State Policy Priorities: 

Massachusetts Emergency Food Assistance Program (MEFAP)

The Massachusetts Emergency Food Assistance Program (MEFAP) enables the four state food banks (Merrimack Valley Food Bank, The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, The Worcester County Food Bank, and Greater Boston Food Bank) to distribute nutritious food to community members in every city and town across the Commonwealth.

ASK: $58M in FY27 budget (Budget line item 2511-0105)

Update:

A major step forward for hunger relief in Massachusetts: the House has proposed a $60 million investment in MEFAP.

As food insecurity continues to rise and federal nutrition programs face uncertainty, this proposal reflects a strong commitment to meeting the moment. If approved, it will allow the food bank network to expand access to fresh, local food and serve more families across the Commonwealth.

We’re grateful to House leadership for recognizing the urgency of this need and helping move this work forward as we continue the fight to end hunger. Next step, the Senate.

Fund Massachusetts SNAP Caseworkers

The Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) operates SNAP in Massachusetts. DTA caseworkers are required to interview clients and verify documents to provide benefits. Understaffing has led to a crisis of access in the Commonwealth.

Currently, there are about 1,300 SNAP cases per worker, up from about 850 per worker pre-COVID.

The Solution: Hire 200 Additional Caseworkers

ASK:  Increase caseworker line item (4400-1100) to $177M in FY27 budget 

Federal Policy Priorities:

The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP)
This USDA program supplements the diets of low-income Americans, particularly senior citizens, by providing emergency food and nutrition assistance at no cost. ASK: Invest and streamline USDA food assistance programs, increased TEFAP funding in the Farm Bill.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
As our nation’s first line of defense against hunger, SNAP helps more than 40 million low-income Americans afford food. In Massachusetts, for every 1 meal distributed by a food bank, SNAP provides 5 meals. ASK: Protect and strengthen SNAP, extend increased benefit limits in the Farm Bill.

Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP)
The Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) supports food access for low-income seniors. GBFB is the only administrator for the state. ASK: Ensure adequate funding, expand eligibility, and maintain MA’s current caseload for CFSP in the Farm Bill.

Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC)
WIC provides critical nutrition services for low-income women, infants, and children up to age 5. Food programs during and after school, and summer meal programs included in the Children Nutrition Reauthorization are essential to ensuring every child has access to nutrition needed to thrive. ASK: Support full funding for WIC.

Child Tax Credit
The Child Tax Credit (CTC), a tool proven to lift children out of poverty, provides tax-relief to working families. ASK: Expand and pass the CTC.