News
Food Security Programs Serve Vital Role
November 12, 2025
As Gov. Maura Healey called on the Trump administration late last month unfreeze SNAP benefits (an issue that remained unresolved at press time), Community Action Pioneer Valley’s Center for Self-Reliance food pantries in Greenfield and She...
Continue Reading
State, local officials talk importance of weatherization to curb home heating costs
November 10, 2025
GREENFIELD — According to data from the state Department of Energy Resources, Massachusetts residents who heat their homes using oil spent an average of $1,800 on heat during the winter of 2024-2025.
Heating one’s home is not an insignific...
Continue Reading
State, local officials 'wrestling with uncertainty' on local impacts of federal cuts
November 10, 2025
SOUTH DEERFIELD — State and local officials gathered at Deerfield Town Hall on Sunday to answer residents’ questions about the fate of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, cuts to Medicaid and subsidized health insuran...
Continue Reading
Center for Self-Reliance Braces for Impact as SNAP Benefits Face Freeze, Federal Funding Threatened
October 25, 2025
Food
The Center for Self-Reliance is preparing for heavily increased community needs at the food pantries as thousands in Franklin and Hampshire counties are set to lose SNAP benefits as soon as next week.
Continue Reading
Government shutdown threatens local anti-poverty agency
October 20, 2025
CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) – Community Action Pioneer Valley, an anti-poverty agency in Franklin and Hampshire County, is raising concerns as the government shutdown approaches its 20th day, threatening crucial programs.
Continue Reading