THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, NOVEmbER 7, 2025 Page 11 Everett launches food assistance programs as SNAP benefits halt during shutdown City offers weekly meals, grocery deliveries, holiday help and more to support residents in need Special to The Advocate M ayor Carlo DeMaria recently announced that in response to the ongoing government shutdown and the resulting loss of SNAP benefits, the City of Everett has launched a series of food assistance programs to help residents facing hardship. Working in partnership with local organizations, businesses and community leaders, the City of Everett has mobilized a network of food programs and support options available throughout November and the upcoming holiday season. “We understand how deeply the loss of SNAP benefits impacts our residents, especially families and seniors who depend on them,” said Mayor DeMaria. “Our priority is making sure everyone in Everett has access to healthy meals and essential groceries. I’m grateful to our community partners and City departments for stepping up to make sure no one is left behind.” The following is a list of resources provided by the City that residents can access: Weekly Hot Meals at the Connolly Center: The City is offering grab-and-go meals at the Connolly Center (90 Chelsea St.). Meals are available Mondays at 4:30 p.m. and FriCity of Everett staff and volunteers recently handed out 675 grocery boxes to low-income housing locations in Everett. Morrissey Market put together the boxes and is one of the City’s crucial partners in providing food assistance to residents. Applicants should bring proof of residency, income verification and birth certificates for children under 18. For questions, residents can contact Antoinette Blanchard at Antoinette.Blanchard@ci.everett.ma.us or Dale Palma at Dale.Palma@ci.everett.ma.us. Grocery Box Distribution: City staff and volunteers delivering grocery boxes to residents. Those who cannot travel to days at 3 p.m. Each Monday, Massimino’s will provide pasta meals, and on Fridays, North Shore Community Church and Association for Women in Ministry International (AWMI) will offer protein, starch and vegetable dishes for up to 200 residents. the Connolly Center can arrange alternate pickup or delivery by calling Simone Holyfield at 617-394-2454 or emailing Simone.Holyfield@ci.everett.ma.us. Meals will be distributed on a first-come, firstserved basis. Holiday Assistance ProMorrissey Market partnered with the City of Everett to provide grocery boxes to be delivered to residents. gram: The City has also opened registration for its annual Holiday Assistance Program, which provides curated food boxes for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Families with children can also apply for toy assistance. Registration runs through Nov. 20. Applications are accepted at the Connolly Center (90 Chelsea St.) on Mondays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., on Tuesdays through Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Fridays from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Applications will also be accepted at Everett City Hall (484 Broadway) on Mondays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 2 to 7 p.m. Through partnerships with Morrissey Market and Katsiroubas Bros., the City is distributing grocery boxes twice in November. The first will go to income-eligible residents; the second will serve families who apply through the Holiday Assistance Program. Community Thanksgiving Dinner: Everett’s first responders will host the Community Thanksgiving Dinner (formerly known as the Mass Badge Dinner) on Monday, Nov. 24, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Connolly Center. This cherished Everett tradition will celebrate community, gratitude and the spirit of giving. Enjoy a delicious traditional Thanksgiving meal among friends and neighbors. Help for the Recovery Community: Gift cards are available for Everett residents in recovery who have lost SNAP benefits. Proof of participation, such as an EBT card, is required. For assistance, residents can contact: · Chris Simonelli, Health Department Substance Abuse Services Coordinator, at 617394-2255 or Chris.Simonelli@ ci.everett.ma.us · Paul Guarino, Fire Department Addiction Recovery Resource Specialist (Road to Recovery), at 617-874-0489 or Paul.Guarino@ci.everett.ma.us · Eric Mazzeo, Assistant Director of Youth Substance Use Prevention, at 617-294-0475 or Eric.Mazzeo@ci.everett.ma.us Community Fridge: The Everett Community Fridge, which is located between West Street and Wellington Avenue, is open 24 hours a day and stocked weekly throughout November with produce, canned goods, grains and dairy. The program is funded by the Citizens Foundation Grant. Residents seeking assistance or more information about any of these programs can contact Constituent Services at 617394-2270. For a full list of resources available to residents, including local, statewide and national resources, and how to get involved, please visit cityofeverett.com/food. Scan the QR Code for more information.
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