Photo caption: Superintendent Brian E. Allen speaks during a press conference at Worcester City Hall on Thursday, October 30, with city and elected officials during the announcement of the United Way providing funds to support food assistance.
Update (11/18/25):
The City of Worcester and the United Way recently announced a fund to support families in the Worcester Public Schools who need assistance with food security. Some of this support will come through a limited number of gift cards for grocery stores, but other resources are available.
If you are in need of food assistance, please contact the Wraparound Coordinator at your child's school; you will be connected with information on receiving food assistance.
For updated information on food assistance, visit FoodHelpWorcester.org or the WPS Food Assistance website.
Original Letter (10/30/25):
Dear Worcester Public Schools Families,
A significant number of families in the Worcester Public Schools (WPS) rely on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for food assistance. As you may know, effective Saturday, November 1, the federal government will temporarily stop funding SNAP benefits due to the ongoing government shutdown.
Today, the United Way of Central Massachusetts announced it will receive a $250,000 allocation from the City of Worcester for food and heating assistance for residents who will experience a loss of benefits.
As part of the announcement, United Way will make available approximately 1,500 grocery store gift cards for $100 apiece for WPS families losing SNAP benefits. WPS will share information with families soon about how to obtain these gift cards if eligible.
For the most up to date information about where to obtain food assistance, please visit FoodHelpWorcester.org, which is regularly updated and maintained by several community organizations. We have also updated the Food Assistance page of the WPS website with information on additional resources.
As a reminder, breakfast and lunch remains free for all students at school regardless of family income.
The district is grateful that so many community partners are doing what they can to help. However, the truth is that this support will only go so far. No child should go hungry due to the federal shutdown and we urge our lawmakers to restore benefits as soon as possible.
Sincerely,
Brian E. Allen
Superintendent
Worcester Public Schools
Helpful Links:
Donations may be made to the United Response Fund