Cape Cod, MA – Thursday, November 13, 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.”

“The Eos Foundation’s investment in hunger relief across Massachusetts is exactly the kind of compassionate, collaborative action that makes Massachusetts strong. By partnering with The Greater Boston Food Bank and community-based organizations to get gifts cards directly into the hands of our most vulnerable residents and those may not be able to get to food access sites, they’re helping to ensure our neighbors have access to food during this challenging time,” said Governor Maura Healey. “I thank the foundation and its leadership them for their commitment to fighting hunger and supporting our fellow residents in need.”

Partner organizations include Housing Assistance Corporation, The Family Pantry of Cape Cod, Lower Cape Outreach Council, Elder Services of Cape Cod & 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 Corporation. “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 & 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.”

“As state leaders, we are deeply concerned about the immediate harm caused by disruptions and reductions in SNAP benefits,” said State Senator Julian Cyr. “The Eos Foundation’s investment is a powerful example of how local philanthropy can step in quickly to help neighbors bridge the gap. I hope others on the Cape and Islands will join Eos by supporting this collaborative effort or by giving directly to their local food and service organizations.”

“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.