Press Release  As Trump Cuts Food Assistance, Governor Healey Creates Statewide Task Force to Prevent Hunger

Medford — Today, Governor Maura Healey signed an Executive Order creating an Anti-Hunger Task Force that will work to prevent Massachusetts families from going hungry as President Trump cuts food assistance for children, seniors, veterans and people with disabilities. The task force is a public-private partnership that will bring together leaders from state and local government, food banks, non-profits and business leaders, as well as those who are directly impacted by federal cuts, such as SNAP recipients, farmers and small business owners. They will advise the Governor and produce recommendations for how Massachusetts can mitigate against President Trump’s cuts to SNAP and other food assistance programs and adopt long-term solutions to hunger.

“President Trump’s cuts are going to force millions of people – children, seniors, veterans, people with disabilities – into hunger. They’re also going to hurt local farmers and retailers who rely on these programs to support their business and create jobs. In Massachusetts, we won’t accept that,” said Governor Healey. “That’s why I’m bringing together the incredible leaders who work every day to provide food to families in need as well as those who will be directly impacted by these cuts to advise on how we can prevent hunger in our communities.”

“We know that Team Massachusetts is full of leaders across the public and private sectors who are committed to ending hunger and who have valuable insights for how we can work together to mitigate the negative impacts of President Trump’s cuts to food assistance,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “Their partnership will be invaluable as we navigate these challenges and do everything we can to support our residents, and we thank them for stepping up to join this task force.”   

Earlier this month, President Trump signed a law that cuts SNAP benefits, imposes new and burdensome eligibility requirements, and fundamentally alters its cost-sharing partnership with the states. As a result, thousands of Massachusetts residents who rely on SNAP to keep food on the table may lose this assistance. These cuts will also hurt farmers and small businesses by taking away business from them. President Trump has also previously cancelled $12 million in federal funding to provide local, healthy food to child care programs and schools, $3.4 million from a program that provided food to food banks, and another $6 million to a program that purchased food from local farmers to provide healthy local food to families in need.

The task force will work in coordination with existing food security initiatives in Massachusetts, including Make Hunger History, a statewide, cross-sector initiative of 300+ organizations led by Project Bread to create a coordinated, community-informed roadmap to end hunger in Massachusetts.

The Greater Boston Food Bank recently released their Cost of Hunger in Massachusetts 2025 report, which found that 1 in 3 Massachusetts households experienced food insecurity in 2024. Rates of hunger in Massachusetts have steadily risen over the past five years, growing from 19 percent in 2019 to 37 percent in 2024. Programs like SNAP and school meals, which President Trump has targeted for cuts, have been proven to be effective in reducing food insecurity.

Anti-Hunger Task Force members include:

• Co-Chair: Secretary of Health and Human Services Kiame Mahaniah, or his designee
• Co-Chair: Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs Rebecca Tepper, or her designee
• Co-Chair: Secretary of Education Patrick Tutwiler, or his designee
• Secretary of Administration and Finance Matthew J. Gorzkowicz, or his designee
• Aging and Independence Secretary Robin Lipson, of her designee
• Secretary of Economic Development Ashley Stolba, or her designee
• Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Lauren Jones, or her designee
• Secretary of Technology Services and Security Jason Synder, or his designee
• Secretary of Transportation Monica Tibbits-Nutt, or her designee  
• The Commissioner of the Department of Agricultural Resources Ashley Randle, or her designee
• The Commissioner of the Department of Early Education and Care Amy Kershaw, or her designee
• Commissioner of Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Pedro Martinez, or his designee
• Commissioner of the Department of Higher Education Noe Ortega, or his designee
• Commissioner of the Department of Public Health Robbie Goldstein, or his designee
• Commissioner of the Department of Transitional Assistance Jeff McCue, or his designee
• Executive Director of the Office for Refugees and Immigrants Cristina Aguilera, or her designee
• Treasurer and Receiver General Deborah B. Goldberg, or her designee
• 2 members of the House of Representatives designated by the Speaker of the House
• 2 members of the Senate designated by the Senate President
• 1 designee from Project Bread
• 1 designee from Greater Boston Food Bank
• 1 designee from Worcester County Food Bank
• 1 designee from Food Bank of Western Massachusetts
• 1 designee from Merrimack Valley Food Bank
• 1 designee from Massachusetts Law Reform Institute
• 1 designee from Massachusetts Food System Collaborative
• 1 designee from Massachusetts Association for Community Action
• 1 designee from Massachusetts Municipal Association
• 1 designee from the United Way
• And such additional members as the Governor may appoint from geographic areas across the state who represent interested constituencies, including but not limited to, SNAP recipients, farmers, fishers, food producers and growers, food manufacturers and retailers, statewide hunger relief organizations, legal services, faith communities, tribal organizations, veterans, philanthropy, municipal organizations, councils on aging, and business leaders.

