Action Center

As the government shutdown continues, SNAP benefits across the country may be delayed in November.

Here is what you need to know:

• You will not lose unspent SNAP benefits – your previously deposited benefits will be available to use throughout the month of November.
• As of Nov. 1, benefits for the month will be listed on EBT cards as “pending.” Pending balances cannot be used to purchase food. For the useable balance on your EBT card, call the number listed on the back of your card.
• SNAP enrollment remains open. The State’s Department of Transitional Assistance and the SNAP Enrollment team at Merrimack Valley Food Bank (MVFB) are continuing to help people apply for benefits. If you are approved, benefits are paid retroactively from the date of your application. Click here to fill out a form to have a member of MVFB’s SNAP Enrollment team reach out to you.
• When the government reopens and benefits are restored, there will likely be a delay of several days before benefits are available on EBT Cards.

Here are some local resources you may find helpful:

Merrimack Valley Food Bank

To find a food pantry near you, use MVFB’s food finding map or view the food pantry schedule.

For those who are able, please consider donating to the MVFB. Information can be found here.

Project Bread

Call or text the Project Bread FoodSource Hotline at 800-645-8333 if you or a neighbor is in need of food assistance.

Project Bread can assist callers in 180 languages and can help you find local food pantries and hot meal programs.

If you are in a position to help, please consider donating time, food or money to your local food pantries and programs, and/or support Project Bread’s mission.

Chelmsford Food Pantry

Pantry hours at 50 Rear Billerica Road:

Wednesdays: 5 to 8 p.m.

Thursdays: 2 to 4 p.m.

Fridays: 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Food Drop Offs:

Thursdays: 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.; 6:30 to 7:45 p.m.

Food donation boxes are also located at Market Basket and Stop and Shop on Chelmsford Street, Chelmsford, and at the Chelmsford Public Library.

Free Emergency Home Delivery

If you live in Chelmsford, the Chelmsford Food Pantry can deliver free to you. Email office@chelmsfordfoodpantry.org and they will do everything they can to help.

Table of Plenty in Chelmsford

All ages, from children to seniors, are welcome to Table of Plenty’s weekly meal— no questions asked, ever.

Meals are served every Tuesday from 5 to 6 p.m. at the Chelmsford Senior Center, 75 Groton Road (Route 40), North Chelmsford.

CPS Social Workers

If you are a family with students in the Chelmsford Public Schools and need additional assistance, please reach out to your school social workers.