The Greater Boston Food Bank Applauds State Leaders for Hunger-Relief Investments in Annual Budget, Urges Action to Protect SNAP Access 

Boston, MA (July 2, 2026) – Today, The Greater Boston Food Bank (GBFB) released the following statement applauding the Healey-Driscoll Administration and the State legislature for including hunger relief programs in the fiscal year 2027 state budget and called for additional support for the administration of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).  

“Yesterday, the State legislature advanced a budget that makes historic investments in the Massachusetts Emergency Food Assistance Program (MEFAP) and School Meals for All, proudly reinforcing the Commonwealth’s commitment to helping those most in need,” said Catherine D’Amato, GBFB President and CEO. “Thanks to the Healey-Driscoll Administration and Massachusetts House and Senate, food banks will be able to purchase more local, healthy food and our neighbors and students experiencing food insecurity will get the support they need and deserve. These are difficult financial times: federal aid has been slashed and everyday costs are on the rise. GBFB will continue to advocate for resources to fortify access to SNAP and other critical programs that support every person’s ability to live with dignity.”  

In addition to MEFAP and universal school meals, the budget also includes critical investments in the Nutrition Services Program for elders, the Healthy Incentives Program, and the Hunger Free Campus Initiative.   

In April, GBFB and Mass General Brigham released their sixth annual report on food access in Massachusetts, which found that a record 40 percent of households experienced food insecurity in 2025. The cost of living, high inflation, and restrictions on federal assistance have resulted in more people struggling to afford food and relying on the state’s food bank network. 

New SNAP eligibility rules from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and administrative challenges within the Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance have contributed to a decline in SNAP participation over the past seven months. The number of residents receiving SNAP benefits has already decreased by over 14%, about 153,000 people, including 54,000 children. Many of these people are now having to turn to the food bank network to help feed their families. 

About The Greater Boston Food Bank:  

The Greater Boston Food Bank (GBFB) is the largest hunger-relief organization in New England and one of the largest food banks in the country. For nearly half a century, GBFB has fueled Eastern Massachusetts’ hunger-relief system, putting over 90 million healthy meals on tables across the region each year. Over 600 community-based pantries and other local partners in 190 cities and towns depend on GBFB to provide access to healthy food for 600,000 people every month. GBFB is committed to the belief that access to healthy food is a human right regardless of an individual’s circumstances. Through policy, partnerships, and providing free, nutritious, and culturally responsive food, GBFB is committed to addressing the root causes of food insecurity while promoting racial, gender and economic equity in food access. Together, we have the power to end hunger here. For more information and to help us help others, visit us at GBFB.org, follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram, or call us at 617.427.5200. 

Media Contact 

Gary Roy 

GBFB 

617.209.9147 

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