Amendment ID: S3029-24

Amendment 24

FoodSource Hotline

Messrs. Oliveira and Tarr move that the proposed new draft be amended by inserting after section ___ the following section:-                                                                                                                          “SECTION _____.  Chapter 18 of the general laws is hereby amended by adding after Section 39 the following new Section: 

Section 40.  There is hereby established a Food Source Hotline Program to increase the commonwealth’s participation rate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and other federal nutrition programs. The statewide food assistance helpline shall connect residents to food resources, benefits, and support. Said program shall be administered by Project Bread, a statewide food insecurity non-profit organization and shall help residents navigate complex systems to access food systems assistance; help reduce language and confusion about eligibility for food assistance programs and provide real-time support during crises or financial hardship.

The Program shall provide personalized, one-on-one assistance, including but not limited to a) SNAP screening for eligibility, b) finding local food resources for food insecure individuals and families, c) connecting and supporting programs for children & families such as school meals and summer eats, d) supporting using SNAP benefits for fresh produce (HIP program) and e) providing direction and support for accessing other nutrition programs such as WIC and Meals on Wheels."