Statements from Task Force Members:

Health and Human Services Secretary Kiame Mahaniah, Co-Chair:

“No one should have to wonder where their next meal is coming from. From administering WIC to delivering our senior meal programs, our administration works every day to preserve access to food for residents at every stage of life. In the face of new challenges on the federal level, the creation of this task force reaffirms our commitment to this work and to alleviating food insecurity across the Commonwealth.”

Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper, Co-Chair:

“At a time when people continue to struggle to feed their families in Massachusetts and farmers continue to face challenges in growing the food that sustains us, it’s disappointing to see that the federal government is not stepping up to bring solutions to these issues. Through this task force, Massachusetts will continue to lead in the fight against food insecurity and supporting our farms, making sure that those who may be affected by these cuts will have the resources at their disposal to have access to fresh locally grown food.”

Education Secretary Dr. Patrick Tutwiler, Co-Chair:

“These devastating cuts to SNAP are just the latest action by Donald Trump that harms our students, schools, farmers, local businesses and economy. The Trump Administration already ended the FY25 Farm to School program and slashed $12 million in federal funding that would have provided local, healthy food to the state’s child care programs and schools. In Massachusetts, we remain committed to supporting residents’ hierarchy of needs – so people can learn, work, and thrive, meeting their own economic mobility goals.”

Administration and Finance Secretary Matthew J. Gorzkowicz:

“In this moment of economic uncertainty, our administration is using every tool at our disposal to protect Massachusetts’s communities and support vulnerable residents, from recently signing a responsible budget for Fiscal Year 2026 to convening this Task Force to take on hunger. By addressing both urgent food security issues and developing long-term solutions, this Task Force will strengthen our state’s ability to thrive under any future economic conditions.”

Aging and Independence Secretary Robin Lipson:

"Access to nutritious food is essential for healthy aging, and these cuts threaten the well-being of thousands of older adults across Massachusetts. Decreased funding of SNAP benefits, coupled with the increased cost of food impacting programs like Meals on Wheels and Congregate Meals, will make it harder for many to access food. The Governor’s leadership in creating this task force is critical to ensuring we protect our most vulnerable residents and work together on sustainable solutions that preserve dignity and independence for older adults."

Interim Economic Development Secretary Ashley Stolba:

“Hunger holds people back—from learning, working, and living healthy, fulfilling lives. The Anti-Hunger Task Force will help us develop a plan to ensure every resident has the nourishment they need to thrive, while strengthening our economy and reducing long-term costs for us all.”  

Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Lauren Jones:

“These SNAP cuts will have a significant impact on Massachusetts workers with hunger and food insecurity, impacting employee productivity while distracting from activities that promote economic mobility, like learning new skills. The Healey-Driscoll administration’s collaboration across government and with community partners will help mitigate the impact of these federal cuts and reduce food insecurity for Massachusetts’ most vulnerable residents.”  

Technology Services and Security Secretary and State CIO Jason Snyder:

“This administration has prioritized improving the resident digital experience to provide accessible, simple and secure experiences. Addressing hunger and food insecurity means meeting our residents where they are, whether it’s mobile-friendly digital interactions or adapting to residents’ diverse and changing needs.”  

Transportation Secretary and CEO Monica Tibbits-Nutt:

“The Healey-Driscoll Administration has an unwavering commitment to building a better society for everyone in the state – making investments which connect people to jobs, schools, healthcare, transportation networks and each other. No one in this state is going to be left behind as we build a more equitable future for our residents, and the Anti-Hunger Task Force will ensure we support thousands of our friends and neighbors who are losing food assistance - we want them to know they are cared for and supported in their time of need.”

