For My Birthday, Help Families Put Food on the Table

For my birthday on Wednesday, November 5, I’m inviting you to join me in supporting families across Massachusetts who are at risk of losing access to food.

If the federal government shutdown continues, funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) — which helps more than 655,000 Massachusetts households buy groceries — will stop on November 1. That means over one million people in our state could struggle to afford food by the end of the week.

Governor Maura Healey shared that the Commonwealth receives $240 million in federal funds every month to keep SNAP going, but there’s no way for the state to replace that money if the shutdown drags on. She urged those who can to donate to local food banks and to United Way’s United Response Fund, which is designed to respond rapidly when families are most in need.

Why United Way

In moments like this, United Way of Massachusetts Bay mobilizes quickly — bringing together partners, resources, and community leaders to meet urgent needs at scale. Through its United Response Fund, United Way provides immediate relief and urgently needed stability to families, frontline organizations, and entire communities.

Double Your Impact

To mark my birthday, I will personally match every dollar donated by the end of the day on November 5. Your gift will help ensure families in Massachusetts have access to food and essential resources when they need them most.

As we head into the holiday season, I also urge you to consider donating to your local food pantry — or volunteering your time — to help ensure that no family in your community goes hungry.

Together, we can make sure our neighbors are nourished, supported, and not forgotten during this time of uncertainty.