GBFB Applauds the MA State Legislature and Governor Healey for Prioritizing Hunger-Relief Investments in FY24 Budget

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

GBFB Applauds the MA State Legislature and Governor Healey for Prioritizing Hunger-Relief Investments in FY24 Budget

BOSTON (August 9, 2023) On Wednesday, the Massachusetts Legislature and Massachusetts Governor, Maura Healey passed the Fiscal Year 2024 state budget for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, which included historic hunger-relief investments. The Greater Boston Food Bank (GBFB) joins hunger-relief allies across the state in applauding the legislature and Governor for delivering a budget that prioritizes food security for the residents of Massachusetts.

Some FY24 State Budget hunger-relief investments include:

• Permanent funding for School Meals for All
• $35.5M for the Massachusetts Emergency Food Assistance Program (MEFAP)
  • This line item also included several infrastructure investments in local food programs.
• $1M for the Hunger Free Campus Initiative
• $5M for the Healthy Incentives Program (HIP)
• A 10% increase in cash assistance for low-income families with children, seniors, and persons with disabilities
• $25M for Food Security Infrastructure Grants
• Additional funding for local anti-hunger initiatives across the state

Our state continues to grapple with unprecedented levels of need, fueled by the persistently high cost of living in Eastern Massachusetts and the ending of COVID-era SNAP benefits. As many GBFB emergency food distribution partners report experiencing higher numbers of clients seeking food assistance than during the height of the pandemic, these urgently needed hunger mitigation programs and policies are paramount to serving the 1 in 3 people facing food insecurity in Massachusetts.

About The Greater Boston Food Bank
The Greater Boston Food Bank (GBFB) is the largest hunger-relief organization in New England and among the largest food banks in the country. As the food bank for Eastern Massachusetts, GBFB is feeding people in 190 towns across the region, distributing the equivalent of nearly 90 million meals through a network of 600 dedicated food distribution partners and programs. A member of the national Feeding America network, GBFB’s mission is to end hunger here. The organization remains committed to the belief that access to healthy food is a human right regardless of an individual’s circumstances. Through policy, partnerships, and providing free, nutritious, and culturally responsive food, GBFB is committed to addressing the root causes of food insecurity while promoting racial, gender and economic equity in food access. For more information and to help us help others, visit us at GBFB.org, follow us on Facebook, Twitter (@gr8bosfoodbank) and Instagram, or call us at 617-427-5200.

Media Contact
Catherine Lynn
GBFB
VP, Communications and Public Affairs
617.828.7422
press@gbfb.org