Cape Cod, MA (November 14, 2025) – The Eos Foundation today announced $125,000 in emergency grants and supermarket gift cards to support vulnerable Cape Cod and Islands residents as they begin to recover from the freeze and reduction of SNAP benefits due to the recent government shutdown. The initiative includes $25,000 in general operating grants to community partners and an additional $100,000 in supermarket gift cards to be distributed in collaboration with the Greater Boston Food Bank to five local organizations working directly with residents across the region.

“With more than 20,000 SNAP recipients on Cape Cod and the Islands, it was important to respond quickly. Many homebound seniors can’t get to a food pantry but still need our help, and food pantries and community health centers are seeing a dramatic increase in demand. While the Eos Foundation serves communities across Massachusetts, Cape Cod is our home, and we see firsthand the need that exists here,” said Andrea Silbert, President of the Eos Foundation. “We’re proud to partner with trusted local organizations that can get these grocery cards directly into the hands of our most vulnerable residents, particularly homebound seniors.”

“These generous donations from the Eos Foundation will be a lifeline to people across Massachusetts who are facing hunger,” said Governor Maura Healey. “It’s great to see this model on the Cape to reach home bound seniors who might not be able to get to a food pantry. I’m grateful to Andrea Silbert and every person and organization in Massachusetts who has stepped up to help our neighbors in need during this challenging time.”

Partner organizations include Housing Assistance, The Family Pantry of Cape Cod, Lower Cape Outreach Council, Elder Services of Cape Cod and the Islands, and Falmouth Service Center. These funds aim to support individuals and families facing food insecurity and rising costs of living on Cape Cod, especially during a challenging time of year with holidays approaching and reduced off-season work hours.

“We convened Cape Cod leaders to discuss the local impact of federal funding reductions on basic needs—food, shelter, and health care. Once the SNAP cuts were announced, we shifted our focus to food,” said Alisa Magnotta, CEO of Housing Assistance. “Thanks to the Eos Foundation and another generous donor, Housing Assistance is already distributing 500 supermarket gift cards through community health centers and veterans’ organizations to ensure quick access for those most in need.”

“The past two weeks have been challenging for the Cape and Islands residents affected by the SNAP benefit pause. Elder Services has been helping homebound seniors access food through gift cards, transportation, and home deliveries,” said Maryanne Ryan, CEO of Elder Services of Cape Cod and the Islands. “Our community always rises to the occasion, but with uncertain state and federal funding for vital programs like Meals on Wheels, continued advocacy and awareness are essential to address food insecurity.”

“At a time when so many Cape and Islands families are unsure where their next meal will come from, it’s heartening to see the Eos Foundation step up to strengthen food banks across the region,” said State Senator Julian Cyr. “Even as vital supports like SNAP come back online, one in seven Massachusetts residents still struggles with food insecurity — a reminder that this work remains as urgent as ever.”

“Every day, we see the impact of rising food and housing costs on families who are doing everything right and still can’t make ends meet,” said State Representative Hadley Luddy. “This partnership with Eos and fellow Cape organizations means we can put grocery cards directly into the hands of those who need them most—parents, seniors, and workers whose hours have been cut. We encourage anyone who is able to consider matching or extending this support through donations to local organizations across the Cape and Islands.”

For more information or to learn how to support this initiative, contact Kellie Marchant at the Eos Foundation at marchant@eosfoundation.org.