Press Release  Healey-Driscoll Administration Releases Anti-Hunger Task Force Recommendations to Protect Massachusetts Families

Boston — The Healey-Driscoll Administration today released a comprehensive set of recommendations on how Massachusetts can combat rising food insecurity and protect Massachusetts residents against President Donald Trump’s long-term cuts to food assistance programs, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and adopt solutions to hunger.    

These recommendations, developed in collaboration with Governor Maura Healey’s Anti-Hunger Task Force, outline a roadmap to strengthen nutrition programs, support the emergency food system, and ensure families across Massachusetts can access healthy, local and affordable food. 

Governor Healey created the task force after President Trump and Congressional Republicans passed a bill that makes severe changes to the SNAP program that could put an estimated 150,000 Massachusetts residents at risk of losing some or all of their SNAP benefits. Nearly one million Massachusetts residents rely on SNAP to afford food, including 31 percent who are children, 26 percent older adults, and 32 percent people with disabilities. Additionally, more than 5,500 farms and local grocery stores depend on SNAP revenues. 

“At a time when families are already struggling with the cost of groceries, President Trump’s cuts to food assistance are pushing even more people into hunger,” said Governor Maura Healey. “These recommendations show how Massachusetts is stepping up — to protect families, support our farmers and small businesses, and make sure everyone has access to healthy, affordable food. I’m grateful to the members of the Anti-Hunger Task Force for their thoughtful work and to the many families, farmers, and community members who shared their feedback along the way. We’re going to keep using every tool we have to lower costs and fight hunger across our state.” 

“Access to nutritious food is fundamental to people’s health, stability and success,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “This plan reflects what we heard directly from communities across Massachusetts and lays out clear steps to strengthen food access and support families in every region of our state.” 

The Task Force met throughout the fall and winter and hosted six listening sessions across the state to hear directly from residents, local government, retailers, food pantries, farmers, schools, and other community members. This included two virtual sessions and in-person sessions in Dighton, Springfield, Charlton, and Haverhill. 

The recommendations focus on five key areas: 

• Supporting and strengthening SNAP clients and infrastructure 
• Maximizing other nutrition programs 
• Supporting the emergency food system 
• Building rural resiliency and sustaining local food systems 

“In the face of federal apathy, Massachusetts is determined to find solutions that keep kids and families fed” said Health and Human Services Secretary Kiame Mahaniah, MD. “These Anti-Hunger Task Force recommendations are an important step forward in enabling access to good food which, in turn, will lead to good health for residents across the Commonwealth.” 

“Our farmers are the backbone of our rural economy and are critical to addressing food security," said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. "The need for food assistance has never been greater. With these recommendations, we're ensuring that the most vulnerable in our state will continue to have access to healthy, locally grown food in Massachusetts." 

“Families’ access to nutrition programs has never been more important,” said Secretary of Education Stephen Zrike. “I want to thank all of the Anti-Hunger Task Force members for their thoughtful participation and dedication to this work. In Massachusetts, we remain focused on seeing that all students can access healthy food, whether at a child care, afterschool or summer program, school or on campus.” 

The Healey-Driscoll Administration is already taking action to implement some of the recommendations. In her FY27 budget, Governor Healey proposed a new tax credit of up to $5,000 for Massachusetts farmers that donate excess food to food banks and pantries to cut down on food waste and provide needed resources for food banks and pantries, all while supporting farmers. The Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) has hired 76 new caseworkers and recently posted additional caseworker positions to process SNAP applications and support eligible residents access benefits, in addition to Governor Healey filing a budget request for $41 million to sustain DTA staffing. The Administration has also supported investments in DTA IT infrastructure to support technology platforms to ensure availability and stability of the systems case managers use to complete their work. 

“Through our own hard work at DTA and with the help of many partnerships, we are dedicated to the people of Massachusetts and making sure that they can put food on the table, - no matter what happens at the federal level,” said DTA Commissioner Michael Cole. “Although the landscape is frequently changing and this report outlines the many shifts we have to navigate, it also makes it clear there are actions that we can all take that can help everyone fight hunger.” 

In alignment with many of the recommendations, Governor Healey’s fiscal year 2027 budget includes $338 million in anti-hunger program investments, representing a nearly 12% increase over fiscal year 2026 funding. That includes $29.7 million to fully fund the Healthy Incentives Program, $55 million for food banks and food pantries, $18 million increase for universal free school meals and funding to support food security on college campuses. 

