FEMA Approves $3.2 Million Chelsea Reimbursement for Pandemic Food Programs

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has approved a $3.2 million reimbursement for the city of Chelsea. The funds, allocated through the Public Assistance program, offset costs associated with food assistance initiatives launched during the 2020 pandemic.

Chelsea implemented several programs to address food insecurity among vulnerable populations. These measures included a home food delivery service for high-risk elderly and disabled residents, as well as individuals with suspected or confirmed positive test results. The city also established a series of pop-up food pantries to reach at-risk groups.

City Manager Fidel Maltez confirmed the reimbursement arrived at a time of fiscal strain. The city faces a multi-million dollar shortfall in next year’s school budget. Maltez stated that the federal funds provide necessary relief for expenses already incurred and paid.

“The city of Chelsea did a tremendous response during Covid bringing food to many residents,” Maltez said. “We assisted many residents with food to their homes, especially residents who were disabled or who were immuno-compromised or afraid to go outside.”

Maltez noted that the city worked closely with the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency over the past year to compile documentation. The submission process required extensive proof of costs and justification for the services provided. Maltez described the state’s support as essential to the successful completion of the application.

“This is like a weight lifted off of our shoulders that this will be reimbursed, it is truly incredible and we could not have done it without our partners at the state,” Maltez said. He added that the reimbursement acknowledges the financial burden placed on the city while it provided critical support to residents who needed immediate assistance with food.

The reimbursement addresses funds that Chelsea already spent to support residents during the pandemic. Maltez emphasized that the city acted to meet the needs of the population when local resources were limited. The federal payment now covers the costs of those specific pandemic-era food services.