SNAP Coalition on 10/25; MLRI's 2022 SNAP Advocacy Guide; ACP training on 10/27 and more!

We are looking forward to seeing you at Tuesday’s meeting. Note, the November/December SNAP Coalition meeting is combined for Tuesday, December 6th, to avoid the holiday weeks. 

SNAP Coalition Meeting Agenda, Tuesday, 10/25 @ 10 AM

Looking forward to seeing you on Tuesday. Here is the Zoom link. Our agenda will include:

• Federal updates 

• Updates from DTA including how the standard medical deduction (SMD) self-declaration works, the standard utility allowance (SUA) increase, Video Remote Interpreting (VRI), DTA Assistance Line discussion, benefits “skimming” updates.

• Data on the SNAP “checkbox” application on MassHealth

• Discussion on both 2023 state legislative and SNAP policy priorities for the next Admin 

• Announcements

Announcing MLRI’s Updated 2022 SNAP Advocacy Guide!

Yes! We’ve updated the popular SNAP Advocacy Guide for 2022, including the 10/1/22 SNAP cost of living increases boosting the monthly SNAP benefits and deductions, as well as a crosswalk chart guiding you to all the relevant DTA Online Guide sections. Tnx to our wonderful AmeriCorps Katie Kelly for putting this together. You will note that the Guide includes some of the key COVID-related policies in red text. That’s because these are temporary waivers or state “flexibilities” based on the public health emergency, which may end in early 2023. 

The Guide is posted as a downloadable free PDF, and at some point will be an online guide. We are not publishing a printed version anymore (save a tree!)

Flier on skimming from MLRI - please share widely

Unfortunately, we are continuing to hear from SNAP households who have had their SNAP benefits stolen following skimming of their card information by thieves. Attached is a flyer describing the issue and sharing information about what victims can do. We also have information on MassLegalHelp here. If you work with anyone who you think has had their SNAP stolen, please let MLRI (Pat, Vicky, or Betsy - bgwin@mlri.org) know as soon as possible. 

Dozens of Organizations Send Policy Recommendations to Biden Administration on College Food Insecurity:

MLRI, the Food Banks of Greater Boston, Western MA and Worcester County, as well as The Open Door, One Family, uAspire and other MA orgs joined with The Hope Center for College, Community and Justice and dozens of other orgs across the nation in a public letter on 10/18/22 to the Biden-Harris Administration calling for bold actions to eliminate systemic barriers to food security among students in higher education. The letter is posted here: https://hope.temple.edu/foodinsecurityletter  We will keep you posted on next steps. 

Affordable Connectivity Program internet benefit - MLRI info session 10/27

On Thursday, 10/27 @ 11 AM join MLRI to learn the basics about the new federal internet benefits program, the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). Presentation will provide and overview of ACP, eligibility criteria, the application process  and time for Q and A.:

Register here! If you have any questions about this presentation, please contact Virginia Benzan at vbenzan@mlri.org.