“Donald Trump and his administration may have a disregard for the well-being of the people they serve, but in Massachusetts we refuse to engage in the kind of cruelty that takes food off families’ tables," said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). "The Senate is proud to have led on food security measures, and we will continue to do everything we can to ensure our residents have access to nutritious food when they need it. I applaud Governor Healey for establishing this task force and thank its members for their thoughtful work. I look forward to reviewing its recommendations.” 

The full report and recommendations can be found online at Mass.gov/governors-anti-hunger-task-force.  

Statements of Support from Task Force Members 

State Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg: 
"As a longtime advocate in the fight against hunger, I know how lack of access to food impacts every aspect of life. Over the past nine months, this task force brought together voices from across our state to create real and coordinated solutions for our Massachusetts families. It was an honor to contribute to its essential work." 

Senator Jo Comerford (D-Northampton), Co-Chair of the Legislature’s Food System Caucus: 
“Massachusetts must do all it can to bridge the gap left by federal cuts to food assistance programs, especially as food insecurity rises, amid an affordability crisis. I am grateful to Governor Healey for convening this cross-agency Anti-Hunger Task Force, and to Senate President Karen Spilka for the opportunity to serve. Under the leadership of Co-Chairs, the Task Force has advanced urgent, innovative solutions to combat hunger and food insecurity across the Commonwealth. I look forward to working with my colleagues to turn these recommendations into action.” 

Representative Hannah Kane (R-11th Worcester), Co-chair of the Legislature’s Food System Caucus: 
“Massachusetts is an innovative leader in fighting food insecurity while strengthening the local food system, yet much work remains to meet the growing challenges facing residents of the Commonwealth. The policy, regulatory and investment recommendations put forth by the Governor’s Anti-Hunger Task Force will reduce hunger, provide more people access to fresh, healthy food, and support our local farmers, fishers and food producers. I am grateful to Speaker Mariano for appointing me to the Task Force and I am eager to work with my colleagues in the Legislature, the Administration, advocates, and those with lived experience, to move the recommendations into action.” 

Lynn Mayor Jared C. Nicholson: 
"Lynn is proud to join the Healey-Driscoll administration in this effort to combat hunger and build a more equitable food system for all. Across communities, we have seen the profound impact of collaboration. By uniting despite federal challenges, we are driving meaningful change and ensuring our most vulnerable residents are always supported." 

Erin McAleer, President and CEO of Project Bread: 
“Hunger is at an all-time high in Massachusetts. Project Bread is grateful to the Governor for her leadership in advancing bold policies that support hundreds of thousands of our friends and neighbors, such as permanent universal free school meals. In the wake of the most devastating attack on SNAP in history, we are proud to work alongside our partners on the task force. Project Bread will continue to drive and advocate for these recommendations in our programs, policy work, and through the strength of the Make Hunger History coalition, to meet the immediate crisis and advance lasting solutions to permanently solve hunger.” 

Catherine D’Amato, President and CEO of The Greater Boston Food Bank:  
“While hunger is on the rise in Massachusetts, Governor Healey’s decision to convene this Task Force reflects her leadership and commitment to ending this solvable problem. GBFB is grateful that the recommendations prioritize expanding food access through MEFAP, investing in our local food and agricultural system, and supporting proven, stigma-free programs like universal school meals. The report also critically recognizes the need to bolster the Commonwealth's administration of the SNAP program amid new federal restrictions. Now is the time to roll up our sleeves and turn this plan into action.” 

Debbie Callery, Executive Director, Merrimack Valley Food Bank: 
“We’re grateful to Governor Healey for establishing the Anti-Hunger Task Force and for recognizing just how real and urgent the need is across Massachusetts. Every day at the Merrimack Valley Food Bank, we meet neighbors who are doing their best but still struggling to put food on the table. SNAP plays a critical role in helping those families get through the week with dignity. Across the state, as many as 1 in 7 residents rely on the emergency food network each year, and we see firsthand how SNAP serves as a vital first line of defense—making groceries more affordable while easing the burden on local pantries. We look forward to continuing to work with the Task Force and to advocating for additional resources to strengthen this program and support the people it serves.” 

Seana Weaver, Chief Executive Officer, Worcester County Food Bank:
“The Task Force is right: Massachusetts DTA needs more caseworkers, better technology, and faster phone response times. These investments aren't overhead, they are the work that leads to better outcomes for our children, seniors, working families and neighbors with disabilities. When a Massachusetts resident loses their SNAP benefits because a phone call went unanswered or a recertification notice got missed — that's a policy and a budgetary failure. Every dollar we invest in DTA SNAP caseworkers and technology is a dollar that keeps food on the table for one in six Massachusetts residents who depend on this program.” 

