusetts residents impacted by federal policy decisions. Since the fund’s activation on October 24, United Way has mobilized resources to ensure access to food and assist nonprofit organizations in adapting to increased demand.
Grants from the United Response Fund will be distributed to eight local organizations, including the Boys & Girls Club of Lynn, Building Audacity, Good Hope Inc., LEO Inc., and others, as part of the Lynn Rapid Response Network. Dianne Kuzia Hills, Executive Director at My Brother’s Table, remarked, “When we talk about food insecurity at the scale we currently see in Lynn, it’s easy to forget the real human stories and the panic people feel when they can’t feed their families.”
In addition to the recent allocation, United Way of Massachusetts Bay had previously awarded a total of $30,000 to other local organizations, bringing the total investment in Lynn through the United Response Fund to $115,000.
The grants will enhance local food pantries’ capacity, provide direct financial relief, and ensure culturally appropriate food options are available to diverse communities.
State officials have voiced their support for these efforts. State Senator Brendan Crighton stated, “With significant instability in the federal government, we must fill the gaps and make sure households have the food they need.”
State Representative Jenny Armini echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the urgency of the moment as families are pushed to the brink. “This investment will help Lynn’s frontline organizations keep people fed, warm, and healthy during an incredibly turbulent time,” she said.
As the need for food assistance continues to rise, local leaders urge for continued support and collaboration. “We are thankful for grants such as these that will help ease the burden on families struggling with the rising cost of living,” said State Representative Donald Wong.
With over 1.1 million Massachusetts residents relying on SNAP, including 32% who are children, the stakes are high. The contributions from the United Way and Atrius Health Equity Foundation come at a critical time when communities are facing unprecedented challenges.
Stay tuned as this story develops and efforts to combat food insecurity in Lynn continue to unfold.
