Chicopee Mayor John Vieau said the city is “saddened” by the current circumstances and “grateful” to the community organizations providing support.
Reminder Publishing file photo
CHICOPEE — With many Chicopee residents set to face challenges due to the temporary loss of SNAP benefits starting Nov. 1, the city and local partners are preparing to help those in need.
The population in Chicopee that receives SNAP benefits is 29.6%.
The city shared updated information on local food pantries and soup kitchens to support residents impacted by these cuts.
City Hall will be hosting a food drive on Nov. 6. They are accepting non-perishable donations in the parking lot from 1-4 p.m. for local food pantries.
In the event of inclement weather, the collection will be moved indoors to the first floor.
Below is a list of soup kitchens and food pantries in the city of Chicopee.
First Congregational Church of Chicopee located at 306 Chicopee St. You can reach them at 413-592-0396. They are open on the first and third Sundays from 2-3:30 p.m.
Lorraine’s Soup Kitchen and Pantry located at 170 Pendexter Ave. Readers can call them at 413-592-9528. Meals are served Monday through Friday from 4-6 p.m. The food pantry is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Food Bank of Western Massachusetts Mobile Pantry is at 50 Broadway St. Readers can contact them at 413-419-0079. They are open the second and fourth Mondays each month from 10-11 a.m. No verification required; readers are advised to bring an empty shopping bag.
First Central Bible Church located at 50 Broadway St. Those looking for support can call 413-592-5353. They are open the first, third and fourth Tuesdays from 9-11 a.m. and the second Tuesday from 6-8 p.m. People are limited to one visit per month. They are closed on snow days and voting days.
First Congregational Church of Chicopee, located at 306 Chicopee St., is open Sundays from 5-6:30 p.m. Readers can call 413-592-0396.
House of Refuge International, Inc. at 292 New Ludlow Road. They are open on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month from 2-4:30 p.m. You can call 413-437-8600.
La Iglesia De Dios Incorporada, located at 200 Exchange St, is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to noon and 1-5 p.m. They can be reached at 413-314-9067.
Mission Center New Jerusalem, 625 Front St., is open Thursdays from 5:30-7 p.m. Their number is 413-534-8103.
Our Father’s House, located at 938 Chicopee St. They are open on the fourth Saturday of each month from 9-10:30 a.m. They can be reached at 413-437-8071.
The city of Chicopee – mayor’s office Facebook page has also posted multiple resources as they understand that many families may be facing new challenges due to changes in available resources and supports.
Multiple businesses and organizations within Chicopee are also hosting food drives throughout the month. Those can be found on the mayor’s Facebook page or Lorraine’s Soup Kitchen & Pantry page.
The city of Chicopee wants to remind residents that there are several community food programs and local pantries ready to help.
The Chicopee School Department remains dedicated to feeding every student, every day. All students in Chicopee, regardless of income status, receive free breakfast and lunch throughout the school year, no paperwork or income verification required. Meals will continue to be served as usual.
For those with SNAP benefits, if you have at least a penny on your card, you can still use your HIP benefits next month, according to the city.
Lorraine’s Soup Kitchen & Pantry Executive Director Kim Caisse said the people that benefit from SNAP should continue to use their SNAP if they have monies left on their cards. They may not receive their November benefits but they can use what was already given to them.
Also, those who receive SNAP are automatically eligible for HIP if they have money on their SNAP card. it’s usually $40, $60, or $80 depending on how much they qualify for.
In a statement to Reminder Publishing about the SNAP benefits, Mayor John Vieau said, “We are profoundly saddened by the current circumstances that affect millions of Americans, including those in our Chicopee community. During these challenging times, we express our gratitude to the food pantries and soup kitchens that are working tirelessly to ensure that our community is nourished. In times of hardship, it is moments like this that truly highlight the strength and greatness of our community and city.”
