SNAP Cuts in Blackstone & Millville: Where to Find Help and How to Support Neighbors
SNAP Benefits in town: How the Shutdown Impacts Local Families
As the federal government shutdown continues, thousands of families across Massachusetts are facing uncertainty about their SNAP benefits—the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program that helps low- and moderate-income households afford groceries each month.
For many in Blackstone and Millville, MA, these benefits are not just numbers on paper—they’re the reason food makes it onto the table.
Statewide SNAP Update: What’s Happening Right Now
According to the Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA), SNAP payments are currently guaranteed through November 2025 thanks to emergency funding. However, if the federal shutdown continues without resolution, future benefit distributions could be delayed.
More than 600,000 Massachusetts households rely on SNAP. These benefits are federally funded, so a prolonged shutdown could slow or halt the money states use to pay recipients. The state has pledged to provide updates as conditions evolve.
What is SNAP and Who Uses It?
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a federally funded program that helps low- and moderate-income individuals and families buy groceries. SNAP benefits are issued monthly via a reloadable electronic card, which works like a debit card at most grocery stores.
SNAP serves a wide variety of people across Massachusetts, including:
- Families with children trying to make ends meet
- Seniors on fixed incomes
- People with disabilities who may have limited work options
- Working adults whose wages alone don’t cover food and basic needs
Most SNAP and local food assistance programs require proof of income to confirm eligibility. This ensures that help reaches residents who may not earn enough to cover groceries—including seniors, veterans, people with disabilities, and low-income families.
Statewide, hundreds of thousands of residents rely on SNAP to afford healthy meals. In small towns like Blackstone and Millville, the program plays a vital role in keeping local families fed—especially during times of economic uncertainty or federal disruptions.
SNAP Impact in Blackstone & Millville
Right here at home, the need is real.
According to the latest data (Caseload as of July 2025) from the Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance:
- Blackstone: 657 active SNAP cases, supporting 1,090 individuals
- Millville: 178 active cases, supporting 353 individuals
That’s over 1,400 people across the two towns who depend on SNAP for their basic grocery needs. In small communities like ours, that’s a significant number of families—neighbors, coworkers, and classmates—feeling the effects of national decisions.
If benefits are delayed, local food pantries will likely see an immediate increase in demand. Fortunately, there are multiple places nearby where residents can find help—or offer it.
If You Need Help: Local Food Resources
Below is a list of trusted local organizations that provide free groceries, meals, and other support. Most services are confidential and open to residents in need.
Blackstone-Millville Food Pantry (Divine Mercy Parish)
48 St. Paul St, Blackstone, MA 01504
Hours: Tue 7–8 pm; Sat 10–11 am
(508) 883-6726 | info@divinemercyparishma.org
Eligibility: Blackstone & Millville residents; bring photo ID + proof of residency.
Donations accepted: Non-expired food, gift cards, checks, cash.
Mobile Food Pantry @ Blackstone Senior Center (Hockomock YMCA)
15 St. Paul St, Blackstone, MA 01504
3rd Monday each month, 10–11 am
(508) 643-5277 | foodaccess@hockymca.org
Who can use it: Blackstone residents age 60+; no registration required.
Front Street Family Center “Marketplace” (CCF)
719 Front St, Unit 107, Woonsocket, RI 02895
Mon 2–6 pm; Tue/Thu 1–4:30 pm; Fri 9:30 am–4:30 pm
Notes: Offers community food assistance and basic needs support.
Community tip: The Buy Nothing Blackstone/Millville/Bellingham, MA Facebook group often shares free food, toiletries, and other essentials. You can also post specific requests.
Using HIP: Healthy Incentives for Fresh Food
If you have SNAP benefits, you can stretch them further with the Healthy Incentives Program (HIP)—a Massachusetts program that gives you extra money back on your EBT card when you buy fresh fruits and vegetables from local farms, farmers markets, and farm stands.
Here’s how it works:
- Spend your SNAP dollars on eligible fruits and vegetables at participating locations.
- You’ll automatically earn $1 back for every $1 spent, up to a monthly limit, right back onto your EBT card.
- You can use HIP year-round at approved vendors.
Monthly HIP benefit limits:
- 1–2 person household: up to $40/month
- 3–5 person household: up to $60/month
- 6+ person household: up to $80/month
HIP is a great way to help families and seniors buy fresh, local produce while keeping food dollars in our local economy. Even if your SNAP benefits are tight, keeping $1 on your EBT card lets you unlock this program and make every dollar go further.
If You Want to Help: Supporting Local Food Security
Small actions make a big difference. Here’s how you can help neighbors affected by potential SNAP benefit delays in Blackstone and Millville, MA:
- Spread the Word: Share this article or a pantry’s contact info on social media—someone reading may need it but not feel comfortable asking.
- Donate: Drop off unexpired food items at the Blackstone-Millville Food Pantry or the collection box at the Blackstone Public Library, which is accepting donations through the end of October.
- Give Financially: Monetary donations, gift cards, and checks also help pantries purchase what’s most needed.
- Volunteer: Contact any of the pantries above to see where an extra pair of hands is needed.
- Join Local Drives: The Scouts’ annual Scouting for Food drive runs late October through early November—all food goes directly to the Blackstone-Millville Food Pantry. Troop 1 Blackstone, Cub Scouts of Pack 3144 and the Girl Scouts of Troop 782 distributed door hangers last October 25 and will pick up on November 1. If you did not receive a door hanger and can’t come to the Blackstone-Millville Food pantry, please send the scouts a message and they will arrange pick up at your house. The Town of Blackstone also launched a local food drive, accepting donations at the Town Hall and the Police Department.
Together, We Can Make Sure No One Goes Hungry
The possible loss or delay of SNAP benefits in Blackstone and Millville reaches beyond budgets—it affects daily life, dignity, and families in our towns. But Blackstone and Millville have always stood together in times of need.
Every donation, every volunteer hour, and every act of kindness counts. When the community comes together, no one has to face hunger alone. Whether you’re giving or receiving, you’re part of what keeps these small towns resilient, caring, and strong.
Updated on October 29, 8:10PM to add HIP information and the Town food drive.
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