MA state agencies partner to help connect Veterans with healthy food

The Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) and Department of Veterans’ Services (DVS) recently announced a new partnership to reduce food insecurity among veterans.

DTA, the department that administers the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly food stamps), will work with Veterans Service Organizations to enroll more low-income veterans in SNAP. SNAP provides individuals and families with modest benefits to buy food that is needed for good health. An estimated 7 percent of Massachusetts veterans currently receive SNAP.

This initiative will also include training and resource development on SNAP for agencies working with veterans. Collaboration between DTA and DVS will provide those who served our country with improved access to the benefits they need.

Nearly 315,000 veterans live in Massachusetts, and two-thirds are seniors (age 60+), who often live on limited fixed incomes and trade-off between medicine, heating, and healthy food. Additionally, recent studies indicate that young veterans face higher rates of unemployment and food insecurity.

To help reach veterans facing food insecurity, GBFB has partnered with American Legion Posts and community health centers to offer free mobile markets monthly in Melrose, Newton, Revere, and Bedford.