Christina Maxwell, Director of Programs, Food Bank of Western Massachusetts: 
“The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts is grateful to Governor Healey for creating this task force, and we have appreciated the opportunity to participate. During this time of unprecedented federal actions that are creating barriers to food access for many people, we look forward to working together to invest in a future that ensures people have access to enough nutritious food.” 

Patricia Baker, Economic Justice Senior Advocate, Massachusetts Law Reform Institute: 
"We applaud Governor Healey for creating an Anti-Hunger Task Force last July. Despite SNAP's proven effectiveness as the nation's first line of defense against hunger, the Massachusetts SNAP caseload has dropped by 13% since August of 2024 - roughly 90,000 households. Meanwhile, a staggering 40% of MA households reported food insecurity in 2025 as food and basic living expenses continue to rise. To protect access to SNAP, the Commonwealth needs to boost the number of SNAP case workers available to answer the phone, process documents and ensure eligible families get on and stay on. Anything less risks significant loss of federal nutrition dollars. MLRI stands ready to work with the Administration to help mitigate the harms of the federal SNAP cuts, improve access, and close the SNAP gap. Our families, farmers and grocers depend on a well run and accessible SNAP program."   

Kate-Marie Roycroft, MSPA, Chief Executive Officer, Alliance of Massachusetts YMCAs: 
“Across Massachusetts, YMCAs see every day how access to nutritious food shapes the health, stability, and future of our communities. This report makes clear that while our Commonwealth has long been a leader in addressing hunger, the scale of need is growing and requires bold, coordinated action. The Alliance of Massachusetts YMCAs strongly supports these recommendations, which reflect what we hear from families every day—food access is not just about meals, it’s about equity, opportunity, and dignity. By strengthening nutrition programs, investing in community partnerships, and supporting local food systems, we can ensure that no child, no family, and no older adult in Massachusetts goes hungry.” 

Charlie D'Amour, Executive Chairman, Big Y Supermarkets: 
"I'm humbled to have participated with such a knowledgeable and inspiring people from across the Commonwealth to share ideas on helping our neighbors and community who are faced with the ongoing and rising challenges of hunger. Our response needs to be varied and multidimensional and across multiple sectors. My hope is that others will continue to join with us to support these recommendations and initiatives and continue to work towards relieving hunger and food insecurity in Massachusetts." 

Marty Martinez, President and CEO, United Way of Massachusetts Bay: 
“Unprecedented federal instability and uncertainty, particularly around hunger and food insecurity, demands both the urgency and vision reflected in this report. Families need support right now, and we can’t lose sight of the longer-term work to build a system where fewer people are in crisis to begin with. These recommendations help us do both.” 

Kory Eng, President and CEO, United Way of North Central Massachusetts: 
“No one in our communities should go hungry. We appreciate the work of the Anti-Hunger Task Force and Governor Healy’s leadership in developing a comprehensive set of strategies to ensure food security for Massachusetts individuals and families and look forward to supporting their implementation.” 

Kristina Pechulis, Executive Director, Massachusetts Food System Collaborative: 
"Massachusetts must continue to take bold steps to end hunger, particularly as food insecurity continues to rise in the Commonwealth and the federal government erodes the SNAP program. The Massachusetts Food System Collaborative is grateful for the opportunity to participate on the Anti-Hunger Task Force and is pleased to see a set of thoughtful and ambitious recommendations emerge from this process, including steps that support food access while promoting local agriculture and supporting our farms. The report includes both immediate and long-term solutions that ensure food security for all Massachusetts residents. We look forward to working with partners from across the state on implementing these recommendations."  

Betsey Crimmins, Executive Director, Mass Aging Access: 
“On behalf of the statewide network of Aging Service Access Points (ASAPs) and Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) Mass Aging Access applauds the Healey-Driscoll Administration for its leadership in elevating the issue of hunger and bringing attention to its impact on people of all ages across the Commonwealth. As the front door to services for older adults, our network sees firsthand the growing number of older adults and caregivers struggling to access nutritious food. This report underscores both the urgency of the need and the importance of coordinated, community-based solutions. We look forward to continuing to partner with the Administration to ensure that every older adult in Massachusetts can age with dignity, health, and food security.” 

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