What's new at MLS

Tnx to our colleagues in Central MA, just a quick reminder that DTA will replace SNAP benefits for households that lost food (destroyed our unsafe to eat). See Casey Burns email below.  More information on DTA's website HERE including how to request…

Greetings Coalition members. We hope you are gearing up for a rest-filled holiday and New Year. Our next Coalition meeting will be Tuesday, January 23 from 10-11:30. (No meeting on 12/26). State-funded SNAP for Immigrants:  As many of you know, the MA Legislature appropriated…

Happy Friday to all. We are following up to our eblast yesterday with information about next steps and an event at the State House on Wednesday, December 13. What to know:   Gather and share thanks at the State House on Wednesday, 12/13 @ 10 Please join…

As many of you heard at Tuesday's SNAP Coalition meeting, we have GOOD NEWS from the Feeding our Neighbors Coalition. On Monday, December 4th, the Massachusetts Legislature passed and the Governor signed a "Supplemental Budget" that includes $6M in funding for special state-funded SNAP benefits…

A few announcements and updates on vaccine distribution:     Sign the Petition for Racial Equity in Vaccine Rollout:   The newly formed Vaccine Equity Now! Coalition of 11 civil rights, immigrant justice, and public health organizations, is calling attention to…

Important news about transportation to vaccine appointments for all Masshealth and Health Safety Net Patients eligible to receive COVID vaccines.    And as of 2-18-21 people 65 or older, people with certain high risk health conditions (now including asthma) & senior housing…

Many of you have asked for SNAP data by city/town or Zip code on the impact of the SNAP caseload reduction in Massachusetts.  While the SNAP caseload has indeed started to turn the corner and increase since May 2015, the MA caseload has still suffered a serious decline.  We are providing you with a…

SNAP Caseload Update - MA continues to improve USDA data shows .6% increase in Massachusetts for July 2015. For the third month in a row, the SNAP household participation has increased. The most recent available data posted in October for July 2015 shows a .6% increase for MA. The…

1. Substance use disorder services  Last year a state law improving substance use disorder services was enacted (c. 258 St. 2014). A provision requiring MassHealth & MassHealth managed care plans to cover detox and up to 14 day crisis stabilization services without prior authorization…

Please see email from Frank Martinez Nocito re second round of FINI grants announced by USDA. If your organization is interested in applying, please contact Frank at DTA directly. And REMINDER -  Statewide Food for Good Conference at UMass Amherst on Friday, October 30th! Central MA…