Massachusetts state officials warned that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits are scheduled to stop next week unless the White House releases federal contingency funds, and they announced a new fundraising effort to help food banks meet the increased demand.

The governor said that "President Trump has chosen to stop all SNAP benefits to Americans starting next week," and described the decision as avoidable if the administration releases billions of dollars from a contingency fund. The governor added that about 1,000,000 people in Massachusetts — 32 percent of them children, 31 percent people with disabilities and 26 percent seniors — would lose benefits next week. The governor said the state receives about $240,000,000 a month in SNAP benefits for its residents and that no state budget can replace those federal funds.

Why it matters: SNAP is a primary source of food assistance for low-income households and a key revenue stream for grocery stores and farms, officials said. State leaders warned the suspension will increase demand on food banks and pantries and could force grocery employers to cut hours or jobs if consumer spending drops.

State action and philanthropy: Officials and nonprofit leaders said the state cannot backfill federal benefits and urged the federal government to act. In the meantime, United Way chapters across the commonwealth announced the United Response Fund, a pooled effort to raise and quickly distribute money to local organizations. Marty Martinez, president and CEO of United Way of MassBay, said the fund will allow organizations to apply for rapid emergency support and that United Ways across the state will "mobilize" to get money to where it is needed.

Project Bread, which runs a statewide food access hotline, urged residents to seek help and to press federal leaders to use the SNAP contingency fund to continue benefits. Erin McAlear, president and CEO of Project Bread, called the planned suspension "an act of cruelty" and urged people to "raise your voice" and demand action.

Voices from affected households: A speaker introduced as Soraya, who identified herself as a grandparent raising grandchildren, said losing SNAP even for a month would be "devastating" and described the program as "not just a line in a budget. It's a lifeline for families like mine." Officials displayed the hotline and resource information: Project Bread's food source hotline and United Way's information page (unitedwaymassbay.org/united-response) were offered as immediate resources.

Officials' requests and limitations: The governor and other officials repeatedly asked the White House to authorize the use of contingency funds that, they said, are available. They also said the state will coordinate with food banks and pantries and encourage charitable giving, but that no state can fully replace federal SNAP dollars. Treasurer Deb Goldberg emphasized the health and economic consequences of interrupted food assistance, calling food "medicine" and warning of long-term harms to children and families.

Next steps: United Way said it will begin raising money immediately and distribute grants to organizations that demonstrate capacity to deliver food where it is needed. State officials said they will continue to coordinate with food banks, pantries and nonprofit partners and will press federal leaders in Washington to restore benefit flows.

Ending: Officials urged residents who can to donate to the United Response Fund, contact local food banks to learn specific needs, or use Project Bread's hotline for help navigating food resources.