FEMA returns $3.2 million to Chelsea for pandemic food programs
Federal reimbursement offsets costs for home deliveries and pop-up pantries established during the 2020 health crisis.
By Carmen Wojcik ·
The Federal Emergency Management Agency has approved a reimbursement of $3.2 million to the city of Chelsea. The funds, drawn from FEMA Public Assistance programs, will return cash to the municipal treasury that was spent on food distribution efforts during the early stages of the pandemic.
Chelsea implemented these food assistance measures starting in 2020. The city provided home delivery services for elderly residents, disabled individuals, and those with high-risk health profiles or confirmed positive cases. It also operated pop-up food pantries to reach other at-risk populations. These operations required substantial financial outlays before federal funds became available.
City Manager Fidel Maltez stated that the reimbursement provides relief during a period of fiscal strain. Chelsea is currently facing a multi-million dollar shortfall in its school budget for the coming year. Maltez described the federal payment as a necessary offset for expenses that had already been incurred.
"The city of Chelsea did a tremendous response during Covid bringing food to many residents," Maltez said. He noted that the city invested significant capital to support residents who were disabled, immunocompromised, or hesitant to leave their homes due to the virus.
City officials collaborated with the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency over the past year to compile the necessary documentation. Maltez credited state partners for their support in justifying the costs. "The state has been absolutely incredible in terms of supporting us," he said. The process required extensive proof of expenditure and program justification.
Maltez emphasized that the reimbursement recovers money that left the city's accounts to meet immediate needs. "This is money that already went out the door, already supported residents and it was at a time when Chelsea had no other choice," he said. He added that the city acted to provide food to people who required assistance.
The arrival of the $3.2 million reduces the financial burden of the pandemic era programs. The funds will be credited to the city's accounts to address the gap left by the initial investments in food security.
