WORCESTER—Worcester officials held an emergency briefing Thursday to warn that continued federal funding disruptions could interrupt food and heating aid for thousands of residents. City leaders said a lapse in federal support threatens benefits such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
The city announced a $250,000 contribution to the United Way of Central Massachusetts’ United Response Fund, part of a $1 million community effort to assist households affected by the shutdown. The total includes contributions from the Worcester County Food Bank, the Worcester Railers Hockey Club, the Esler Family Foundation, and other private donors.
“As a municipality, we will continue to come to the table and do everything we can to keep our most vulnerable residents fed and warm this winter,” City Manager Eric D. Batista said. “One in four people in Worcester are losing their access to healthy food and are at risk of going hungry or cold. So, we are doing what Worcester does best in a crisis: coming together and finding a way forward.”
Of the city’s $250,000 allocation, $150,000 is set aside for Worcester Public Schools families in the form of $100 grocery store gift cards, with WPS to manage the distribution process. The remaining $100,000 will go to the Worcester Community Action Council (WCAC) to support fuel assistance.
In Worcester County, about 80,000 people rely on SNAP benefits, with 54,500 recipients living in Worcester — roughly a quarter of the city’s population, according to officials.
Mayor Joseph M. Petty said the local relief effort reflects the city’s ability to pull together during hardship. “Worcester is the heart of the commonwealth — while Washington turns its back, we will open our hearts,” he said.
Congressman James P. McGovern condemned the federal cuts, calling them “the largest cut to food assistance in American history.” He praised Worcester’s response as an example of community action in the face of “cruel” policy decisions.
“No child should go hungry due to a federal shutdown,” Superintendent of Worcester Public Schools Brian Allen said.
Residents who rely on SNAP described immediate strain. Kayla B., a mother of four, said her family’s benefits usually last about a week and a half each month. “We are asking the administration to please allow food stamps to come through this month,” she said. “A lot of families depend on it, including mine.”
Another resident from Abby’s House said she simply hopes to ensure others don’t go hungry. “The average price of a meal is about $10,” she said. “I just want to be sure that someone who needs food has it.”
Officials encouraged residents to use local assistance channels and to consider donating to relief efforts. They said city departments and partner nonprofits are coordinating to identify and reach households most at risk while urging state and federal officials to restore funding.
“The truth of the matter is, the support being announced today will only go so far,” Petty said, adding that the city will continue to seek donations and partnerships.
Resources and how to get help:
• United Way of Central Massachusetts – United Response Fund
• FoodHelpWorcester.org – Local food access resources
• Worcester Community Action Council – home energy assistance
• Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance – SNAP updates
• City of Worcester 311 and local assistance resources
If you need immediate help, contact your local service providers, who can direct you to food-pantry locations, emergency heating assistance and application support.
This article was produced for and in partnership with The Worcester Guardian, where Jenna Foley is a fall 2025 editorial intern.
