Southcoast Food Policy Council

01/21/2026

Connection. Celebration. Purpose.
Join us for Roots & Revelry, an intimate evening marking a new chapter in growing a healthier, more equitable food system.

📅 Saturday, 5/2/26
📍 The Zeiterion , New Bedford, MA

Save the date—more details coming soon.

01/20/2026

Food need is 365 days a year.
Marion Institute's Executive Director, Liz Wiley and other local food distribution leaders join Jack Spillane on The Chat to discuss food insecurity on the South Coast—and what comes next.

Read full article and watch/listen in here: https://newbedfordlight.org/food-insecurity-food-need-is-365-days-a-year/

01/06/2026

Preparing for change takes collaboration.

This Wednesday, the Southcoast Food Policy Council is convening a critical conversation on food relief disruptions — and how we can work together to build a stronger, more resilient food system.

🕑 Wednesday | 2–3 PM

Your voice matters. Join the convo and register here: https://www.marioninstitute.org/programs/sfpc/emergency-food-resource-gaps/ // link in bio.

12/08/2025

SNAP recipients can receive free fruits and vegetables through the Healthy Incentives Program. Pickups are held on the first Friday of the month from 2 to 3 p.m. Dates include […]

12/02/2025

This and holiday season, give a gift that truly grows. 🌱
Honor someone who makes your life brighter with a donation that strengthens nutrition, food equity, and community across Southeastern Massachusetts.

Every gift supports local farmers, students, families, and the regional food system we’re building together.

Choose a gift that grows food and hope: marioninstitute.org/donate/gift/ // link in bio.

11/25/2025

🫶

11/13/2025

Our Emergency Food Resource Meetings are now weekly — bringing together community partners to strengthen food access across the Southcoast.

Join the conversation virtually → Wednesdays at 2PM.

Register here: https://www.marioninstitute.org/programs/sfpc/emergency-food-resource-gaps/ // link in bio.

11/13/2025

BOSTON — To recognize the cultural, economic, and ecological importance of aquaculture to the state, Governor Maura Healey is declaring November to be Massachusetts Aquaculture Month....

11/07/2025

Federal Government Shutdown & SNAP Update:

As the shutdown continues, SNAP benefits remain delayed, impacting more than 650,000 MA households, that's 1 in 6 residents. A federal judge has ordered USDA to release full funding by Nov. 7, but what that means for MA residents is still uncertain as legal appeals unfold.

This delay threatens food access for families and adds pressure to local food systems and pantries already stretched thin.

Stay informed: mass.gov/SNAPUpdates

PLEASE SHARE!

10/30/2025

More than a million Massachusetts residents — including 337,000 children — are at risk of losing SNAP benefits. The need on the Southcoast has never been greater.

Here's how you can help:
✔ Donate: https://www.marioninstitute.org/donate/
✔ Volunteer: https://www.marioninstitute.org/programs/volunteer/
✔ Register for our Virtual Emergency Food Resource Meeting on November 5th: https://www.marioninstitute.org/programs/sfpc/emergency-food-resource-gaps/
✔ Advocate to fund SNAP: https://bit.ly/Support-SNAP

Support local food relief efforts at marioninstitute.org // links in bio.

10/29/2025

Did you know? You can still receive your normally distributed HIP benefits — but only if you leave at least one cent on your SNAP card! 💳

Even a penny on your SNAP/EBT card keeps your HIP benefits flowing. Spread the word! 🗣️

Reminder: Use your October HIP benefits by Friday, 10/31 so you don’t lose them! HIP benefits reset each month and don’t carry over like SNAP.

10/27/2025

“The pandemic shed light on what was already an issue — and it’s gotten worse since.”
— Liz Wiley, Executive Director, Marion Institute

With the federal shutdown threatening SNAP benefits, The New Bedford Light explores how programs like our Southcoast Food Policy Council are responding to protect community nutrition security and strengthen our regional food system.

Read the full story → https://newbedfordlight.org/about-half-of-new-bedford-households-may-lose-food-aid-because-of-shutdown/

SNAP food benefits will be cut off Nov. 1 if the government shutdown continues, Gov. Maura Healey says. And a new law makes fewer people eligible for aid.