HOLYOKE — With the federal government shutdown entering its second month, Mayor Joshua Garcia and city officials are pulling together resources so that the 9,600 households and 16,000 residents who receive food stamps don’t go hungry.
Garcia told residents last week to prioritize paying their rents and mortgages and that the city will be on the forefront of bolstering services to help in other areas including food.
“It’s clear that the federal government is simply abandoning us,” said Garcia. “What this means is that social needs are going to be pushed down to the local level, our level.”
City officials assured the public that veterans, students, the elderly, and those with lower incomes will not be abandoned at the local level, while also proposing ways to donate food and money to help during the government shutdown.
As part of local response, “No 1 Hungry Holyoke” is bringing together nonprofits and organizations to pool food together and collaborate to get discounts on bulk amounts of food.
A major next step will be trying to convince the City Council to adopt “Ezekiel’s Plan,” an emergency fund with the aim of using interest on investments to build a $1 million cushion, Garcia said. The plan is named after a newborn baby who was shot in the city due to gun violence. It initially did not pass after the motion was proposed two years ago, but the mayor hopes this time there will be more urgency.
Additionally, the Valley Opportunity Council has $10 million in rollover money from the state that will be used for a handful of emergency purposes, including heating assistance, but only for those low on fuel, to assist federal workers who are without paychecks, and to fund temporary warming shelters.
Board of Health member Tim Rivers said the city is launching a 10-week food drive with donations being accepted at local fire and police stations and other municipal buildings. On Tuesday, election day, there will also be boxes for people to drop of non-perishable food items.
Superintendent Anthony Soto said that Holyoke’s schools distribute 3,500 breakfasts and lunches a day, and that the city is, “ready to support any family, student in need.”
He also said 300 students participate in the schools’ backpack program, which involves filling a backpack with easy to prepare meals every Friday.
Veterans Service Director Laddy Rua said veterans will continue to be served, and Community Development Director Alicia Zoller said that seniors can still access free lunches at the senior center, a once per month bag program for people over 60.
If people are interested in making monetary donations, Treasurer Rory Casey recommends giving to the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts.