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Food banks and farmers urge restoration and expansion of SNAP, MEFAP and HIP funding after federal cuts
Summary
Food‑security advocates and farmers told the committee that federal reductions and a December state benefit cap cut to the Healthy Incentives Program have sharply reduced sales and household purchasing power; the Greater Boston Food Bank and farmer witnesses urged $55.5M for MEFAP and $25M for HIP in FY26.
Food‑security organizations, food‑bank operators and farmers told the Joint Committee on Ways and Means that federal program reductions and recent state changes to benefit caps have already reduced access to healthy food and hurt sales at local farms and pantries.
The Greater Boston Food Bank asked for $55.5 million to bolster the Massachusetts Emergency Food Assistance Program (MEFAP), saying the network now serves 600,000 people per month and faces a $3.5 million federal funding loss. “MEFAP ensures that all residents, regardless of…
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