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EBT SNAP Online Purchasing Options Expanded in Massachusetts

July 14th, 2021

The Baker Administration announced that Massachusetts residents who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) can now use their EBT SNAP benefits to buy fresh food and pantry staples online from a variety of participating stores for same-day delivery and pickup via Instacart, including Price Chopper, ALDI and newly added Hannaford and Stop & Shop.

Residents can shop for groceries from Hannaford, Stop & Shop, Price Chopper and ALDI via the Instacart online site and mobile app. Continue reading →

MHAC Contributes to Report and Action on Digital Equity

July 7th, 2021

During 2021, the Alliance for Digital Equity conducted an assessment of the digital divide and digital equity with over 100 organizations in Hampden, Hampshire and Franklin counties of Massachusetts. Combined with recent census data, the assessment led to a report providing community-level insight into challenges facing those communities with lessons for communities across Massachusetts.

The Massachusetts Healthy Aging Collaborative is a member of the Alliance for Digital Equity and contributed to the report, which includes examples of digital equity programs and practices that support older adults. Continue reading →

CDC, Archangels Studies Report Prevalence of Mental Health Challenges for Caregivers During Pandemic

July 7th, 2021

According to a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study, caregivers, particularly persons with both parenting and adult caregiving responsibilities, will continue to face mental health challenges, and the need for caregivers is projected to increase as the U.S. population ages.

Age and dementia friendly community initiatives may consider how to be inclusive of caregiver needs when engaging residents for feedback and when crafting an action plan. Continue reading →

Baker Administratio’s $2.655 Billion FY22 Capital Plan Supports Many Age-Friendly Programs

June 23rd, 2021

The Baker Administration recently announced its Fiscal Year 2022 (FY22) Capital Plan, a $2.655 billion plan that makes substantial investments in critical priorities including housing, transportation, climate resiliency, health and human services, and education to promote economic growth and opportunity.

Much of these investments will help communities become more age-friendly, including a continuation of the MassDOT Shared Streets and Spaces program, Complete Streets, and support for affordable housing. Continue reading →