Worcester Food Policy Council

04/13/2026

Calling Worcester County Food pantries and service providers - we need your input!

Survey on Food Access Challenges

We are conducting a survey to better understand the pressures food pantries and food-access organizations are currently facing, and to identify capacity gaps and resource needs based on the past year. We would greatly appreciate your participation. This survey will close on April 24th, so we ask that you please complete it as soon as possible.

Your responses will help us better document current challenges, inform our advocacy efforts, and guide our ongoing work to support food access across Worcester. The survey will only take a few minutes to complete.

Here is the survey link
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfj77HrRcNmAHOwGJUuDc2OwhImZaJyoNPG3R6IzrwwkAJPOQ/viewform

04/03/2026

You're invited to join the Center on Food Equity, Coalition for a Healthy Greater Worcester, and Worcester County Food Bank for a DTA Appreciation Event.
April 7, 2026 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM (Appreciation)
9:00 AM - 9:40 AM (Press Conference)
DTA Office 20 Southwest Cutoff, Worcester Questions? Contact us at: [email protected]

In January, approximately 94% of unique callers were unable to reach a DTA worker for assistance. Importantly, this is not a compliance issue—it is a capacity issue. Frontline DTA workers are operating well beyond sustainable limits, making it difficult for eligible residents to maintain access to vital nutrition benefits.

This event is being held in response to growing access challenges within the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA), where many individuals who depend on SNAP are unable to access or receive their benefits on time due to limited capacity. It is also an opportunity to recognize and appreciate DTA staff, who continue to serve residents while working under significant staffing and resource constraints.

This moment presents an important opportunity to: -- Lift up the dedication of DTA staff
-- Highlight the real-world consequences of understaffing and access barriers
-- Reinforce the need for sustained state investment in DTA capacity so eligible households do not fall through the cracks

Join us – all are welcome!

You’ll hear from:
Local community partners
Sen. Moore, Rep. Keefe, and other elected officials
A community member sharing what it means when DTA is out of reach due to long wait times and system barriers

02/19/2026

Join Food Research & Action Center for this important and inspiring webinar next Wednesday at 3pm Eastern.

At the same time that the federal government rolls out devastating cuts to SNAP, states are stepping up as powerful engines for change. Across the country, state leaders are advancing bold policies that protect and expand children’s access to the nutritious meals they need to learn, grow, and thrive. From strengthening School Breakfast and Lunch Programs to reimagining Summer Nutrition access, strategic state action can help counter the harmful impacts of the budget reconciliation law (H.R. 1) and ensure no child is left behind. Join the Food Research & Action Center (FRAC) and a dynamic panel of state anti-hunger advocates for an invigorating conversation about what’s possible when states lead. You’ll hear real-world examples of successful legislation, insights into the evolving policy landscape, and a forward-looking discussion on the future of child nutrition programs nationwide.

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_UMGl-yu2S-SDWspPh_mUZw

01/26/2026

Please share widely! Details are in the comments on the original post at https://www.facebook.com/share/p/14TtiUkFXjc/

Sharing from Keeping Worcester Warm - Please share with your networks!!

🚨 URGENT 🚨 REQUEST 🚨

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR ALL SHIFTS ESPECIALLY OVERNIGHT OR THEY WILL BE FORCED TO CLOSE !!!!

Volunteers needed for all shifts today through the night city of Worcester will pick up
Volunteers must sign up on sign up genius for shifts they can contact Danielle Cutillo or Kerri Maureen St. John's Food for the Poor Program Worcester

THEY CAN ARRANGE TRANSPORTATION !!!!

https://m.signupgenius.com/?fbclid=IwQ0xDSwPkV8BleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEeaFjnCGFasDpi2zQuz6eufygB9890S6jriX1ee7Xf2CoY04QLbph8nVT3pqY_aem_W4_OYMl83KX5SEz_5RQgEA #!/showSignUp/10C044EA4AD2BA2FEC43-61851587-emergency

01/15/2026

SNAP doesn’t just feed people. It strengthens local economies. When families can buy groceries, farmers, grocers, and small businesses all benefit. Tell Congress to today. Visit https://secure.everyaction.com/Wf7TjlCO3kue_AtCMhE6qQ2

01/15/2026

It takes just a minute to contact your Members of Congress to through the FRAC Action Network. Urge them to repeal harmful SNAP cost shifts to states in H.R. 1 asthey work on a fiscal year 2026 appropriations package. Take action: https://secure.everyaction.com/Wf7TjlCO3kue_AtCMhE6qQ2

12/04/2025

Did you know that socks are the most requested non-food item at food pantries?

Most food pantries and homeless shelters happily accept donations of new socks in all sizes and colors, especially in cold weather. Make a difference today.
Center on Food Equity Keeping Worcester Warm Worcester County Food Bank .marykeefe Coalition for a Healthy Greater Worcester

11/08/2025

11/07/2025

11/06/2025

FRAC is thrilled that the Trump administration has been ordered by a federal judge to fully fund November SNAP benefits. Read our full statement here: https://frac.org/news/federaljudgefullyfundnovembersnapbenefitsnov2025

11/03/2025

Follow the DTA and our Center on Food Equity page on updates as we have them.

“The Trump administration’s announcement that it will comply with the Court’s order and begin using contingency funds to partially pay November SNAP benefits as the government shutdown continues is an important step, but comes many days late and billions of dollars short,” said Crystal FitzSimons, president, Food Research & Action Center. “There is no excuse that justifies the administration delaying the release of benefits and then choosing not to utilize every resource available to provide full benefits to the 42 million people who rely on SNAP to put food on the table. The decision to provide only partial benefits forces state agencies to scramble under unclear guidance, which will further delay benefits. It also means that families are missing out on much needed nutrition support. Enough time has already been lost - the funds must be released immediately to avert further harm, chaos and confusion.”