10/31/2025
Starting November 1, 42 millions of Americans may face reduced access to SNAP benefits. Consistent and reliable access to food is foundational to our health and should not be up for negotiation. Reduced food access doesn’t just leave people hungry—it also results in mental, emotional, social, and physical health manifestations that can have a lasting impact.
For example (Gallegos, 2025):
🧒 Children who don’t get enough food are more likely to experience stunted growth, developmental delays, poor cognitive and academic outcomes, behavioral concerns, and increased risk for infection.
🤰 Pregnant individuals with limited nutrition face higher risk of preterm birth and low birth weight.
🧓 Adults and older adults may experience fatigue, weakened immunity, higher risk of chronic disease, reduced life expectancy, and mental health manifestations like anxiety, depression, and disordered eating.
🧠 Even short-term undernutrition can deeply impact mind, body, and emotions of otherwise healthy individuals, as shown by research like the Minnesota Starvation Study.
If you are like me, you get overwhelmed by how big this issue is and you feel anger that millions of Americans won’t know where their next meal is coming from. I’m confident that if we focus locally, we can make a significant impact.
I’m starting a food drive this upcoming Monday to support Beverly Bootstramp’s Food Assistance Program. Every contribution helps protect health, energy, and well-being of Beverly, Manchester, Essex, Hamilton, or Wenham citizens.
📍 Drop-off location: 100 Cummings Center, front office (go to 100 L entrance)
🗓 Dates: Nov 3rd - Nov 26th
🥫 Most Wanted Items: Peanut Butter, Boxed Pasta, Mac & Cheese, Canned Veggies, Canned Beans, Cereal, Tuna, Cooking Oil/Sprays, Non-dairy shelf-stable milk, Canned fruit, Soap, Paper Towels, Household cleaning products, Personal Hygiene (full size), Shampoo, Conditioner, Soap, Deodorant, Razors, Toothpaste/toothbrushes
Let’s make sure no one in our community has to face hunger alone. Together, we can nourish bodies, minds, and hearts. 💛
