Mass. food banks preparing to help feed families as SNAP benefits will soon expire amid government shutdown

With 42 million Americans on the verge of losing their food stamps, several Massachusetts cities are stepping in to help.

On November 1, the Federal Food Assistance Program will no longer be funded due to the ongoing government shutdown.

A menacing warning on the USDA’s website states, “Bottom line, the well has run dry.”

In Methuen, where Mayor D.J. Beauregard estimates more than 10,000 people rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), officials are launching a city-wide food drive.

“In Methuen we take care of our own. It’s important to ensure that support goes to who truly needs it,” said Beauregard.

Officials are also stepping in in Lawrence.

On Monday, Congresswoman Lori Trahan toured the Lazarus House Food Pantry. Between the surge in need and federal funding