MEFAP Breakfast

State legislators and local hunger-relief providers gathered March 20th to support increased funding for the Massachusetts Emergency Food Assistance Program (MEFAP) at the Food Bank Coalition of Massachusetts’ annual MEFAP Legislative Breakfast.

MEFAP is an item in the state budget that provides millions of dollars to the four Massachusetts food banks to purchase healthy food for the 700,000 people struggling with hunger in our state. By partnering with over 30 local farmers and food vendors, the food banks purchase over 4 million pounds of fresh, locally grown produce, investing directly back into the Massachusetts economy.

Last year, MEFAP was funded at $18 million. This year, GBFB and anti-hunger advocates across the state are asking for $20 million in funding, which enable the state’s four food banks to provide almost 25 million healthy meals to Massachusetts families and seniors.

The breakfast featured speeches from food bankers and local policymakers on the importance of MEFAP to those struggling with hunger in Massachusetts. Speakers included GBFB Director of Communications and Public Affairs Catherine Drennan, GBFB Vice President of Food Acquisition and Supply Chain Cheryl Schondek, Worcester County Food Bank Executive Director Jean McMurray, Natasha Rodriguez of Catholic Charities Worcester, State Senator Eric Lesser (D-Longmeadow), State Representative Ann-Margaret Ferrante (D-Gloucester), State Representative Jim Hawkins (D-Attleboro), and Food Bank of Western Massachusetts Director of Programs Christina Maxwell.

To show your support for support for MEFAP, sign on to The Greater Boston Food Bank’s petition to increase funding to $20 million.

If you would like more information about MEFAP and its importance to Massachusetts, read more on our website. If you have any further questions, please contact GBFB Director of Communications and Public Affairs Catherine Drennan at cdrennan@gbfb.org.