Attention TRJHS Families-SNAP Benefits

Dear Child Nutrition Program Sponsors,

As of today, the federal government will not to be using contingency funds to pay for November SNAP benefits. Therefore, effective Saturday, November 1, over 1 million residents, including 277,000 school aged children in 168,000 households, will not receive their SNAP benefits. Seemingly, SNAP benefits will not continue to be paid until the federal government shutdown is over.

You can support these families by ensuring your community knows of the availability of free nutritious lunch and breakfast at your schools every school day. You can also remind your families of what is being served each day and that these meals will continue to be made available. DESE has received USDA funding for at least October reimbursements for both the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and the Child Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) therefore claims will continue to be paid through at least November.

Lastly, you can support your families by promoting Project Bread's FoodSource Hotline, https://projectbread.org/foodsource-hotline, FoodSource hotline counselors, in 180 languages, can help families find food assistance through other sources such as the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program and local food pantries. The link includes social media graphics and printable flyers you can promote through your communication channels.

Thank you,

Office for Food and Nutrition Programs