May 16, 2024
In April, a group of anti-hunger organizations and government officials announced a new coalition entitled Make Hunger History. This coalition is working to develop a comprehensive statewide plan to end hunger in Massachusetts. Led by a 19-member steering committee, the coalition includes nonprofit food organizations, state officials and advocates and will focus on policy change, community engagement and collective action to grow a grassroots movement. The MetroWest Food Collaborative, a regional effort focused on strengthening our local food system, is part of the new coalition.
The coalition is building on recent successes, including last summer’s adoption of permanent funding for universal free school meals, a statewide program that expands the availability of school breakfast and lunch to K-12 students.
The coalition seeks to address recent increases in food insecurity across Massachusetts. According to data from the U.S. Census’ Household Pulse Survey, Massachusetts rates for food insecurity have almost matched the pandemic-era highs. That reality is also affecting MetroWest communities. Regional data from the 2023 Community Health Assessment showed that nearly 60 percent of households eligible for the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) were unenrolled.