Wellesley is taking steps to help those in our community who may be affected by the freeze in SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits due to the ongoing federal government shutdown.
More than 1 million people in Massachusetts and more than 700 in Wellesley, count on SNAP benefits, formerly food stamps, to help with food insecurity. These are our neighbors and fellow residents. For up-to-date information about the SNAP situation, visit the State website.
Need Help?
There are many resources available in Wellesley including Health Department programs, the Wellesley Food Pantry, and support services in surrounding communities that are available to anyone in our community - families, students, senior citizens, individuals with disabilities - needing assistance. Explore the Help for Our Community webpage on the Town website for complete information.
Want to Help?
In Wellesley, you will always find people helping and there are many opportunities to offer support.
Monetary Donations. If you would like to donate to help neighbors in need, the Town has established a new Community Social Services Gift Fund. This fund supports the Town of Wellesley's social services and the work of its social workers.
Donations to the fund provide vital assistance to individuals and families facing challenges, helping to build a stronger, more caring community for everyone. You may donate any amount to this fund by using the Apply Online button on the Select Board Office Donation Page.
You'll be taken to the Town Permits and Licensing page and asked to create an account. This is for reference only. Once you create an account and go to the next page, you will be able to complete your donation information.
Gift Card Donations. Gift cards in small amounts ($25 suggested) to local grocery stores (Roche Bros., Market Basket, Shaw's/Star Market, Trader Joe's) and local restaurants can help individuals struggling with food insecurity.
If you would like to donate gift cards for our community, you may deliver them to the Wellesley Police Department (485 Washington Street) and drop them in the secure collection box.
Charles River Regional Chamber (CCRC) Gift Card Program. The Charles River Regional Chamber, which includes many Wellesley restaurants as members, is running a gift card drive.
More than 20 chamber-member restaurants will donate a portion of gift card sales from now through November 26 to Spoonfuls, a Newton nonprofit that rescues fresh, healthy food and delivers it to local pantries and other community programs.
Wellesley social workers are available to assist with food and other support services. Please contact:
- Maura Renzella, Youth Commission, 781-727-1821, mrenzella@wellesleyma.gov
- Wanda Alvarez, Wellesley Health Department, 781-489-4358, walvarez@wellesleyma.gov
- Joyce Saret, Wellesley Health Department, 781-489-4354, jsaret@wellesleyma.gov
- Kate Burnham, Wellesley Council on Aging, 781-235-3960, kburnham@wellesleyma.gov
Community Foundation for MetroWest. The Community Foundation for MetroWest has compiled a list of additional resources for MetroWest Boston that are listed on the Community Foundation for MetroWest website.
Updates on SNAP status and local assistance will be posted on the Town of Wellesley website. Please check back frequently!