Southcoast Food Policy Council

11/25/2025

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11/13/2025

BOSTON — To recognize the cultural, economic, and ecological importance of aquaculture to the state, Governor Maura Healey is declaring November to be Massachusetts Aquaculture Month....

11/07/2025

Federal Government Shutdown & SNAP Update:

As the shutdown continues, SNAP benefits remain delayed, impacting more than 650,000 MA households, that's 1 in 6 residents. A federal judge has ordered USDA to release full funding by Nov. 7, but what that means for MA residents is still uncertain as legal appeals unfold.

This delay threatens food access for families and adds pressure to local food systems and pantries already stretched thin.

Stay informed: mass.gov/SNAPUpdates

PLEASE SHARE!

10/30/2025

More than a million Massachusetts residents — including 337,000 children — are at risk of losing SNAP benefits. The need on the Southcoast has never been greater.

Here's how you can help:
✔ Donate: https://www.marioninstitute.org/donate/
✔ Volunteer: https://www.marioninstitute.org/programs/volunteer/
✔ Register for our Virtual Emergency Food Resource Meeting on November 5th: https://www.marioninstitute.org/programs/sfpc/emergency-food-resource-gaps/
✔ Advocate to fund SNAP: https://bit.ly/Support-SNAP

Support local food relief efforts at marioninstitute.org // links in bio.

10/29/2025

Did you know? You can still receive your normally distributed HIP benefits — but only if you leave at least one cent on your SNAP card! 💳

Even a penny on your SNAP/EBT card keeps your HIP benefits flowing. Spread the word! 🗣️

Reminder: Use your October HIP benefits by Friday, 10/31 so you don’t lose them! HIP benefits reset each month and don’t carry over like SNAP.

10/27/2025

“The pandemic shed light on what was already an issue — and it’s gotten worse since.”
— Liz Wiley, Executive Director, Marion Institute

With the federal shutdown threatening SNAP benefits, The New Bedford Light explores how programs like our Southcoast Food Policy Council are responding to protect community nutrition security and strengthen our regional food system.

Read the full story → https://newbedfordlight.org/about-half-of-new-bedford-households-may-lose-food-aid-because-of-shutdown/

SNAP food benefits will be cut off Nov. 1 if the government shutdown continues, Gov. Maura Healey says. And a new law makes fewer people eligible for aid.

10/02/2025

Join us Friday, October 3rd (tomorrow), 2–3:30 PM at UMass Dartmouth’s SMAST (East Building) for the 2025 Food Summit!

We’ll be diving into critical conversations on food, policy, and community resilience here in Southeastern MA. Don’t miss the chance to learn, connect, and be part of the movement!

👉 Register now: marioninstitute.org/2025-food-summit (link in bio)

Brought to you by:
Southcoast Food Policy Council
SEMAP
Massachusetts Aquaculture Association
The New Bedford Ocean Cluster
Buzzards Bay Coalition

10/02/2025

2025 Food Summit: Coastal Wastewater Legislation & Aquaculture

📅 Friday, Oct 3, 2025
🕑 2:00–3:30 PM
📍 UMass Dartmouth – SMAST

Southcoast shellfishing is under threat from Combined Sewer Outflows, nitrogen pollution, and outdated wastewater systems—impacting livelihoods and regional food security.

This year’s summit will spotlight Bill H1000/S638, proposing a Coastal Waters Wastewater Financing Committee to fund critical infrastructure upgrades and protect our coastal ecosystems.

Join us for a vital conversation on:
• CSO impacts on shellfish 🦪
• Legislative solutions & funding 💡
• Building a coalition for sustainable aquaculture 🌱

Hosted by Marion Institute’s Southcoast Food Policy Council (SFPC) with NBOC • MAA • SEMAP.

Register for this event here: https://bit.ly/2025-Food-Summit

PLEASE SHARE!!

09/03/2025

Join us today for our monthly discussion on Addressing Emergency Food Resource Gaps in Southeastern Massachusetts.

When: Today, September 3rd from 2-3pm
Register: marioninstitute.org/programs/sfpc/emergency-food-resource-gaps // link in bio.

08/07/2025

🥫 Emergency Food Gaps are Real. Let’s Talk Solutions.
We're gathering local voices — from pantry leaders to school food directors — to address emergency food shortfalls in Southeastern MA.

💬 Join our monthly virtual meeting to help build a more resilient food system for our region.
🗓️ Wednesday, August 6 | 2–3PM
🗣️ We’ll talk about real food gaps, coordination challenges, and how to take action.
🧑🏽‍🌾 Everyone has a role. You’re invited.
🔗 https://www.marioninstitute.org/programs/sfpc/emergency-food-resource-gaps // link in bio (events).

08/05/2025

Who gets to farm—and who gets to thrive?

Systemic inequities continue to limit access to land, capital, and opportunity in Massachusetts’ food system. But we believe there’s another way forward.

Join us virtually on Wednesday, August 6 from 12–1 PM for Equity in Agriculture: A Lunch & Learn and explore how equity-driven policy can help create a food system that works for everyone.

Sign up here: https://www.marioninstitute.org/virtual-legislative-issue-briefing-equity-in-agriculture-registration // link in bio (events).