United Way of Pioneer Valley Lays Out Direct Responses to SNAP Delay
SPRINGFIELD — As Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits begin to evaporate, United Way of Pioneer Valley (UWPV) is poised to fill the gap. For families and individuals needing emergency food, United Way of Pioneer Valley has two community pantries available, serving Springfield and Holyoke.
Additionally, more than 27 United Way partner agencies are also providing access to food through UWPV micro-pantries. Nonprofits that need additional food resources to supplement programming to food-insecure clientele can contact UWPV to arrange for a delivery and/or pickup.
The UWPV Springfield Cupboard, located at 1441 Main St., Suite 137, Springfield, served more than 618 individuals on Tuesday — a 30% increase from any other Tuesday service.
“This demand is unprecedented, but we are ready,” said Megan Moynihan, CEO of UWPV. “We have been preparing for this moment for years, moving our United Way more toward a direct service model so we could more fully realize our mission to connect community resources to community needs. Our priority is to be of service to families and individuals through our region, but also to support and enhance the capacity of our region’s nonprofit network of service.”
United Way is actively responding and providing services. But it can’t happen without full community support. For those who would like to be part of the solution, there are many ways to provide assistance:
• Make a donation at uwpv.org to support the direct service and access to food;
• Volunteer in one of the United Way anchor service pantries in either Springfield or Holyoke (www.volunteer.uwpv.org); or
• Run a food drive of non-perishable food items. Call Lee Drewitz at (413) 693-0201 to coordinate.