I’m posting today to share a letter from Martha, our director here at the Worcester Food Policy Council. If you haven’t done this already, could you please pick up the phone and call your senator today? It’s the best way to let them know that you care about healthy food access for all of our neighbors!
Dear Food Advocates,
I hope that you are doing well. I hope to bump into you at the REC plant sale this Saturday from 9:30am- 2pm at City Hall Common. Don’t forget to bring your soil to get tested!
Last month we asked you to take action on the House budget. Now it’s time to talk to our State Senators about their budget. We need YOUR help to make sure our senators fund the HIP legislation and the SNAP Gap legislation. A REC customer shared “I think HIP should be year round. It’s beneficial for everyone. There is nothing better than eating healthy, fresh, and local. It’s a win-win for everyone.” Ilir talks about his family’s experience with HIP here. SNAP gap legislation will ensure that more Worcester Families are getting access to SNAP, which is the most stable source of food. These two budget items help us to achieve a more just food system for all.
$8.5 million for the Healthy Incentives Program (HIP). HIP helps SNAP customers buy more fresh fruits and veggies, while supporting local farmers. It matches SNAP money spent at participating farmers markets, mobile markets, farm stands, and CSAs. This funding is urgently needed if we want HIP to be able to run year-round and serve areas that don’t currently have HIP sales points. Read more powerful stories collected by REC here
“SNAP Gap” pilot initiative. This would make it possible for low-income Massachusetts residents to apply for MassHealth and SNAP at the same time. It would support food access for 741,000 people in our state who use MassHealth and qualify for SNAP but are not enrolled.
| Take Action Today! |
Your senator needs to hear from you now about why the HIP, SNAP Gap and MEFAP budget amendments matter. Call or e-mail today!
Don’t know who your state senator is? Click here.
When you call, you will likely be connected to a staff member who will take your message. Make sure to let them know:
Your name, your town of residence, and that you are a constituent.
That you are asking them to sign on to:
- The HIP amendment sponsored by Senator Gobi
- The SNAP Gap amendment sponsored by Senator DiDomenico
- The MEFAP amendment sponsored by Senator Lesser
Why you care about these programs and why they are so important for supporting healthy food access and ending hunger.
Want more ideas for what to say? Click here for some quick facts on HIP and here for information on the SNAP Gap.
I greatly appreciate you speaking up,
Martha Assefa
