Mac users: Increase text size by holding command and +. Decrease text size by holding command and -.The Baker-Polito Administration announced that approximately 550,000 Massachusetts households who participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will see an increase starting in their October 2022 benefits. In response to the annual cost of living adjustment, SNAP benefits will increase 12%, with Massachusetts households receiving an average monthly increase of $25-$30. Continue reading
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10 Community Organizations Receive Grants From Point32Health Foundation
Point32Health Foundation recently announced 10 new grants to support priorities identified by community. The grants improve access to healthy food and advance healthy aging in places where disinvestment, systemic racism, and barriers to access have prevailed. Grants total $505,000. Continue reading
Task Force on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health Submits Consensus Report with Recommendations to White House Ahead of Conference
The Task Force on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health (Task Force) — an independent group of national leaders and experts convened by the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, Food Systems for the Future, the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University, and World Central Kitchen — publicly released its comprehensive Report to inform the upcoming White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health — the first conference of its kind held since 1969. On Wednesday, Aug. 31, the Task Force Co-Chairs will host a public webinar on the Report and its critical recommendations. Continue reading
Baker Administration Launches Common Application for MassHealth and Food Benefits
The Baker Administration announced that residents can now easily initiate a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) application when applying for or renewing their MassHealth benefits online.
According to the announcement from the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS), this option will improve customer experience by streamlining the process to apply for SNAP benefits while residents are already submitting information needed to determine their healthcare eligibility benefits. Continue reading
Pandemic-Related Habits, Attitudes of Older Adults Measured in AP-NORC, SCAN Foundation Poll
Although many changes brought by the pandemic should make it easier for older adults to age in their community, those age 50 and older are less likely to report that they will continue using these services after the pandemic ends, according to a new study from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research and The SCAN Foundation. Continue reading
Baker Administration Releases Opportunity for Restaurants and Food Trucks to Participate in SNAP Restaurant Meals Program Pilot
The Baker Administration opened a Notice of Opportunity (NOO) to strategically onboard restaurants and food trucks for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) pilot.
This is an opportunity for communities working to become more age-friendly to improve food access and work with local businesses. Continue reading
Blog Series from Food Research & Action Center Focuses on Understanding Food Insecurity Among Older Adults
In recognition of Older Americans Month, the Food Research & Action Center (FRAC) is releasing a two-part blog series on food insecurity among older adults.
Part 1 focuses on food insecurity’s prevalence among older adults as well as its disproportionate rates among Black and Latinx households and examines risk factors that make older adults more likely to experience food insecurity. Continue reading
Poll Uncovers Usage Rates, Disparities Among Older Adults Using Health-Related Apps
Less than half (44%) of people age 50 to 80 have ever used a health-related app on their smartphone, wearable device or tablet, according to the new findings from the National Poll on Healthy Aging.
Those who say they are in poor health, and those with lower incomes or levels of education, were far less likely to have ever used such apps. Half of those who haven’t ever used a health app, or have stopped using them, said they are not interested in using them. Continue reading
Importance of SNAP for Older Adults Highlighted by Food Research & Action Center
The Food Research & Action Center (FRAC) with support from the AARP Foundation, released a research brief that elevates the importance of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for older adults and the positive impacts of the temporary
increase in SNAP benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic. Continue reading
EBT SNAP Online Purchasing Options Expanded in Massachusetts
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