Statement: EdTrust–Massachusetts Warns That Lapse in SNAP and Head Start Funding Will Harm Students

The ongoing federal government shutdown is already significantly straining Massachusetts students and families. More than 1.1 million residents, including hundreds of thousands of children, rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to meet their basic food needs. At the same time, Head Start and Early Head Start programs across the Commonwealth may face delayed or frozen federal grants, jeopardizing the early learning, nutrition, and family-support services that thousands of young children depend on to enter school ready to succeed. 

Food insecurity and the instability of crucial programs affect student attendance, well-being, and academic performance. When families are forced to choose between groceries, child care, and transportation, it’s the students — especially those from underserved communities — who are impacted the most. 

“When federal gridlock interrupts essential supports like SNAP and Head Start, the ripple effects reach every classroom,” said Jennie Williamson, state director of EdTrust–Massachusetts. “Massachusetts students can’t learn on empty stomachs or without access to stable early learning environments. We are grateful to the governor for advancing funding to mitigate the immediate impact. Still, it is incumbent on Congress to act swiftly to protect the programs that help children thrive.” 

As one of the nation’s education leaders, Massachusetts has both the opportunity and the obligation to advocate for students who will bear the brunt of political inaction. Ensuring that every American has access to healthcare, food, and care, as well as high-quality learning for students, is not just a federal responsibility; it’s a moral one.