What's new at MLS

TO: SNAP Coalition Members FR:  Pat Baker   Just a reminder of the Health Care for All Health Justice Academy series (every Wednesday in October), including this afternoon's 3 PM webinar on "Food and nutrition challenges, resources, and opportunities for immigrant…

 A number of updates below after Tuesday's Coalition meeting - This is a long one, but we have a lot of info to get to you all! Thank you to Ellen Vollinger from the Food Research and Action Center for her presentation on the federal landscape and to Brittany Mangini from DTA for her…

We have two piece of BIG news in P-EBT land:   1.  P-EBT for September:  DTA and DESE pursued and were approved for September P-EBT benefits for Massachusetts students. This includes P-EBT for the delayed start of schools as well as P-EBT for any children in remote learning…

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…

In follow up to Tuesday’s SNAP Coalition meeting, there are important updates we’d like to share.  In terms of a “perfect storm” of challenges, in early August many parts of MA suffered extensive power outages in early August; the $600/week federal pandemic unemployment…

We are writing to give you some critical updates on public charge, current data on the number of Pandemic EBT (P-EBT) cards that remain unpinned, and the school districts that might be able to elect universal free school meal status (Community Eligibility Provision or CEP).   Public…

When it comes to how to best support the efforts of the SNAP Coalition and the anti-hunger community towards anti-racism and equitable policy changes, we at MLRI are constantly learning, and want to continue learning from all of you. Below we have compiled some resources and information, along with…

Important updates on filing DTA benefit applications by phone & P-EBT. As always, see MLRI's COVID-19 google doc for up to date info (and here on P-EBT).    DTA now accepts applications by phone for SNAP and cash assistance!   DTA now has an option to…

DTA updates - interviews, June supp, P-EBT    Application interviews: FNS did not accept DTA's request to extend the waiver of the SNAP application interview for households who have provided all mandatory proofs. All SNAP applicants will be required to have a phone…

Thanks to all who joined the SNAP Coalition call this AM.  And special thanks for the state updates from Brittany Mangini of DTA and the national updates from Ellen Vollinger of FRAC.  We have some important information to share both P-EBT cards and a new SNAP phone application…