Department of Agricultural Resources Commissioner Ashley Randle:

“Massachusetts has been a leader in connecting vulnerable families to fresh, healthy, local food through many innovative programs over the last several decades. Many of them were supported with federal funds, and several even served as models for national programs launched by federal agencies. As the federal government reduces its commitment to these programs, we must ensure that farms and fisheries and the food they produce remain an essential part of building food security in the state. I look forward to working with my colleagues in state government and the stakeholder community to ensure that the Commonwealth continues to craft creative solutions to ensure that all Massachusetts residents have access to food from our local farms and fisheries.”

Early Education and Care Commissioner Amy Kershaw:

"Access to nutritious food is foundational to a child’s ability to grow, learn and thrive, and the Governor’s new Anti-Hunger Task Force comes at a critical moment for families across Massachusetts. We look forward to working with state partners in our shared commitment to ensuring that no child goes hungry, and that every family has the support they need to meet their basic needs."

Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Pedro Martinez:

"With federal cuts making it more difficult for vulnerable families to feed their children, this Anti-Hunger Task Force will help address one of students' basic needs. As with state-supported universal free school meals, convening this task force shows the state's commitment to food security."

Higher Education Commissioner Noe Ortega:

“Many Massachusetts college students struggle with the cost of books, supplies and living expenses, including food. I’m grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration for its commitment to food security, which too often interferes with students’ ability to stay enrolled and graduate with the degree needed to earn a better living.”  

Department of Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein:

“Food is medicine. Having local access to nutritious food improves health and builds stronger communities. As a state, we have a long history of providing equitable access to public health supports that promote food security – and we will continue to lead the way. The Anti-Hunger Task Force can, and will, leverage the robust infrastructure that exists in this state – from the Women, Infants, and Children Nutrition program that provides food and support to 45 percent of newborns and families in the state, to the network of community-based organizations that bring local food to community tables. At a time when the rising cost of groceries is resulting in food insecurity for so many, we should be leaning in to remove barriers to access, not creating them.”

Department of Transitional Assistance Commissioner Jeff McCue:

"Governor Healey is taking bold action to protect Massachusetts families from the devastating SNAP cuts Congress just imposed, and her leadership couldn't be more needed. These federal changes will rip food assistance away from thousands of older adults, working families and immigrant communities, forcing them to choose between rent and groceries while dumping up to $400 million in costs onto our state and our taxpayers. Governor Healey's Anti-Hunger Taskforce represents the bold, compassionate leadership Massachusetts residents deserve, bringing together everyone from state agencies to local farmers to build real solutions when the federal government has failed them. We're going to fight tooth and nail to make sure no one goes hungry, because in Massachusetts we don’t walk away from those in need."

Office for Refugees and Immigrants Executive Director Cristina Aguilera:

“No one in our community should go to bed hungry. This task force is crucial to mitigate the impact on families of these federal cuts to vital food programs. I look forward to working with colleagues, task force members, and the community to prevent gaps in food access, coordinate resources, and protect our most vulnerable residents and our Office for Refugees and Immigrants Constituents from the injustice of food insecurity."

Treasurer and Receiver General Deborah B. Goldberg:

"As someone formerly in the grocery business and a long time advocate in the fight against hunger, I know firsthand how difficult access to food can be. With shrinking federal funding, this task force will bring voices from across Massachusetts to find real and coordinated solutions. I am honored to have the opportunity to contribute to this essential work.”

Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland):

“President Trump and Congressional Republicans have made cruel choices that will needlessly leave people hungry. The Senate has fought back by funding food programs in our FY26 budget, and today’s announcement builds on that by doing what Massachusetts does best: working together and finding creative solutions to protect those who need support.”

Erin McAleer, President and CEO, Project Bread: 
“We’re deeply grateful to Governor Healey for her leadership and for making clear that hunger, and mitigating the devastating federal cuts that will increase hardship for hundreds of thousands of Massachusetts families, demands urgent, coordinated action. Hunger is a policy choice, and we know from experience that bold state-level leadership can make a real difference in people’s lives. Massachusetts has never shied away from a challenge, and this task force is a testament to what’s possible when government, advocates, and communities come together. Project Bread is proud to serve on this task force and to continue our work through Make Hunger History to ensure that those most impacted by hunger are leading the way forward.”

