FY20 Budget Hunger Relief
A major win for hunger relief!
On Monday, July 21st, the Legislature’s Conference Committee released its’ FY20 budget, proposing $43 billion in expenditures including funding for hunger relief priorities. The House and Senate both approved this budget, and now Governor Baker has 10 days to approve and sign the FY20 budget into law.
Democracy is an active endeavor – it takes all our collective effort to ensure our state supports our neighbors in need. Thank you for all your advocacy in the budget process so far!
FY20 Budget Hunger Relief Priorities:
Massachusetts Emergency Food Assistance Program (MEFAP)
Conference Committee appropriated $20 million in MEFAP funding (an increase from $18 million in FY19). This additional funding would allow the Commonwealth’s four food banks to provide nearly 25 million healthy meals.
Healthy Incentives Program (HIP)
Conference Committee appropriated $6.5 million in HIP funding. HIP helps SNAP customers buy more fresh fruits and veggies, while supporting local farmers. It matches SNAP money spent at participating farmers markets, mobile markets, farm stands, and CSAs.
“SNAP Gap” Pilot Initiative Amendment
Conference Committee appropriated $1 million for a SNAP Gap pilot program. This amendment funds a pilot to test the feasibility for low-income Massachusetts residents to apply for MassHealth and SNAP at the same time. A common application would support food access for 741,000 people in our state who use MassHealth and qualify for SNAP but are not enrolled.
1. CALL GOV. BAKER!
- Governor Baker’s office: (617)-725-4005 (toll free at (888)-870-7770).
- Please call Governor Baker TODAY and ask him to support hunger relief in the budget. When you speak with Governor Baker’s staff, please tell them what these programs mean to you.
2. GIVE THANKS!
- Conference Committee Members
- Senate Chair Michael Rodrigues – 617-722-1640, Michael.Rodrigues@masenate.gov
- Senate Vice Chair Cindy Friedman – 617-722-1410, Cindy.Friedman@masenate.gov
- Senator Viriato deMacedo – 617-722-1330, Vinny.deMacedo@masenate.gov
- House Chair Aaron Michlewitz – 617-722-2990, Aaron.M.Michlewitz@mahouse.gov
- House Vice Chair Denise Garlick – 617-722-2380, Denise.Garlick@mahouse.gov
- Representative Todd Smola – 617-722-2100, Todd.Smola@mahouse.gov
- Copy your state senator and representative in your emails to the Conference Committee! Find your state Representative and Senator here.
3. SHARE THE GOOD NEWS!
- Share on social media (tag @GR8BosFoodBank so we can amplify your posts).
If you have any further questions, please contact GBFB Director of Communications and Public Affairs Catherine Drennan at cdrennan@gbfb.org or 617-598-5067.
