Bulletin Board

City of Chelsea Announces Food Drive to Support ~10K Residents Impacted by SNAP Disruption

November 2, 2025 by

In response to the potential disruption of SNAP benefits for nearly 10,000 Chelsea residents right before the holiday season, the City of Chelsea will run a month-long “Chelsea Eats Food Drive” at City Hall from November 3 to November 28 to help residents who are at risk of going hungry. The City is asking the community, including residents and businesses, to support their neighbors by donating non-perishable items, such as:

  • Canned Vegetables (beans, corn, chickpeas, etc.)
  • Canned Protein (tuna, chicken, sardines, etc.)
  • Canned Soup and Stews (chicken noodle, beef stew, minestrone, etc.)
  • Canned Fruit
  • Grains and Starches (rice, pasta, oats, etc.)
  • Boxed Milk
  • Tomato Sauce
  • Nut butter (peanut butter, sun butter, etc.)
  • Cereal
  • Granola Bars
  • Apple Sauce

Food donations can be dropped off in the basement of City Hall during business hours. To access the drop off area, enter City Hall from the City’s parking lot from City Hall Ave, proceed downstairs to the basement, and follow signs to the donation bins.

City Hall Business Hours:

  • Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday: 8 a.m.–4 p.m.
  • Tuesday: 8 a.m.–7 p.m.
  • Friday: 8 a.m.–12 p.m.

For those looking to go the extra mile, they can donate complete food kits containing one or more of every item from the provided list.

Approximately 1 in 4 Chelsea residents–including children, elderly, and disabled residents–may not receive SNAP benefits scheduled for November 1 due to the ongoing federal government shutdown.

Chelsea residents whose SNAP benefits may be disrupted can visit www.chelseama.gov/food for a complete list of local food resources and instructions on what to do during this crisis.

Questions about the food drive can be directed to Chelsea 311 (617) 466-4209.

Background

Due to the federal government shutdown, November SNAP benefits for all recipients are at risk of not being sent. If the shutdown extends beyond October 31, SNAP benefits scheduled for November will not be sent, meaning that approximately one million Massachusetts residents will not receive the food benefits they need and were promised.

Clients facing immediate need can access resources through the Project Bread FoodSource Hotline at (800) 645-8333 and local food pantries. DTA offices remain open to provide other services.

State-funded programs, including HIP, TAFDC, and EAEDC will continue operating normally. EBT cards will continue to function in November with any carryover benefits, though no new funds will be added.

You can find more information on mass.gov/SNAPupdates.