SNAP Coalition on Dec 5th; Upcoming trainings on TAFDC cash benefits (Dec 4th) and SNAP 101 (Jan 24th)

FoodSNAP
11/28/23

Greetings Coalition members.  We hope you had a relaxing Thanksgiving break. A couple of announcements, trainings and updates. 

SNAP Coalition meeting - Tuesday, 12/5/23

Our next Coalition meeting is on Tuesday, December 5th from 10-11:30 AM (we combine November and December into one meeting). Here is the Zoom link. 

Agenda:

  • Federal updates re SNAP and WIC, pending Congressional actions and Farm Bill 

  • State legislative/Budget updates -  including both opportunities for testimony for pending bills Coalition member priorities for the FY25 Guv’s House 1 budget 

  • DTA access check in/updates

  • Overview of DTA application denial data 

  • Immigrant/benefits access issues - check in on cases/issues you are seeing with immigrant headed households accessing benefits

  • Upcoming events/trainings (see below)

  • Issues you are seeing/other updates

Updated DTA SNAP Outreach Fliers 

DTA has updated their one page SNAP outreach flyers, translated into 13 languages, here. 

12/4/23 - Basic Benefits Training - Overview of TAFDC Cash Assistance for Families

Monday, December 4th from 9:30 - 2:30 PM.  Register here (Use non-lawyer advocate to get discounted rate). 

This training covers the basics of TAFDC (Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children)—DTA’s cash benefit for families. The training includes an overview of program rules and eligibility and recent policy and practice changes; how to apply for and keep TAFDC benefits; and protections for specific populations including people with disabilities, dealing with domestic violence, and limited English proficiency. In the afternoon, there will be breakout sessions on child care and noncitizen eligibility/public charge.

1/24/24- Basic Benefit Training: SNAP Advocacy 101 

Wednesday, 1/24/2024, 9:30 am – 12:30 pm. Register here. (Use non-lawyer advocate to get discounted rate). 

SNAP remains the first line of defense against hunger for about one in six Massachusetts residents. The training includes an overview of the SNAP program, an update on federal and state SNAP changes, and an in-depth look at the nuts and bolts of SNAP eligibility, the “SNAP math” and benefit amounts, online tools, troubleshooting, and appeal rights. This training is designed for anyone who wants to learn the basic SNAP eligibility rules and advocacy tips.