Catherine D’Amato, President and CEO, The Greater Boston Food Bank:

“The Healey-Driscoll Administration understands that hunger is a big problem and that doing nothing in the face of cuts to important programs like SNAP is not an option. We are grateful that this administration continues to build upon a strong history of support for programs like the Massachusetts Emergency Food Assistance Program and school meals.  SNAP is our nation’s first defense against hunger and is a critical part of supporting the work that food banks like GBFB and our partners do to ensure that the 1 in 3 people facing food insecurity in Massachusetts are empowered to live more productive and healthy lives.”

Jean McMurray, CEO, Worcester County Food Bank:

“The funding cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in the budget bill recently passed by Congress are the deepest in the program’s 50-year history and represent the historic dismantling of the nutrition safety net. We applaud Governor Healey and Lt. Governor Driscoll for their proactive leadership and creating the Task Force in response to the federal administration’s action. Worcester County Food Bank stands ready to collaborate with Task Force Members and contribute to this statewide effort to provide systemic and sustainable solutions.”

Andrew Morehouse, Executive Director, Food Bank of Western Massachusetts:

“The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts is grateful to Governor Healey for establishing this task force and inviting us to be a member along with the other three food banks, Project Bread, and other experts committed to ending hunger.  We are already facing historically high levels of food insecurity with deep federal budget cuts looming on the horizon that will exacerbate it. This task force will position the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to deliver on the vision of a Commonwealth with food security for all Massachusetts residents.”

Debbie Callery, Executive Director, Merrimack Valley Food Bank:

“The Merrimack Valley Food Bank is thrilled to be part of this important Task Force and join with other like-minded organizations and officials to find the best ways to effectively combat the food insecurity that too many people across Massachusetts are facing. As new federal policies take effect, we anticipate more people will need help feeding their families, and we look forward to working with this task force to ensure that need is met.”

Kristina Pechulis, Executive Director, MA Food System Collaborative:

"The Massachusetts Food System Collaborative is pleased to be included in the Healey-Driscoll Administration's newly announced Hunger Relief and Food Security Task Force. When the federal government is shirking its responsibilities to the well-being of the most vulnerable members of our communities by enacting the largest cuts to SNAP in history, and cutting vital local food system programs, the state needs to step up and continue to lead to end hunger and support the local food system. We look forward to identifying solutions that include Massachusetts farmers and fishermen and those with lived experience with food insecurity."

Patricia Baker, Senior Policy Advocate, Mass Law Reform Institute:

“The imminent federal cuts to SNAP and cost shift to states are both stunning and cruel. The President and Republicans in Congress voted to inflict significant harm to the nation’s most vulnerable families, grocers and local economies - harm that will be felt for years to come. MLRI and the civil legal aid community are grateful to Governor Healey for speaking out. We are committed to working with the Administration and General Court to mitigate the harm, protect SNAP and ensure that no family in Massachusetts goes hungry.”

Joe Diamond, Executive Director, MASSCAP:

“We commend and are grateful for the Governor’s leadership in working with community leaders, service providers, state elected and appointed officials, those in need, and others to understand what is driving increased food insecurity, including cuts to SNAP, and how we can work together to build on existing systems, networks, and state programs to meet this most fundamental of needs.  We are honored to serve on the Anti-Hunger Task Force.”

Marty Martinez, President and Chief Executive Officer, United Way of Massachusetts Bay:

“The magnitude of these federal policy actions are threatening to dismantle the very support systems that thousands of individuals and families rely upon.  The disruption of these impacts will require all of us to work together to act swiftly now, and to fundamentally rethink how we fund this work and ensure access to food assistance in the future.  We look forward to working alongside the Healey-Driscoll administration, the State Legislature, community-based organizations, business leaders and other members of the task force to protect essential safety net services like these and the progress Massachusetts has made in ensuring no child or individual goes hungry.” 

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