SNAP Suspended

As the government shutdown continues, SNAP benefits are being affected across the United States.

Here is what you need to know:

• As of November 1st, new benefits for the month will be listed on EBT cards as “pending.” Pending balances cannot be used to purchase food. For the usable balance on your EBT card, call the number listed on the back of your card.
  
• Any funds already loaded on your EBT card, from past months, will remain available to spend in November, even if the shutdown continues.
• If possible, please leave at least one cent on your EBT card to keep accessing your Healthy Incentives Program (HIP) benefits, so you can get produce from local farm stands and farmers markets. HIP benefits are not affected by the government shutdown.
• SNAP enrollment remains open. The DTA and the Mill City Grows Food Is Medicine Team are continuing to help people apply for benefits. Once you are enrolled, your benefits will begin when general benefits are restored. If you live in Lowell, please call Mill City Grows at 978-455-2620, or email James Tierney at James[at]millcitygrows[dot]org.
• When the government reopens and benefits are restored, there will likely be a delay of several days before benefits are available on EBT Cards.
• This impacts everyone who receives SNAP, and is not related to other changes made to benefits in the July Reconciliation Bill.
• WIC, cash benefits, and school meals are still operating as normal.

Here is how Mill City Grows is supporting our neighbors:

Mill City Grows is available as a resource for fresh fruit and vegetables as well as information on your SNAP/HIP benefit. If you live in Lowell and need access to fresh produce, please call our office at 978-455-2620 or email James Tierney at James[at]millcitygrows[dot]org. Our Indoor Mobile Farmers Markets are operating and take many forms of payment. No one will be turned away due to lack of funds.

Here’s how you can help: