What's new at MLS

We've received a number of inquiries about how to calculate SNAP benefits for households that contain a foster child or person who is being cared for under the Adult Foster Care program.**  There are special federal and state SNAP rules that allow households to EXCLUDE the foster child or foster…

USDA has released some very useful demographic information for your advocacy work, a cautionary alert about SNAP scammer,  and two upcoming Webinars for Spanish speakers.  Check it out!  1) SNAP Demographics by Congressional Districts: Using SNAP program data and information…

TO:  Food SNAP Coalition Members FR:  Pat Baker Happy Veterans Day and Happy 11-11-11.  We wanted to be sure you saw today's Globe editorial exhorting local cities and towns to reach out to local veterans and their families in financial need and help them access…

We received a copy of the email below llate last week announcing a change in the guard at DTA. Julia Kehoe will be moving over to EOHHS to take on a new Senior Policy Development position and Daniel Curley of the Justice Resource Institute will be taking the DTA helm. EOHHS Secretary Dr. Bigby's…

This is late breaking news, and many of you may not have even known trouble was brewing.  Late last night the U.S. Senate voted DOWN a proposal to cut SNAP benefits including BOTH our Massachusetts Senators John Kerry and Scott Brown!! The vote was 41 Yes to 58 Nays on one very harmful amendment.…

Sending Client Documents to DTA Boston Web SNAP Unit – Secure Email OptionFollwing recent discussions with the Boston Centralized Web Unit about ways to improve SNAP application processing, agencies that serve clients in theBoston Web Unit catchment areas have the opportunity to set up secure…

A number of changes in "SNAP math" went into effect October 1st to implement the annual cost of living adjustments (COLA). The gross, net and 165% income eligibility standards have increased slightly (note that the 200% level has remained the same; this generally changes in the spring, not…

As kids head back to school, we wanted to share a few important factoids about the National School Lunch Program (NLSP) that may help more families get free and reduced-price school meals. Free/reduced-price meals are available to low income children enrolled in a public, charter, parochial or…

DTA just released guidance on the process for issuing SNAP replacement benefits due to Hurricane Irene. The guidance identifies the 91 cities and towns for which verification of loss of power or collateral contace of loss is not required. SNAP recipients residing in other cities and towns may also…

1. EOHHS Virtual Gateway Team to Conduct "My Accounts Page" training at June 28th SNAP Coalition Meeting: We are pleased to report that staff from the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) Virtual Gateway team will be conducting a one-hour training on the My Accounts Page…