MEFAP Receives $18.8 M in House Ways & Means Budget

The House Committee on Ways and Means released its Fiscal Year 2020 budget recommendations today, funding the Massachusetts Emergency Food Assistance Program (MEFAP) at $18.8 million.

This $800,000 funding increase would allow the Commonwealth’s four food banks to provide over 1,000,000 additional healthy meals. More hungry children, seniors, and families will have access to nutritious food thanks to your advocacy.

In these times of unprecedented federal uncertainty, impending threats to critical food assistance programs make state programs like MEFAP even more critical. With one in 10 people in the Commonwealth unsure of where their next meal is coming from, legislators need to hear why #MEFAPMatters to you and your community.

Take Action:

1. Express Thanks!
   • Thank Chair Michlewitz and members of the House Ways and Means Committee for supporting our neighbors in need!
   • Thank Representative Ann-Margaret Ferrante for her leadership on MEFAP!
2. Encourage Action!
   • Contact your state representative and ask her/him to support for MEFAP during the budget debate.
   • Find your state Representative and Senator here.
   • When connected with your legislator’s office, state that you are a constituent, give your name and the town you are calling from, and let them know you are calling about MEFAP (line item DAR 2511-0105).

   Sample Script:

   Hello Representative [LAST NAME]. My name is [YOUR NAME] and I am constituent from [CITY/TOWN] in your district. I am contacting you today about the Massachusetts Emergency Food Assistance Program, also known as MEFAP.

   The House Ways and Means Committee recommended to fund this program at $18.8 million. This program is important to me and my community, and I am asking for your support.

   Share a personal story about hunger if you feel comfortable.

   Thank you for your time.

   • For more talking points on the benefits of MEFAP, read here.
3. Spread the Word!
   • Share on Facebook and Twitter why #MEFAPMatters and tag @GR8BosFoodBank.
   • Sign on to our petition supporting the increase of MEFAP 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 Director of Communications and Public Affairs, Catherine Drennan, at cdrennan@gbfb.org.