Dear Chamber Members,

As the federal government shutdown continues, Massachusetts residents are facing an escalating crisis. If the shutdown extends past October 31, 2025, SNAP benefits (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) will discontinue, cutting off a vital lifeline for thousands of families across our region.

SNAP brings millions of dollars in federal funding each month to help residents afford groceries. The state budget cannot absorb even one month of this loss, meaning many households could soon struggle to put food on the table.

At the Springfield Regional Chamber, we believe in showing up for one another. When one of us is in need, our entire community feels it, and our members always rise to the occasion with compassion and care. Many of our nonprofit members are already on the front lines, working tirelessly to support families during this challenging time and meet the growing need for food, volunteers, and resources.

Now, they need our help. If you’re able, please consider how your business can support our fellow members and the families they serve.

• The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts Inc. - The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts relies on community support to ensure that everyone in our region has access to nutritious food without barriers or stigma. You can help by donating online or by mail, joining the 16th Annual March for the Food Bank as a marcher or sponsor, or volunteering at our Chicopee facility to assist with food sorting and repacking. Community members can also sign up for advocacy alerts to stay informed and amplify their voices in the fight to end hunger. To get involved, visit www.foodbankwma.org.
  
  
• Rachel’s Table of Western MA - Rachel’s Table of Western MA is supporting several food drives from businesses, schools, and individuals. We can help with delivery to one or more of our 65 agencies serving the food insecure and who are reaching out for help. They are also accepting nonperishable food items in our Springfield JCC location. Monetary donations are greatly appreciated and can be made by visiting this link.  These donations will be used to purchase and distribute food throughout Hampden, Hampshire, and Franklin Counties, and will supply increased farm-fresh produce from our gleaning program.
  
  
• Springfield Rescue Mission - The Springfield Rescue Mission provides meals, clothing, and essential supplies to individuals and families experiencing hardship across our region. Community support is vital to meeting the growing need. Monetary donations can be made online here. They are currently seeking food items such as eggs, butter, milk, proteins like beef and sausage, and vegetables (fresh, frozen, or canned). For Thanksgiving, high-demand items include cranberry sauce, stuffing mix, cornstarch, and poultry seasoning. The Mission also welcomes donations of gloves, scarves, hats, ponchos, and hand warmers to help keep our neighbors warm through the colder months. The team is happy to coordinate pickup for donated items.
  
  
• Gardening the Community – Gardening the Community is planning to purchase eggs, milk and butter to give to SNAP customers who have even a penny balance on their EBT card which will enable them to use their full HIP benefit at the farm store which is the only fixed location in the greater Springfield/Holyoke area where SNAP recipients can use their benefit year round. For residents who have exhausted all of their SNAP benefits GTC will provide $25 worth of produce as well as the milk and eggs. GTC may need volunteers to help with logistics at our farm site and farm store in Springfield to assist with produce packing and distribution. Monetary donations are most appreciated and can be made by visiting www.gardeningthecommunity.org. These donations will be used to purchase and distribute food throughout western MA.
  
  
• United Way of Pioneer Valley - United Way of Pioneer Valley is stepping up to meet the surge in food insecurity caused by the potential loss of SNAP benefits. The organization operates two community pantries in Springfield and Holyoke, serving hundreds of individuals each week, and supports more than 27 partner agencies through its network of micro-pantries. Community support is crucial to sustaining these efforts. You can help by making a monetary donation to maintain access to food, volunteering at one of United Way’s service pantries, or coordinating a food drive with your team. To get involved or arrange a donation drop-off, please call 413-693-0201 or visit www.uwpv.org.

Every act of kindness matters. Whether it’s contributing to a food drive, making a donation, or volunteering your time, your support will bring comfort and hope to neighbors who need it most. Together, we can help make sure no one in our region goes hungry.

Thank you for standing with our community during this critical time.

Warm regards,
Diana Szynal
President/CEO
Springfield Regional Chamber