When SNAP benefits were briefly discontinued earlier this month, employees at Riverside didn’t wait for instructions—they took action to ensure the people they serve wouldn’t go hungry.
Within days, teams across multiple Riverside locations mobilized to address the emergency. Pop-up food pantries were swiftly established at the Adult Community Clinical Services (ACCS) program in Dedham, the Outpatient Center in Somerville, and the Outpatient Center in Newton, which received a generous $500 donation from neighboring Grace Episcopal Church to enhance the offerings. The Community Behavioral Health Center in Milford organized a food drive for the Worcester Food Pantry, while the Community Behavioral Health Center in Norwood created a food drive for the Norwood Food Pantry.
Beyond the emergency food supplies, case managers and support staff worked closely with families to identify additional resources within the community, connecting them with local food banks, meal programs, and other services to bridge the gap during the benefits interruption. Thanks to donated funds, some families received gift cards to local grocery stores.
Riverside’s Clubhouse programs also stepped up, with meal prices reduced by half to ensure affordability. Trader Joe’s increased their food donations, and prepared food was packed for members to take home, extending support beyond the walls of the programs and into people’s homes.
The coordinated response demonstrated the deep commitment Riverside teams have to the well-being of those they serve, turning a potential crisis into an example of community care in action. While SNAP benefits have since been restored, the swift response highlighted the critical role that dedicated human service workers play in supporting their communities during times of need.
