HOLYOKE — Holyoke is bracing for ripple effects from the ongoing federal shutdown, prepping to help residents with food, heat and other basic but essential needs, Mayor Joshua A. Garcia said Wednesday.

As SNAP benefits change or end for many residents because of new must-work policies and a cut in federal aid, the mayor also announced a new city food initiative, to help boost the supply for those who otherwise would go hungry. SNAP is the program that replaced food stamps.

See Full Page