LYNN — On Thursday, congressional candidate John Beccia convened a roundtable discussion with 12 local advocates, service providers, and community leaders to address food insecurity across Massachusetts’ 6th Congressional District. The event was part of Beccia’s ongoing “People Over Politics” listening tour, which brings together residents and experts to discuss the challenges facing working families across the district.

The roundtable featured conversations with organizations and individuals working directly on hunger relief, access to affordable food, and support services for vulnerable communities. Participants discussed record levels of need across the community, federal cuts to SNAP, and the bureaucratic barriers that make it harder for families to access the aid they qualify for.

“Food insecurity is at the highest level this community has seen, and meanwhile, the Trump administration is bragging about cutting SNAP benefits,” Beccia said. “Our federal government can and should do more. This is not the job of our food pantries. They are carrying the load on their shoulders, and they should not have to do it alone. I’m confident we can turn this around if we work together. I wouldn’t be running for office because I believe we can achieve real change.”

Nate Berkowitz, executive director at a Salem nonprofit that combines food access with workforce training for young adults, spoke about the importance of sharing the stories of the people most affected and the role of collaboration among local organizations.

“There are powerful stories out there that we need to be telling. The people waiting in line at our food pantries are not who you would expect. Working families, seniors, veterans, and neighbors who never thought they would need this kind of help. The country needs to hear those stories because until we do, the federal cuts will keep coming, and the load will keep falling on local organizations to pick up the pieces. And we need leaders in Congress like John who will stand up for working families, protect these vital programs, and fight to make sure no one is left behind,” Berkowitz said.

Beccia’s “People Over Politics” listening tour continues across the district in the coming weeks with additional community conversations focused on the issues most affecting residents of Massachusetts’ 6th Congressional District.