Demand for food assistance across the state has increased approximately 30% since prior to the onset of the pandemic. Out-of-control inflation and the increased cost of groceries has put a strain on food pantries, and more people than ever are struggling
to make ends meet, with upwards of a 1.5 million facing food insecurity in Massachusetts. Home energy bills are expected to increase up to 60% this winter and many of our neighbors are making impossible choices between staying warm in winter and staying
fed, and between the food they need for their health and the food they can afford. The MMS Alliance is proud to lend
a helping hand and most recently made contributions to the following food pantries: Cape & Islands Veterans' Outreach Center; Veterans, Inc.; Our Fathers Table; New England Center of Veterans; Friends of Boston's Homeless; and the Multicultural Bridge.
Additionally, your Foundation has supported the grocery delivery program at Amherst Survival Center's food pantry and Lovin' Spoonfuls food rescue and hunger relief operation in Worcester County. Learn more about the Foundation and donate today.
MMS adopted policy in December of 2020 supporting food is medicine interventions that consist of healthy foods that are nutritionally tailored to meet the specific needs of patients living with or at risk for serious health conditions affected by diet
and/or food insecurity. MMS has been a key partner in developing a Massachusetts Food is Medicine State Plan, is a member of the
multi-stakeholder Food is Medicine Massachusetts (FIMMA) Coalition, and an inaugural leader of FIMMA's Provider Nutrition Education and Referral Task Force. Clinicians recognize that food insecurity plays a significant part in overall patient health,
and we know more must be done to support providers and encourage routine food insecurity screening. The Food is Medicine Inventory is a tool for health
care providers to refer patients to medically tailored meals and other essential nutrition services in the state.
