November 25, 2025 by Carol Britton Meyer
The recent government shutdown and the related halt in SNAP benefits as well as government workers not getting paid was a call to action for a group of nine Hingham women.
As a result, they launched Neighbors Helping Neighbors to assist residents of Hingham and surrounding towns who are facing food insecurity during these challenging times.
This grassroots effort started after Hingham resident Rory Earley posted a request on Facebook for anyone interested in helping individuals and families in the community who were struggling to keep food on their tables.
The nine volunteers – who didn’t know each other but shared a common desire to help their neighbors – stepped forward, got together to come up with a plan, and within a few hours started Neighbors Helping Neighbors.
These volunteers come from various backgrounds – experienced social workers, one affiliated with Interfaith Social Services, an attorney, a representative from the Hingham Farmers Market, and others who do outreach for seniors and their parishes.
Shortly thereafter, the program went live on social media and flyers were distributed. “During the first 10 days, we fed 112 individuals representing 31 families,” member Yvette Kanter told the Hingham Anchor. Word of mouth has also garnered a great deal of support.
Assistance is provided through gift cards paid for by generous donations from the Hingham community.
“Gift cards provide the opportunity for the recipients to shop independently – to have the dignity of shopping for what their families need individually, rather than have someone else select food items for them,” Earley said.
Allison Horton (allisonhortonlicsw@gmail.com), a local clinical social worker, is the point person for those needing assistance, with all requests remaining confidential.
An intake form (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSclhVsrJ9TbseWsX9J1vqlYVNrTyEy6y7zefgY9ly1Ly92DDg/viewform) helps ensure individuals are getting the support they need.
“The entire process is completely confidential, and donations will be made in the manner with which the individual is comfortable (gift cards or food) and quickly,” Kanter said. “Anyone needing support is welcome to ask for assistance.”
While most of the time, those in need of assistance receive gift cards, assistance with getting diapers and personal hygiene items is also available. In some instances, volunteers have shopped for people when needed.
The sole purpose of Neighbors Helping Neighbors is “to help feed people where pantries and other agencies were not able to ensure their families would have the food they needed,” she explained. “We were humbled to understand the struggles of our neighbors as they try to keep it all together as costs for food, utilities, and services continue to rise.”
While the government shutdown has come to an end, the need for food security has not. “We have already supported many families and will continue to do so,” Kanter said. “While we started due to the shutdown, we understand the impact runs deeper and that there is still a need to fill, so we will continue to help as long as we can — until salaries and benefits are resumed and individuals and families are stabilized from the crisis.”
All donations are gratefully received. St. John’s Church is the collection point for those who wish to donate. (Go to (https://stjohnshingham.breezechms.com/give/online and choose “Give to Food Assistance” in the drop-down menu). All donations will be distributed directly to those who are most in need.
“The Hingham community has been incredibly generous in supporting Neighbors Helping Neighbors,” Earley said. “Our town really rallies around when there’s a need, and we’re really appreciative of the community coming together to support this effort.”
Additional resources – including Interfaith Social Services, Hingham Food Pantry, Hingham Farmers Market, Wellspring Multi-Service Centers, St. Vincent De Paul, and Quincy Community Action Programs are available to community members in need and also accept donations.
The attached flyer features QR codes that can be scanned to request help or to make a donation.
Besides Earley, Kanter, and Horton, other volunteers include Kim Whitrap, Kenzie Blackwell, Jessica Foley, Linda Luke, Michelle Weiser, and Julie Michelsen.