Creating a Common Application through the FY23 Budget

The MetroWest Food Collaborative recently joined the Common Apps Coalition, which is led by Massachusetts Law Reform Institute and the National Association of Social Workers - MA Chapter. The Common Apps Coalition is advocating for the creation of a true Common Application - or a “no wrong door” policy - for public benefits in the Commonwealth. This will allow low-income Massachusetts families the option to apply for more available needs-based benefits and reduce duplication of information and verifications. This campaign builds upon advocacy done by the SNAP Gap Coalition, which succeeded in an important step towards closing the “SNAP Gap” by allowing low-income residents applying for healthcare to be able to seamlessly use their MassHealth or Medicare Savings Program applications for SNAP benefits. A true common application is the final step to help our state's most vulnerable residents meet all of their basic needs, including fuel assistance, childcare, WIC, state veterans’ services, and more. In order to cross the finish line, we are urging members of the House and Senate to include outside section language in the FY23 budget to ensure permanent change. Other states have done this, and we believe Massachusetts has the smarts and technology skills to get this done.

FY23 Budget Fact Sheet Common App Campaign

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FY23 Senate Budget Amendment #625 - Common App Fact Sheet

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The Massachusetts Healthy Incentives Program (HIP)

The MetroWest Food Collaborative supports the Healthy Incentives Program and “An Act Relative to an Agricultural Healthy Incentives Program” (S.108/ H.250). The Massachusetts Food System Collaborative, has led the Campaign for HIP Funding for five years. HIP leverages federal SNAP funds by incentivizing SNAP recipients’ purchases of fresh fruits and vegetables directly from farmers, improving health outcomes for vulnerable communities and increasing sales for local farms. This bill will establish the framework for the program’s long-term sustainability.

School Meals for All

The MetroWest Food Collaborative is a part of the Feed Kids Coalition, which is led by Project Bread. The Feed Kids Coalition is advocating to pass “An Act Relative to Universal School Meals” (H.714/S.314) to ensure that, while at school, every child is fed and ready to learn without worrying about cost or stigma. Universal school meals — school meals available at no-cost to every student — have benefits that extend far beyond the lunch table. Research shows when a child is well fed, they perform better in school, are at lower risk for obesity, and adjust to social situations better. Additionally, by making meal access universal, we help remove stigma around economic status and family situation—creating a more equitable and just educational environment.