Bill > H118

This bill establishes a special commission to conduct a comprehensive study of the Massachusetts Emergency Food Network Assistance Program (MEFAP), focusing on the sustainability and challenges faced by food pantries across urban, suburban, and rural communities. The commission will be composed of representatives from food pantries, food banks, program participants, state agency officials, and legislative members, and will investigate critical issues such as workforce development, organizational sustainability, governance, succession planning, and the capacity to meet resident food needs. The commission's objectives include comparing emergency food assistance practices with emergency housing assistance, assessing the current and projected demand for food assistance, analyzing the implications of increased need on state funding and private fundraising, and examining the frequency of food pantry usage by Massachusetts residents. Within 18 months of enactment, the commission will submit a detailed report to various legislative committees, providing recommendations and potential legislative or regulatory proposals to address the challenges in the emergency food network. The commission will be open to public meetings, maintain transparent documentation, and will dissolve 30 days after submitting its report, with the option to continue if a two-thirds vote determines further work is necessary.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H118