Massachusetts ranks near the bottom of states in participation rates in the food stamp program (only Nevada ranked lower) according to a recent Boston Sunday Globe article ("State residents among least likely to seek food stamps", September 8, 2002) on a UMass-Boston Center for Social Policy report "Food Stamps: Available But Not Easily Accessible". Not only does this mean that eligible people are not getting the assistance to which they are entitled, but advocates estimate the state's economy is losing more than $100 million a year as a result. Michelle Kahan, author of the study and a senior research associate at UMass-Boston is quoted as saying "The problem in Massachusetts is that people face a lot of barriers and hassles in getting food stamps". Recent budget cutting measures have only worsened the situation -- money for Project Bread's hunger hotline has been cut and DTA is closing more offices and laying off 9% of staff, many of whom are bilingual. DTA counters that they are concerned about this issue as well and are taking measures to counteract the trend such as plans to introduce shorter, easier-to-complete applications, extending food stamps to welfare recipients for five months after cash assistance is terminated, allowing more applications by mail and increasing the value of food stamps. This is not the first time Massachusetts has been taken to task on this issue. It remains to be seen if these efforts come to fruition, and if they make a significant difference.

For more information on food stamps, see the Staff Access section of our website under Basic Needs > Nutrition or go to www.gettingfoodstamps.org which answers most questions and offers a benefits calculator.