CHICOPEE, MA (WGGB/WSHM) – When many people open the refrigerator or freezer, they expect food to be there. However, for many in western Massachusetts, that’s not the case and local food pantries said Thursday that a prolonged government shutdown could make matters worse.
The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts is concerned about the government shutdown. While they’re currently in a decent spot, it’s the uncertainty that causes alarm about how long they can continue helping residents fill their own shelves.
Andrew Morehouse, executive director of the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, told us approximately 25 percent of their food supply comes from the federal government but, luckily, as of Thursday, they had enough to get them through the next three months. However, in the case of a prolonged government shutdown, there’s a lot of uncertainty, which is causing concern for food pantries everywhere. Morehouse, however, told us they have been bracing for this for quite some time. “We’re reaching out to private food retailers, supermarkets and the like, to be prepared that we’re in a time already of heightened food insecurity, given the high cost of living people are coming to the food banks and meal sites that provide food to 199 strong across all four counties of western Massachusetts,” he explained…