LYNN — As community-based organizations across the region continue to report increased demand for food assistance, United Way of Massachusetts Bay announced the Atrius Health Equity Foundation has donated $1 million to the United Response Fund, a statewide emergency effort to support households impacted by federal policy changes and the recent government shutdown. Lynn Mayor Jared Nicholson joined representatives from the Atrius Health Equity Foundation and United Way at My Brother’s Table in Lynn for the announcement.
United Way of Massachusetts Bay announced $85,000 in rapid response grants to eight Lynn-based organizations, providing immediate support to households experiencing food insecurity. Lynn has one of the highest rates of SNAP utilization in the state, with more than 28,500 residents — 27% of the population — relying on SNAP to help meet basic needs.
“The recent disruption in SNAP benefits forced many Lynn residents to endure a time of uncertainty and fear,” said Mayor Jared C. Nicholson. “The City is committed to tackling food insecurity, especially through collaboration and partnerships, working closely with local organizations that serve as a critical lifeline for our families and residents in need. We extend our appreciation to the Healey-Driscoll Administration for their steadfast leadership in addressing this statewide challenge, the Lynn Food Policy Council for the leadership and coordination at the local level, and to the United Way of Massachusetts Bay for committing to the crucial work of equipping these Lynn organizations with the means to meet our community needs.”
The United Response Fund is a statewide effort led by United Way in partnership with the Healey-Driscoll Administration to support Massachusetts residents whose SNAP benefits are being delayed, disrupted, eliminated, or reduced due to federal policy decisions and eligibility changes that went into effect Nov. 1. Since Oct. 24, United Way has been mobilizing resources to bridge gaps in assistance, ensure access to food, and help nonprofit organizations adapt and expand to meet the increased demand.
“Families are being forced into impossible choices as they face rising costs and reduced support for food, heat, housing, and health care,” said Marty Martinez, president and CEO at United Way of Massachusetts Bay. “The need is greater than ever, and we’re deeply grateful for partners like the Atrius Health Equity Foundation whose generosity is providing immediate relief today and helping us ensure families thrive in the future.”
Dr. Ann Hwang, president of Atrius Health Equity Foundation, said, “Access to food is an essential part of good health. When families face disruptions to essential supports like SNAP, the consequences ripple across every aspect of their well-being. The Foundation is committed to advancing health equity, and we are honored to partner with United Way to ensure Massachusetts households have the resources they need during this critical time.”
Grants from the United Response Fund in this round are being awarded to: Boys & Girls Club of Lynn, Building Audacity, Good Hope Inc., LEO Inc., Lynn Community Health, Inc., My Brother’s Table, New American Association of Massachusetts, and Pathways, Inc. for the Lynn Rapid Response Network.
“When we talk about food insecurity at the scale we currently see in Lynn, it’s easy to get lost in numbers and forget the real human stories and the panic and suffering people feel when they’re unable to feed themselves or their families,” said Dianne Kuzia Hills, executive director at My Brother’s Table. “Delaying SNAP benefits for the first time ever exacerbated the worry and stress on our families. What helps them is knowing there are local people and resources who care about them and want to help. This grant money makes it possible!”
Prior to this round of funding, United Way of Massachusetts Bay already awarded a total of $30,000 to three Lynn-based organizations: Centerboard, Greater Lynn Senior Services, Inc., and Lynn Housing and Neighborhood Development (LHAND).
With today’s announcement, United Way’s total investment in Lynn to date through the United Response Fund has reached $115,000.
United Response Fund grants are supporting families through:
- Increased capacity at local food pantries: Supporting organizations to expand inventory, extend operating hours, and open new emergency distribution sites and mobile pop-up pantries and markets
- Direct financial relief: Issuing grocery store gift cards and vouchers ranging from $20 to $600 to help families purchase what they need most
- Culturally appropriate food options: Ensuring food access that reflects the diversity and dignity of local communities
“With significant instability in the federal government, we must fill the gaps and make sure households have the food they need,” said State Sen. Brendan Crighton. “Thank you to the Healey-Driscoll Administration, Mayor Nicholson, United Way of Massachusetts Bay, and the Atrius Health Equity Foundation for partnering with our incredible community organizations to ensure we meet the needs of our residents and continue to combat food insecurity.”
State Rep. Jenny Armini said, “The United Way of Massachusetts Bay and the Atrius Health Equity Foundation are stepping up at a moment when so many families are being pushed to the brink. This investment will help Lynn’s frontline organizations keep people fed, warm, and healthy during an incredibly turbulent time.”
State Rep. Dan Cahill said, “Our local nonprofits and community partners are the backbone of support for families in Lynn and across the region. When demand for food assistance surges, it’s these organizations that step up first. The United Response Fund and the generous contribution from the Atrius Health Equity Foundation will ensure that families have reliable access to the essentials they need. This is what true community solidarity looks like, and I’m grateful to everyone working together to make sure no one goes hungry.”
State Rep. Sean Reid said, “Across our community, residents are being stretched thin, and this relief arrives at exactly the right time. Atrius and the United Way of Massachusetts Bay are showing what real partnership looks like by acting fast, working with trusted community groups, and getting assistance where it will make the biggest difference. We’re grateful for their leadership and their commitment to meeting this moment.”
State Rep. Donald Wong added, “We are thankful for grants such as these that will help ease the burden on families struggling with the rising cost of living.”
More than 1.1 million Massachusetts residents rely on SNAP to afford food — 32% are children, 26% are seniors, and 31% are people with disabilities. There are 21,000 SNAP recipients in Massachusetts who are veterans, meaning almost one in 10 veterans and their families could go hungry. Additionally, over 5,500 farms and grocery stores take SNAP and depend on those revenues.
