The Leicester Regional Public Health Coalition would like to provide the following information to the public regarding regional food assistance programs available to the public.

SNAP Benefit updates considering the federal government shutdown:

Beginning November 1, 2025, program participants will not receive their November SNAP benefit allotments. Existing SNAP balances will remain available, but no new funds will be issued until the federal government reopens.

Recipients may continue using any remaining benefits on their EBT cards, which will function normally at participating retailers. It is recommended that recipients keep at least $0.01 on their cards to ensure access to their November Healthy Incentives Program (HIP) benefits.

HIP monthly benefit amounts:

$40 for households of 1–2 persons
$60 for households of 3–5 persons
$80 for households of 6 or more persons

WIC and School Meal programs are not affected by the shutdown at this time.

SNAP recipients will not need to reapply when the government reopens; all DTA administrative functions continue as usual.
A canned food drive will be held at the Belchertown Town Hall on November 15, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

FOOD PANTIES IN THE AREA
Barre

Barre Congregational Church
Address: 30 Park Street, Barre, MA 01005
Open Hours:

• 2nd Wednesday of the month from 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
• 3rd Thursday of the month from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.

For emergency assistance or other questions

call Chuck @ 978.355.6463
or David @ 978.852.1696 or Sonja @ 978.355.6921

Brookfield

Brookfield Ecumenical Food Pantry

Address: 8 Common St, Brookfield, MA 01506
Provides food for Brookfield and East Brookfield residents and takes financial and food donations.
Open Hours: Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9:30 – 11:00 am
Phone: 508-867-3891

Leicester

Saint Joseph’s Church

Address: 759 Main Street, Leicester, MA, 01524
Open Hours: Tuesdays -5 pm to 7 pm
Phone: 508-859-8083

Greenville Baptist Church

Address: 674 Pleasant Street, Rochdale, MA, 01542
Open hours: Every Monday, 12 pm -2pm
Phone: 508-892-3100

Hardwich

Address: 18 Barre Rd, Gilbertville, MA 01031
Open Hours: 1st and 3rd Friday: 9:30 – 11:00 am*
*During July and August, the first Friday only
Phone: 508-868-6811

Holden

Wachusett Food Pantry
Address: 50 Worcester Road Sterling, MA 01564
Open Hours: Third Saturday of the month from 9:00 – 11:00 am
Email: wfp@wachusettfoodpantry.org
Phone: 978-563-1064
Joseph’s Project
Phone: 774-345-9775
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JosephsProject

North Brookfield

St Joseph’s Food Pantry
Address: 296 N Main St, North Brookfield, MA 01535
Open Hours: Wednesday from 8:30 -10 am* **
*Registration is required
**Pantry is closed if school is closed).
Phone: 508-867-6469

Oakham

Oakham Congregational Church
Address: 4 Coldbrook Rd, Unit 12 Oakham, MA 01068
Open Hours: Tuesdays & Wednesdays: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Barre Congregational Church
Address: 30 Park St, Barre, MA 01005
Open Hours:

• 2nd Wednesday of the month from 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
• 3rd Thursday of the month from 5:30 – 7:00

New Braintree

Address: Town Common
Open Hours*:

• Thursdays at 5:30 – 7:00 pm
• Fridays at 9:30 – 11:00 am

*If the schools are closed because of bad weather, the pantry will also be closed.

Phone: General (413)477-6635
Liz – (508)868-6811
Barbara – (413)477-0258
John – (774)200-6018
Sharon Hardaker for rides – (413)477-6197 ext. 122