Hunger in Massachusetts is at historic levels as one in three of our neighbors across the state face food insecurity. These rates are even higher among people of color, seniors and LGBTQ+ people. Household pantry use in Massachusetts grew by nearly 80% from 2020 to 2023. Expectations are that proposed and ongoing federal cuts to programs like SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), federal food assistance to food banks, school meals, and Medicaid/Medicare will lead more people to the charitable food system.
With this emergency situation looming, on Wednesday, April 16th, TBE members Marci Sindell, Eric Ruder, Beth Kramer and Marilyn Komessar, attended the celebration of the 30th anniversary of the Massachusetts Emergency Food Assistance Program (MEFAP) held by The Food Bank Coalition of Massachusetts (The Greater Boston Food Bank, The Worcester County Food Bank, Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, and Merrimack Valley Food Bank). MEFAP supplies nearly one-third of the food that these four food banks purchase and distribute at no cost to a network of 900+ community food providers, including food pantries. In 2025 the Massachusetts Legislature allocated $41.5 million to the MEFAP program and, given the increase in need, for 2026 the Food Bank Coalition is seeking an increase to $55 million.
Following the celebration, Marci, Eric, Beth and Marilyn proceeded to the State House with other anti-hunger advocates to lobby at almost 80 legislative offices. The House Ways & Means Fiscal Year 2026 Budget was released as the celebration began, and advocates were delighted to learn the budget included the requested $55 million!
Our lobbying to Needham and Newton legislators and their staff began with a thank you for this first budget draft and a hope that legislators will continue to hold the line with this much-needed increase. Our legislators heard how over 50% of FY24 MEFAP funds supported Massachusetts farmers, fisheries and food producers. 96.7% of the MEFAP food purchased and distributed by The Greater Boston Food Bank across 190 cities and towns in eastern Massachusetts meets rigorous nutrition standards. Since 2021, MEFAP has tripled the amount of fresh produce it distributes.
Temple Beth Elohim has a proud history of supporting people experiencing food insecurity. The new TBE Ending Hunger Initiative seeks to enhance collaboration among our food-based programs while inspiring more congregants to join this cause of education, direct service, and advocacy.
To help feed people experiencing food insecurity, join the TBE Ending Hunger Initiative at its next meeting on May 19th (for questions contact Marilyn Komessar), volunteer with other TBE members at The Greater Boston Food Bank (GBFB) on May 17th (for questions contact Marci Sindell, GBFB Board member), and/or join advocacy efforts for food insecurity (contact Eric Ruder).