Bill > H4419

This bill establishes a special commission to investigate the strengths and sustainability of Massachusetts' emergency food network, specifically focusing on food pantries within the Massachusetts Emergency Food Assistance Program (MEFAP). The commission will include representatives from various food banks, state agencies, and food pantry programs, with members appointed from urban, suburban, rural, and diverse cultural backgrounds. The commission will study critical aspects of the emergency food network, including workforce development, organizational sustainability, governance, succession planning, and the capacity to meet resident needs. They will examine the current emergency food system and make recommendations on topics such as workforce training, technical assistance, assessment of food demand, implications of increased need on state funding and fundraising, and frequency of food pantry usage by Massachusetts residents. The commission is required to convene within 45 days of the bill's enactment, meet as needed, and submit a comprehensive report with findings and legislative recommendations within 18 months. After submitting the report, the commission will dissolve, though it may be extended by a two-thirds vote if necessary to complete its purpose.

Joint Committee on Agriculture and Fisheries (Joint)

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H4419