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FoodSNAP's Blog Archive for September 2020

The latest information on SNAP/ Food Stamp advocacy in Massachusetts.

P-EBT updated data, Reminder re Tues 10 AM SNAP Coalition and 3 PM FRAC webinar

Submitted by FoodSNAP
09/28/2020 - 1:56pm

This is a reminder of tomorrow’s SNAP Coalition zoom meeting (9/29) which will start promptly at 10 AM. We have a FULL agenda and will start on time.  

We also want to share some updated information on P-EBT and an important FRAC Webinar.  

P-EBT and NSLP Updates: 

Coalition Mtg Tues 9/29, Keep pressure on Congress to pass COVID package

Submitted by FoodSNAP
09/25/2020 - 3:56pm
A few resources below and info for Tuesday's SNAP Coalition meeting. 
 
Need to raise volume to #BoostSNAPnow! 
 
While the House passed a Continuing Resolution that includes important nutrition provisions on P-EBT and ongoing SNAP flexibilities, it does not do nearly enough - it does not provide a boost in SNAP, does not limit cuts to SNAP via USDA rule changes, does not extend boosted UI benefits, does not provide fiscal relief to states, etc. 
 

Important P-EBT Updates: MA students to receive Sept P-EBT & likely for rest of School Year 20/21

Submitted by FoodSNAP
09/23/2020 - 12:11pm
We have two piece of BIG news in P-EBT land:
 

EOHHS issues clear, updated guidance on "public charge" for MA households

Submitted by FoodSNAP
09/22/2020 - 6:01pm
On September 17th, the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) revised its "public charge" guidance for state workers and community organizations, at the behest of the Mass Protecting Immigrant Families (MA PIF) organizations: MLRI, MIRA, HCFA and HLA.  
 

DTA phone line issue resolved

Submitted by FoodSNAP
09/17/2020 - 10:06am

Heads Up: DTA's Assistance Line and SAO Lines are down right now

Submitted by FoodSNAP
09/16/2020 - 2:21pm
We just received notice of this problem.  Please keep track of any urgent client issues (e.g. persons cut off, emergency applications not being processed) and report them to the Ombuds Office. 
 
Note - DTAConnect is still operating. DTA clients can communicate with DTA by writing a note and uploading it to DTA Connect if need be. And BEACON is operational, so SNAP and cash workers are presumably still able to  process cases, but the DTA Assistance Line and Senior Assistance Office (SAO) phone lines are BOTH DOWN. 

National Call-In Day & other important updates

Submitted by FoodSNAP
09/16/2020 - 10:51am
hanks again for a robust turnout to Tuesday’s SNAP Coalition meeting. HUGE thanks to DTA for their work to secure pandemic EBT (P-EBT) for students for September, as well as their ongoing work to provide the SNAP emergency allotment again for September (which will be issued around 10/2). 

TODAY is National Call-In Day to Urge Action for Comprehensive COVID-19 Package Before Congress Adjourns!

SNAP Coalition tomorrow and LTEs from Central MA to #BoostSNAPNow and MA Food Systems follow up survey

Submitted by FoodSNAP
09/14/2020 - 3:21pm

We hope you had a relaxing Labor Day weekend and are geared up for the battles ahead, including making sure Congress does not leave town without a robust package to fund extending Unemployment, SNAP boost and state and local aid.  Please join us for Coalition tomorrow.  Here’s some updates. 

#BoostSNAPNow campaign continues:

SNAP Updates including Hunger Action Day and Virtual Town Hall TODAY, 3 PM with Congressman McGovern

Submitted by FoodSNAP
09/10/2020 - 11:41am

Thank you all for your social media and calls to the MA Congressional Delegation yesterday. KEEP IT UP!  We are alerting you to some important events today. 

Hunger Action Day today, September 10th

Attached is the Greater Boston Food Bank alert on Hunger Action Day.  All the nation’s food banks are rallying around Hunger Action Month during September.  We urge you to reach out to family, friends and neighbors and urge them to take action THIS WEEK!

Federal action for Labor Day weekend, DTA updates

Submitted by FoodSNAP
09/02/2020 - 2:11pm

Thank you to all of you who joined yesterday’s Zoom call.  102 participants! Wow, we figured you were all vacationing. It was a pleasure to have you on the call along with our national partners from FRAC. THANK YOU for all you do to serve low income Massachusetts households. 

Federal Updates & Labor Day media push: