2025 So Far

2025 has been a challenging year for food security, both for the communities we serve and for the organizations working to support them.

At The Salem Pantry, we’ve seen an already strained food safety net pushed even further.  State grants that supported food access have been pulled. Programs that once connected local farms to our pantry were eliminated. USDA food deliveries, which supplement what we offer guests, have been delayed or canceled.

Now, with the passage of the federal budget, we’re facing another blow. It’s one more shift in a growing list of changes that are making it harder for people to get the food they need.

SNAP Cuts: Fewer Benefits, More Barriers

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps 1 in 6 Massachusetts residents put food on the table. It’s one of the most effective tools to reduce food insecurity, and crucial funding for this program is being cut. 

The new federal budget includes billions in SNAP reductions over the next decade. It expands work requirements to adults as old as 54, many of whom are already managing caregiving responsibilities, chronic health conditions, or unstable job situations. These changes don’t just reduce benefits. They remove access for some of the most vulnerable members of our community. 

In addition, SNAP-Ed, a program that offered nutrition education to SNAP participants and other low-income individuals, has been cut entirely, setting back efforts to promote healthy eating among those who need it most. 

At The Salem Pantry,  cuts to SNAP have an immediate impact on the number of guests who come through our doors. Households that rely on SNAP will turn to us to fill the gaps more often.

Medicaid Cuts: Even Less Support

This year’s federal budget also includes significant cuts to Medicaid, threatening another layer of essential support for low-income families, older adults, and people living with disabilities.

In Massachusetts, 325,000 residents are at risk of losing their health coverage. Without access to healthcare, managing daily life becomes significantly more difficult. That includes being able to afford and access nutritious food.

According to the new Greater Boston Statewide Food Access Report, 89 percent of food-insecure households in Massachusetts said they struggled to afford at least one other basic need, including healthcare. For many, it is not just about skipping meals. It is about managing chronic illnesses without the resources to do so safely.

The future of Medicaid-funded programs, such as the medically tailored grocery boxes distributed locally by The Salem Pantry, is also uncertain.

As families face these impossible choices between food, medicine, and other basic needs, organizations like The Salem Pantry will continue to play a critical role in helping fill the gaps and supporting overall well-being.

What We’re Doing

At The Salem Pantry, we are responding to rising needs while working to protect and strengthen the systems our community depends on.

We continue to advocate for a food-secure community, ensuring local and state leaders understand how these budget changes are affecting organizations and people on the ground.

We’re actively involved in advocacy at the local, regional, and state levels. Earlier this month, The Salem Pantry played a key role in the Salem Food Policy Council’s community listening session, presented to regional legislators as a featured nonprofit at the Essex County Community Foundation’s inaugural legislative briefing, and saw Executive Director Robyn Burns selected to represent the Northeast Region of Massachusetts in the MAke Hunger History Coalition.

This work is not just about reacting to crises. It is about reshaping how food access is prioritized across public systems and policies. 

What’s Next

We expect demand for our services to continue growing in the months ahead. At the same time, we are navigating significant funding cuts and working to stretch resources as far as possible. Our goal is to remain a steady, reliable presence for our community, and that requires creativity, collaboration, and continued support.

Local efforts matter more than ever. As the national safety net weakens, communities like ours must come together to build a more just and dependable system rooted in dignity and care.If you are looking for a way to make a difference, this is the time. You can support The Salem Pantry by volunteering, donating, or speaking out in support of food access. To learn how you can help, visit our website and get involved today.

If you or someone you know needs assistance, visit thesalempantry.org or call 978-552-3954.