Neighbors helping neighbors – no questions asked. It was on full display in Methuen last month!
When the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced that the federal food benefit known as SNAP was in peril due to the government shutdown, city officials, residents and local businesses jumped into action.
On Oct. 27, Mayor DJ Beauregard, Methuen’s Director of Health and Human Services and Inspections Caeli Tegan Zampach, Senior Activity Center Director Susan Riccio and others laid out a plan to support the 10,333 city residents receiving SNAP. That number represents 19 percent of Methuen’s population and includes the elderly, veterans, disabled and children.
“This is not a pollical issue,” Beauregard stated at a press conference. “It’s a human one. It’s about making sure nobody in our community goes hungry.”
A food drive ensued and – within days – the outpouring of generosity filled two classrooms at the Senior Center as well as numerous tables in the lobby which were lined with boxes and bags stuffed with bread, pasta, cereal and other staples. McDonald’s helped by storing foods that needed refrigeration.
On Nov. 1, the Methuen Senior Center was hopping by 6:30am with 30 volunteers eager to help. About 120 families pre-registered for that first food pickup, which was open to anyone receiving benefits (SNAP, WIC, heating or fuel assistance, veterans benefits or unemployment benefits). Beauregard personally checked in recipients, ensuring that they qualified. Anyone who didn’t pre-register was told to do so and come back on the next pickup day.
Mayor Beauregard was grateful for so many helping hands.
“We had an outstanding number of volunteers, many folks from the Senior Center, and help from our DPW,” he told MethuenLife. “Caeli from HSSI led the way in terms of organizing everything.”
The city held a total of four drive-thru food pickups.
The 43-day government shutdown – the longest one is U.S. history – ended Nov. 12.
For those who struggle with food insecurity but are not on SNAP, state Rep. Ryan Hamilton provided info on these food pantries: Methuen Cares Center, (978) 609-1866; Methuen YMCA Mobile Market, (978) 725-6681 ext. 121; Neighbors in Need, which hosts food pickups Wednesdays, 9-10:30am at the Neil Playstead Park on Lawrence Street and Tuesdays, 5:30-6:30pm at First Church Congregational on High Street; St. Lucy’s Parish Pantry, (978) 683-8922; and St. Monica’s Church Food Ministry, (978) 686-3994.
that pulled up to the Methuen Senior Center. Those who pre-registered and proved that they receive SNAP, heating/fuel assistance, veterans benefits or unemployment benefits were eligible to receive food.
Bags loaded with non-perishable food lined tables inside the Methuen Senior Center, ready for distribution to the 120 families who registered for the first drive-thru food pickup. ML photo by Melissa Fili
