NSP Action Alert: SNAP updates + Disappeared In America Vigil Tomorrow

This afternoon, two US District Court judges ordered the Trump Administration to draw upon the USDA contingency fund to disperse (at least partially) November's SNAP benefits. For details, see Chris Geidner's analysis on Law Dork:

Trump admin ordered to distribute SNAP benefits, using contingency fund

A pair of rulings both found the effort to suspend SNAP payments is likely illegal, with one judge issuing a TRO on Friday. Also: Appeals court rejects court’s Bovino check-in order.

Law DorkChris Geidner

The Trump Administration will likely appeal these decisions. Even if the administration agrees to disburse November's SNAP funds, these payments will be delayed by at least 1-2 weeks.

The unthinkable will happen tomorrow: SNAP benefits will be delayed. This will do unprecedented damage. And is a completely preventable manmade crisis.  — Spencer Masterson, Make Hunger History

Today's court decisions also permit the Trump Administration to fund the SNAP program partially instead of for the full amount. This is going to cause immense harm to our local communities: 1 in 5 Salem residents and 1 in 4 Lynn residents rely on SNAP for food. 

The Make Hunger History Coalition is continuing to urge Massachusetts leaders to deploy more resources to address this crisis. In a letter sent this afternoon to state legislators, Coalition members explained how dire the current situation is, even compared to 2020 at the height of the COVID pandemic:

We are already seeing the impact of this crisis. Project Bread’s FoodSource Hotline has seen a 4x increase in volume compared to other busy times. Food Bank of Western Massachusetts saw a 70% increase in their mobile distribution sites this week. A partner pantry of The Greater Boston Food Bank distributed food to more clients in one day this past week than during an entire week in late March of 2020. Individuals and families who rely on SNAP to put food on their table are rightfully terrified of what this delay in SNAP will mean for their families.

Actions To Take

1. Keep up the pressure. The Make Hunger History Coalition asks that we keep contacting state leaders to urge them to release state funds to help our struggling neighbors facing delayed SNAP payments. Here are email templates you can use:

• Letter to State Representative
• Letter to State Senator
• Letter to Governor Healey

(These were written prior to the court decisions this afternoon, but are still relevant, especially if the Trump Administration refuses to comply with the decisions.)

2. Support local food aid organizations. We have compiled a list of local food pantries, community meal programs, mutual aid groups, and food recovery organizations for you to support through donations and volunteer work. Please share this list widely.

Food Pantries & Mutual Aid Groups to Support

Food pantries, community meal programs, mutual aid groups, and food recovery organizations urgently need your support. We have compiled a list of local groups with volunteer and donation links.

North Shore ProgressivesNSP Staff Writer

Pet Food Pantries

We updated our local food aid list today to include local pet food pantries. No one should have to surrender a beloved companion animal because of not being able to afford pet food. Pet food pantries keep animals in loving homes and out of shelters.

We have leads on a few additional local pet pantries and hope to expand this section soon. The list on the MSPCA website is unfortunately out of date based on calls we made today.

Disappeared in America Vigil Tomorrow

Instead of holding their usual standout, Beverly activists have planned a candlelight vigil in honor of Disappeared In America Day. The vigil will run from 11 am-noon at Odell Veterans Park. From organizers: "This will be a peaceful, family-friendly event featuring community speakers, moments of reflection, and opportunities to take action. Please bring candles, signs, flags and your commitment to stand with those whose rights and dignity are under threat." For details, see:

Disappeared In America - Freedom Vigil · Disappeared in America

Join us for a Freedom Vigil as we stand in solidarity with immigrant families and demand an end to the detention and deportation of nonviolent, law-abiding community members. Across the country, people are gathering outside ICE facilities, local jails, courthouses, and other centers of power to shine a light on the erosion of due process and the rise of authoritarian overreach. Together, we affirm that justice, compassion, and the rule of law must apply to everyone—regardless of immigration status. This moment matters because the government’s attacks on immigrants are not only tearing families apart—they are setting dangerous precedents that threaten the constitutional rights of all Americans. When due process is denied to one group, the foundation of democracy itself is weakened. By coming together in public, peaceful resistance, we send a clear message: our communities believe in fairness, dignity, and accountability. This will be a peaceful, family-friendly event featuring community speakers, moments of reflection, and opportunities to take action. Please bring candles, signs, flags and your commitment to stand with those whose rights and dignity are under threat.

Mobilize

Community Events Calendar

Did you know that update the Community Events calendar daily? It has listings for in-person and virtual meetings, volunteer opportunities, trainings, lectures, protests and other events. Be sure to check it regularly.

Community Events

Please contact event organizers directly with any questions or concerns about any of the events listed below. North Shore Progressives is committed to principles of nonviolence and will only include peaceful protests in the listings below. Organizers: To submit an event to be included in our calendar or to let

North Shore ProgressivesNSP Staff Writer