SNAP is the most efficient and effective benefit program we have to address food insecurity, support local grocers, and stimulate the Commonwealth’s economy, especially because SNAP benefits are 100% federally funded and issued directly to families. However in recent months, struggling families have faced extraordinary barriers getting help from the Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA), SNAP’s issuing authority in MA. When SNAP for eligible families is delayed or denied, both they and their communities suffer.

The hope of this bill is to ensure SNAP applicants get their applications processed fast. This bill would require the Executive Office of Health and Human Services to submit a report specifying the resources DTA requires to assure timely participation by eligible households in federal nutrition assistance benefits administered by the department. This report will provide the department’s short and long-term goals for improving access to benefits, ensure timely customer service to eligible households, and provide the financial and other resources necessary for the department to reach those goals. As the state loses federal dollars, we must ensure all funds are being utilized in the most efficient and effective ways possible.