People weathering the loss of loved ones, homes and stable incomes trickled into the cafeteria of Springfield’s High School of Commerce to enjoy a free Thanksgiving meal Thursday.

The “little thing” of a shared meal, one said, means a lot.

Many who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, were reeling from a 40-day government shutdown that saw millions of Americans temporarily lose their benefits.

But many were used to struggling to have enough food.

Jim Henley, of Pine Point in Springfield, said times have been tough since his girlfriend died, and that every year there are fewer family members he can count on to join for a holiday meal.

Without his girlfriend’s income, Henley said paying rent of nearly $1,300 a month is forcing him to tighten his food budget.

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