What's new at MLS

Change to DTA Interview Calls DTA is making a change to how interview calls are made in SNAP cases. This change is scheduled to happen this Thursday, August 11.  Clients applying for SNAP are required to have an interview. Clients doing a recertification are also required to have an…

MLRI has gotten some calls about whether strikers qualify for SNAP. As you likely know from the press, unionized Verizon workers have been on strike since mid April. DTA recently issued some SNAP guidance which we think is misleading because it does not mention when someone is NOT considered to be…

Across the nation, and within Massachusetts, more schools are offering universal free meals - breakfast and lunch - to low income students. Between SY2014/15 and SY2015/16 (this school year), the number of school districts that are eligible for the "community eligibility provision"…

WBUR issued a powerful story this AM about the surge in demand on homeless shelters in the state, With Homeless Shelters Already Full, Boston And State Collaborate On Winter Plan  noting: "... across the state, men and women are staying longer in shelters, becoming what’s known…

Many of you have asked for SNAP data by city/town or Zip code on the impact of the SNAP caseload reduction in Massachusetts.  While the SNAP caseload has indeed started to turn the corner and increase since May 2015, the MA caseload has still suffered a serious decline.  We are providing you with a…

SNAP Caseload Update - MA continues to improve USDA data shows .6% increase in Massachusetts for July 2015. For the third month in a row, the SNAP household participation has increased. The most recent available data posted in October for July 2015 shows a .6% increase for MA. The…

Please see email from Frank Martinez Nocito re second round of FINI grants announced by USDA. If your organization is interested in applying, please contact Frank at DTA directly. And REMINDER -  Statewide Food for Good Conference at UMass Amherst on Friday, October 30th! Central MA…

We are writing to give you more updates of PROGRESS being made in Massachusetts!  Some of this is "in the weeds" -  but since many of you ask about or follow this stuff so, here goes:  1.  BEACON System Improvements for SNAP Applications and Interim Reporting:…

Greetings and welcome to September The following email is to give you some brief updates on recent SNAP policy items of interest. 1) SNAP and Medical Expense Deduction: In its August 2015 Transitions Magazine, DTA included a number of Policy Hotline questions and answers for…

Please see attached letter from Commissioner McCue regarding changes at the Springfield State St. DTA office.    TODAY, July 31, will be the last day for walk-in services at the State Street location. Starting on Monday, August 3, DTA will move services for walk-in clients to…