Blackstone Food Drive Brings Community Together Amid SNAP Cuts
Blackstone Food Drive Brings Community Together Amid SNAP Cuts
When times get tough, Blackstone shows up for one another.
As families brace for possible SNAP benefit cuts due to the lingering federal government shutdown, the community has been stepping up in remarkable ways — from local businesses offering free food to town officials launching a Blackstone Food Drive to help keep pantry shelves stocked.
Town of Blackstone Launches Food Drive
On October 29, the Town announced that roughly 1,000 Blackstone residents could lose SNAP benefits as early as November 1. To help ensure no local family goes hungry, the Blackstone Police Department and the Town of Blackstone teamed up to collect food donations for the Blackstone-Millville Food Pantry.
Donation bins are available at:
- Blackstone Municipal Center (during normal business hours)
- Blackstone Police Department, 15 St. Paul St. (open 24 hours a day)
The food pantry, located at Divine Mercy Parish is at 48 St. Paul St., is open Tuesdays 7–8 p.m. and Saturdays 10–11 a.m. Residents only need proof of Blackstone or Millville residency (mail, utility bill, or photo ID) to receive food.
But this effort builds on weeks of community action already underway.
Scouts, Library, and Local Partners Join In
Prior to the town’s Food Drive, the Local Scouts kicked off their annual Scouting for Food campaign on October 25, distributing door hangers across neighborhoods to let residents know they would be collecting donations on Saturday, November 1. Scouts will be picking up bags of nonperishable food directly from doorsteps and bringing them to the Blackstone-Millville Food Pantry — ensuring donations reach families as quickly as possible.
Throughout October, the Blackstone Public Library also collected food donations, helping raise awareness about local food insecurity and inspiring patrons to give what they can.
Together, these efforts reflect how deeply the Blackstone Food Drive spirit runs — with schools, civic groups, and residents all working toward one goal: making sure no neighbor goes hungry.
Community Businesses Step Up
Even before the town’s official food drive began, local businesses and residents were already finding ways to help.
JD’s Market on Main Street shared a heartfelt post on October 25 offering free bread, bagels, and English muffins nearing their “best by” dates to anyone who could use them.
“We know times are tough and food security is a real struggle for many right now,” the post read. “It’s not much, but we’re trying to do our part. Take what you need, share if you can — let’s make sure nothing goes to waste.”
UniBank’s Blackstone branch is also collecting donations through November 1. Residents can drop off nonperishable food in the Scouting for Food box inside the branch — a simple way for community members to give while running everyday errands. The bank’s participation adds to the growing list of local businesses stepping up to help their neighbors.
That same spirit carried through the week as Goodstuff Smokehouse answered the town’s call with a powerful gesture of generosity.
On October 31, Selectman Dan Keefe shared on Facebook that Goodstuff delivered a pickup truck full of groceries and toiletries to the pantry — just two days after the food drive was announced.
“Goodstuff has always gone above and beyond for our community,” Keefe wrote. “Combined with the great response from residents, the Blackstone Fire Department will make a large delivery tomorrow morning to the Blackstone-Millville Food Pantry. Let’s keep this going!”
Goodstuff Smokehouse also issued a challenge to other local businesses:
“It’s TIME TO GIVE BACK. This community has supported all of us. This is the least we can do. Let’s rally and get this done!”
Blackstone’s Heart on Display
Blackstone has seen its share of political divides in recent years, but moments like these remind everyone what truly matters — neighbors helping neighbors.
Residents have been resharing donation posts, civic groups have mobilized quickly, and local leaders are showing what it means to come together for a shared cause.
As Ann Lesperance, secretary of the Blackstone-Millville Food Pantry, said earlier this week:
“Because of the incredible support we receive from this community, we think we will be OK. But we want everyone who needs help in Blackstone and Millville to come to the food pantry. And anybody who can donate even a can of soup — that would be helpful.”
How to Help
- Drop off food donations at Blackstone Municipal Center or Blackstone Police Department
- Leave donations outside for Scouting for Food pickup on November 1
- Bring nonperishables to UniBank Blackstone branch through November 1
- Donate directly to the Blackstone-Millville Food Pantry during open hours
- Encourage others to give, share town posts, or check in on neighbors who may be struggling
If you or someone you know is affected by SNAP cuts, visit our detailed guide:
SNAP Cuts in Blackstone & Millville: Where to Find Help and How to Support Neighbors
A Community That Cares
This Blackstone Food Drive isn’t just about food — it’s about compassion, connection, and the shared belief that no one in our town should go hungry. Over the past week, we’ve seen neighbors looking out for neighbors, businesses giving what they can, and volunteers showing up without being asked.
It’s a reminder that caring for each other isn’t political — it’s personal. It’s what makes a town like Blackstone feel like home.
No matter what brings us together — a meal, a helping hand, or a simple act of kindness — these moments show who we really are as a community. And right now, Blackstone is showing its best self.
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