FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 30, 2026  

MEDIA CONTACT: Deb Ondo, Communications and Engagement Manager, Food Bank of Western Massachusetts debo@foodbankwma.org Phone: 413-419-0170. 

Food Bank of Western Massachusetts Statement on Governor Maura Healey’s FY27 State Budget 

[January 30, 2026, Chicopee, MA] – As Massachusetts faces growing economic strain and more anticipated federal funding cuts, the fiscal year 2027 state budget will determine whether people can reliably access nutritious food in the year ahead. We commend Governor Healey for proposing increased investments in the Massachusetts Emergency Food Assistance Program (MEFAP) and the Healthy Incentives Program (HIP)—both of which are essential lifelines for people struggling with rising food and other n basic needs costs. 

“At a moment when more people are working and still unable to afford food, programs like MEFAP and HIP are not optional, they are foundational,” said Andrew Morehouse, Executive Director of the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts. “These investments help people stay nourished while strengthening our regional food economy.” 

We also strongly support the Governor’s continued commitment to universal school meals. This policy investment—championed by anti-hunger advocates statewide, including the Food Bank—ensures that every K–12 student can access two free meals each school day, reducing stigma and supporting student food security, health and learning. 

However, the proposed budget falls short in key areas. We urge the Governor and Legislature to work together to fund the Hunger-Free Campus Initiative at $3 million. Level-funding the program at only $500,000 spreads limited resources across 37 public college campuses, threatening the sustainability of proven efforts such as campus food pantries and SNAP-enabled markets. 

The Commonwealth must also make a significant investment in the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA), which administers the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Ongoing DTA staffing shortages have led to unmanageable caseloads, long delays for applicants, and rising administrative payment errors. The Massachusetts Law Reform Institute estimates that at least 200 additional staff are needed to meet current demand.  By investing in DTA, the Commonwealth can leverage tens of millions more federal dollars in SNAP benefits for people to put food on their tables by purchasing food at local food retailers and farmers who employ hard-working people. 

This staffing crisis carries serious fiscal risk. Beginning in October 2027, the federal government will require Massachusetts to cover a portion of SNAP benefit costs if error rates remain high—potentially costing the state hundreds of millions of dollars. Investing in DTA staffing now is both a moral and economic imperative. 

Governor Healey has demonstrated leadership on food access and affordability. To truly meet this moment, the FY27 budget must invest in solutions that prevent hunger, not just respond to it, but also by making sustained, forward-looking investments in food security across the Commonwealth. 

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 About the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts: Since 1982, the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts has been a dedicated partner in the work to end hunger. We deliver nutritious food directly at our Mobile Food Bank and Brown Bag: Food for Elders sites, and through our region’s food assistance network of nearly 200 food pantries, meal programs, and shelters across Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden, and Hampshire counties. We also provide  other direct food assistance resources and engage in public education and advocacy to address the drivers of hunger because we believe access to food is a right.