What's new at MLS

In the past six weeks, DTA has issued over a dozen 2013 “Operations Memos” announcing policy changes to the SNAP and cash assistance programs.  The following DTA Operations Memos affect verification of income. Please let us know if you see any problems with implementation in your SNAP advocacy work.…

Below is a press release from USDA Secretary Vilsack's team announcing the result of the MA Healthy Incentives Pilot (HIP) that was conducted by DTA and USDA in Western MA between Nov 2011 and Dec 2012, as well as other USDA pilots and initiatives around the country to support SNAP recipients in…

DTA recently issued a number of policy memos we wish to bring to your attention.  Some of these policy memos will have an impact on your clients. DTA has issued these memos largely in response to recent negative press including a report by the State Inspector General that took issue with DTA’s lack…

The Connector has released a notice of grant opportunities for "Navigators" to assist people in getting enrolled in health care coverage in 2014.  This is related to federal health health reform. Navigators will be expected to do outreach events to get the word out about…

Did you know that close to half of the SNAP households in Massachusetts have at least one elderly or disabled member?  There are special SNAP rules for households with an elder and/or disabled adult member worth noting. The federal and SNAP rules allow certain persons to qualify…

Attached is a FACT SHEET with data, along with the information below: Recent news reports suggest ongoing waste of taxpayer dollars and mismanagement by DTA of the SNAP (food stamps) program, including a $27M overpayment of federal funds. Here’s what you need to know. • There was NO…

We have recently learned of an issue regarding possible unauthorized use of recipient EBT cards by a third party (i.e. staff or house managers) at "sober houses" in Massachusetts. A sober house is like a group home or congregate living situation that may serve as transitional housing for…

USDA just issued the 2013 poverty guidelines, which will be effective tomorrow (1/24/13). The new numbers reflect a 2.1% increase in the consumer price index for urban consumers (CPI-U).  Here's a link to the new HHS tables (100% FPL): …

Below is a recent press release from the Food Research Action Center with links to their School Breakfast Report Card and Report on Large School Districts. As you will see, Boston has excellent participation (in the top 10 of urban schools) but the rest of the state lags WAY behind.  MA is…