MATTAPOISETT — The Old Rochester Regional School District and Massachusetts Superintendency Union #55 wish to remind families that support is available for anyone experiencing food insecurity or uncertainty related to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits and the ongoing federal government shutdown.
Recent concerns about continued access to benefits have increased anxiety for some local families. The Old Rochester Regional School District and Superintendency Union #55 encourage families to take advantage of local programs and school resources that provide nutritious meals and food assistance.
All students in the Old Rochester Regional School District, as well as in Marion, Mattapoisett, and Rochester’s elementary schools, have access to free breakfast and lunch each school day through the state’s Universal School Meals Program. These meals help ensure that all students are well-nourished and ready to learn.
Families seeking additional support can connect with both local food pantries and regional programs that provide groceries, meals and nutritional assistance. The following is a list of resources available in the Tri-Town area:
Local Food Pantry Information
United Way of Greater New Bedford Hunger Commission – A list of local food pantries throughout the SouthCoast is maintained by the Hunger Commission on its web page, www.unitedwayofgnb.org/hunger-commission. The Hunger Commission also encourages community members to call 2-1-1 for help obtaining food assistance.
Damien’s Place Food Pantry (serving the Tri-Town area) – Located at 242 Marion Road in Wareham, this food pantry is open Thursday and Saturday, 7:30 to 11 a.m. For more information, call 508-295-3486 or visit www.damiensfoodpantry.org.
PACE Community Food Center – Located at 477 Park St. in New Bedford, this food pantry operates Monday through Wednesday, as well as on Friday, from 10 a.m. through 2 p.m., along with Thursday from 2 to 7 p.m. For more information, call 508-999-9920.
Shane Gives Thanks – Located at 128 Main St. in Carver, this small food pantry operates on Tuesday and Thursday, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., along with Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Friday, from 8 to 11 a.m. For more information, call 508-866-7673 or go online to www.shanegivesthanks.com/contact.
Salvation Army – Located at 52 Long Pond Road in Plymouth, this food pantry operates on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, from 10 a.m. through 1 p.m., along with Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4 to 5:30 p.m. For more information, call 508-746-1559.
Shephard’s Pantry – Located at the Long Plain United Methodist Church at 1215 Main St. in Acushnet, this food pantry operates on Saturday from 9 to 11 a.m. For more information, call 508-763-9289.
Statewide and Regional Resources
Project Bread’s FoodSource Hotline
Call or text 1-800-645-8333
The hotline is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.–7 p.m., and Saturdays, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Project Bread staff can connect families to nearby food pantries, school meal programs, and SNAP application support.
The Greater Boston Food Bank
Visit www.gbfb.org/need-food and hit the “Request Help With Snap” button to fill out an application for assistance, or use the to search for local food assistance by ZIP code to use the food bank’s Agency Partner Locator.
Healthy Incentives Program (HIP)
SNAP recipients who keep at least one dollar on their EBT card can continue to use the Healthy Incentives Program, which provides extra funds to buy fresh produce at participating farms and farmers markets, including those in nearby Wareham, Fairhaven, and New Bedford. Learn more at http://mass.gov/hip.
Coastal Foodshed Mobile Market
Offers locally grown produce and groceries at accessible prices in the South Coast region. Schedules and locations are available at www.coastalfoodshed.org.
How to Help
Local organizations and volunteers continue to collaborate to support their neighbors in need. Community members are encouraged to support local food drives and pantry collections. Area pantries note an ongoing need for monetary donations, grocery gift cards, shelf-stable items, meal staples, and hygiene products.
To donate or to learn more how to help, go online to visit:
- Damien’s Place Food Pantry at www.damiensfoodpantry.org
- Project Bread at www.projectbread.org
- The Greater Boston Food Bank at www.gbfb.org
Superintendent’s Message to Community
Superintendent Michael S. Nelson encouraged all SNAP clients and anyone else who is experiencing food insecurity to avail themselves of these resources.
“As a district, we understand that times of uncertainty can place added stress on families,” Superintendent Nelson said. “We want our community to know that they are not alone. Help is available, and our schools and local partners are here to provide support. Ensuring that every child has consistent access to healthy meals is a priority we share across Marion, Mattapoisett, and Rochester. I encourage anyone who may need assistance to reach out and take advantage of all of the resources that are available to them.”
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