Helping Neighbors: Federal Cuts Contribute To Rising Food Insecurity Across Cape Cod

For years, food insecurity has been steadily increasing across the country. Now, with cuts to federal programs like SNAP, the most vulnerable populations are at an even greater risk of experiencing hunger. 

 “These cuts are the largest in history, reducing or eliminating benefits for seniors, veterans, children, legally-present immigrants, and working families,” said Catherine D’Amato, president and CEO at The Greater Boston Food Bank (GBFB). “This act shifts responsibility of paying for food and health care programs onto individual states — a burden that no state budget will be able to absorb without significant trade-offs to other critical state-funded social needs programs.”

 She went on to say that SNAP helps one in six Massachusetts residents put food on the table. 

 “These cuts will force even more food-insecure individuals to turn to an already overextended and underfunded hunger relief network to close their meal gap,” she said. “GBFB estimates that the charitable food bank and food pantry system in Massachusetts would require approximately $119 million to meet the increased need.”

 This means that local organizations will be feeling the brunt of these rollbacks. But Paul Lonergan, the executive director of the Family Pantry of Cape Cod, said the Harwich-based organization is not in the business of turning anyone away. 

 “We do not turn anybody away that comes for food,” he said. “It is just our mission. When a client comes in, we are going to serve that client.” 

 The Family Pantry does not have any restrictions on clientele. While it is a local organization, town lines, locations and addresses are not criteria used to determine if someone can access the help the organization provides. 

 Aside from food, the Pantry also provides clothing for clients in need. 

 Although it is hard to plan for the uncertainty that today’s ever-changing legislation poses, Lonergan said the Pantry uses a formula to ensure that all clients, from individuals to large families, get the food they need. As of June 26, Lonergan said there are consistently over 800 visits a week. 

 While funding remains uncertain and will likely be less this year with the cuts, Lonergan said the Pantry will have to rely heavily on donations. 

 As vacationers flock to the Cape for the summer months, either renting or staying in their second home, it is important to remember what many year-round residents are facing on a daily basis, he said. While the local economy may flourish during the tourist season, Cape Codders face grocery price hikes and a more limited food selection, along with a generally higher cost of living. 

 There is always a worry that some would-be clients avoid coming to a food pantry for fear that there could be an immigration raid, though no such raids have occurred.

Now more than ever, donations are a necessity for helping our neighbors. 

“Here in Massachusetts, we are fortunate that the state has invested significantly to help those experiencing food insecurity, but our leaders have made it clear that as these federal cuts move forward, the state will not be able to shoulder the financial burden,” said D’Amato. That means individual contributions to community-based pantries will be even more essential when it comes to keeping the shelves stocked.

To contribute to The Chronicle's Summertime Helping Neighbors campaign, click here. You can also mail a tax-deductible contribution to The Family Pantry, 133 Queen Anne Rd., Harwich, MA 02645, or call 508-432-6519 to donate by credit card.