A Statement on SNAP from BAY-CASH

On Sunday morning, I began receiving urgent messages from young people in my network who depend on the SNAP Program (food stamps). They hadn't received their monthly benefits, leaving a critical gap in their planned budgets and raising concerns about when and how they would eat.

The suffering of our most vulnerable should never be a political tool. At BAY-CASH, we firmly believe that everyone has a fundamental right to food, shelter, and safety. We are convinced that when basic needs are met, and individuals have agency and are treated with dignity, both they and our communities will flourish.

This past weekend, monthly SNAP benefits failed to load into the accounts of approximately 1.1 million Massachusetts residents. Averaging $190 dollars per person, this targeted and restricted cash transfer program has always seemed like the least we could do to prevent our neighbors from going hungry. However, for those who rely on food stamps for nourishment, the loss is devastating. All BAY-CASH participants are eligible for the SNAP program, and we are deeply concerned about the impact on their well-being. 

We are lucky to live in a state that takes a stand against hunger. Over the past week, organizations and agencies across the Commonwealth, spanning the ideological spectrum, have collectively declared, “Not On My Watch!” We have seen a surge in new food bank donations, the establishment of state and city resources hubs, and philanthropy-powered efforts to directly fund food resources for non-profits. The community has stepped up. Our own team has responded swiftly, sharing vital information with our participants and developing plans with our implementation partners to assess and address this increased hardship.

This crisis also highlights the very purpose for which BAY-CASH was designed. Guaranteed Income programs offer unparalleled flexibility, allowing participants to spend money precisely where and when it is needed most. At a time when the pillars of our social safety net are under threat, this tool is priceless. If every vulnerable young person in the state had access to a program like BAY-CASH, they could immediately meet their immediate needs, buying crucial time to work with their Peer Navigator, Program Mentor, and trusted community allies to make up for the deficit. We are dedicated, alongside all of you, to making this a reality.

Thank you for your ongoing support of BAY-CASH. We also appreciate your rapid response to this crisis through food bank donations and other vital community actions. Together, we are building a future we can all be proud of.

Sincerely,
Matt

Founder and Chair

BAY-CASH

For rapid resources, see the November 2025 SNAP Updates page from the State’s Department of Transitional Assistance. For Boston-based resources, see the City’s SNAP Benefits Alert for November 2025 page.