With SNAP uncertainty, Cambridge steps in with $500,000 plan to support students and families facing food insecurity
The City of Cambridge and the Cambridge Community Foundation have launched a $500,000 food access initiative to protect residents who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. The support arrives during a period of federal instability, as the Trump administration initially halted the extension of SNAP funds during the government shutdown, according to reporting by The Harvard Crimson. A federal judge has since ordered the release of emergency contingency reserves to maintain SNAP benefits nationwide. However, Cambridge officials said the local program will move forward regardless, because the need within the city has grown significantly over the past year and will not be resolved solely through federal assistance. Geeta Pradhan, President of the Cambridge Community Foundation, said the crisis did not suddenly begin with the shutdown. She explained that increasing food prices, job disruptions and the rising cost of living have been pushing many households into difficult decisions for months.
How the $500,000 relief effort will work
The plan includes three major areas of investment that aim to support both emergency food providers and families who rely on school meals:
More food for local pantries: $200,000
This portion will be allocated across eight community nonprofits that form the Food Pantry Network. Funding aims to increase food availability and keep up with growing footfall at pantry locations.
Transport and logistics: $50,000
Food For Free, a regional nonprofit, will use this support to distribute food efficiently and reach residents who face barriers accessing pantry services.
Direct help for SNAP-eligible families: $250,000
Half of the entire fund will be used to distribute grocery store gift cards to residents identified through Cambridge Public Schools, the Cambridge Economic Opportunity Committee, the Cambridge Housing Authority and the Council on Aging. Beginning November 7, each SNAP-eligible student in Cambridge will receive a $50 grocery gift card to help fill gaps left when school is not in session. The Cambridge Public Schools system is also making changes to include more fresh produce and protein options in its cafeteria meals.
Student needs at the forefront
Demand for food assistance has accelerated sharply through 2024 and 2025. Community service organizations say working families, single parents and international households have increasingly turned to food pantries as living costs climb. According to figures cited by The Harvard Crimson, the Cambridge Economic Opportunity Committee’s pantry has jumped from serving about 150 visitors to nearly 300 each week. Fear around how long federal programs will last has intensified pressure on residents who already live close to the margin. Pradhan noted that this rise in need is what prompted the Cambridge Community Foundation to reactivate its Urgent Needs Fund. The fund proved crucial during the pandemic and is now being used once again to support children, older adults and people with disabilities who are struggling to afford nutritious food. Christina Turner, the Foundation’s Vice President of Programs and Grantmaking, said changes in SNAP eligibility beginning this month could leave some current beneficiaries without access to support. She emphasized that local partnerships must continue because the city’s challenges extend beyond the current political dispute in Washington.
