SNAP

Massachusetts is bracing for a number of federal programs to stop abruptly once the ongoing government shutdown stretches into November.

Capital Region food pantries are bracing for increased demand as the United States Department of Agriculture plans to put federal food assistance benefits on hold.

For decades, a regional food bank in Massachusetts has been working to fight hunger, providing millions of pounds of food annually throughout western Mass. With demand not letting up and federal cuts already being stomached, leaders at the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts say cuts elsewhere have them bracing for impact.

Advocates have been outraged that Governor Phil Scott will allow data on the state’s food stamp program to be shared with the federal government. But Governor Scott counters the state is legally obligated to provide the information.

Thousands of families across Massachusetts have been making the most of an annual, federally-funded summer food program. Advocates say “Summer Eats” helps bridge a gap for households while school’s out. The same officials have a wary eye on recent federal cuts targeting other food initiatives.

With steep cuts to federal food assistance signed into law, state leaders in Massachusetts are looking to get ahead of the worst possible outcomes while pinning down how to address hunger in the Commonwealth.

(Airs 05/16/25 @ 10 p.m.) The Legislative Gazette is a weekly program about New York State Government and politics. On this week’s Gazette: Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer calls on New Yorkers and all Americans to protect the federal food program SNAP, we’ll track federal funding cuts impacting rural, Northern NY, and State lawmakers are taking a fresh look at food regulations.

Healthcare workers from across the Capital Region gathered Saturday to voice concern over the Trump administration’s healthcare policies and proposed funding cuts.

Officials in Springfield, Massachusetts are asking the Healey administration to give local restaurants another chance to take part in a pilot program involving food stamps.

A listening session on the upcoming Farm Bill was held recently in Binghamton.