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H 4419

Resolve providing for an investigation by a special commission relative to the strengths and sustainability of the Commonwealth’s emergency food network

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by James Arena-DeRosa and 8 co-sponsors

A special commission would study and recommend changes to strengthen Massachusetts' emergency food network, including MEFAP, to improve pantry capacity, governance, and sustainabil

Discharged to the committee on House Rules
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Bill Summary · H 4419

Summary: H.4419 – Resolve for a Special Commission on the Commonwealth’s Emergency Food Network

Overview

House Bill 4419 proposes establishing a special commission to study the strengths and sustainability of the state's emergency food network, focusing on the Massachusetts Emergency Food Assistance Program (MEFAP) and the network of food pantries. The aim is to evaluate current support, capacity, and governance, and to develop recommendations and potential legislative or regulatory changes to strengthen access to emergency food for Massachusetts residents.

Purpose and Intent

  • Assess the sustainability of eligible emergency food providers (food pantries) within MEFAP.
  • Identify challenges and opportunities related to:
    • Adequacy of state support and resources
    • Workforce development and training
    • Organizational sustainability and governance
    • Succession planning
    • Capacity to meet resident needs
  • Produce actionable recommendations to improve the emergency food network’s capacity and resilience.

Key Provisions and Areas of Study

The commission shall examine and make recommendations on:
1. Workforce development, training, and apprenticeship opportunities for pantry operations and support staff.
2. Policies and technical assistance to support organizational sustainability, governance, and succession planning.
3. Assessment of emergency food needs to meet the Commonwealth’s demand.
4. Implications of rising demand on projected purchasing, state funding, and private fundraising.
5. Frequency of food pantry use by Massachusetts residents.

Commission Composition

The commission shall include:
- The commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (or a designee) as chair.
- The commissioner of the Department of Transitional Assistance (or a designee).
- A member of the Massachusetts food system caucus (appointed by caucus chairs).
- A member appointed by the Speaker of the House.
- A member appointed by the Senate President.
- Representatives from major regional food banks: Merrimack Valley Food Bank, Greater Boston Food Bank, Worcester County Food Bank, and Food Bank of Western Massachusetts.
- Four pantry representatives appointed by the Food Bank Coalition of Massachusetts (one urban, one suburban, one rural, one non-urban).
- Two pantry program participants from diverse backgrounds appointed by the Massachusetts Food System Collaborative.

Process, Meetings, and Public Access

  • Meetings must be open to the public; minutes will be recorded and made available.
  • Appointments to the commission must occur within 30 days after enactment.
  • The first meeting must occur no later than 45 days after enactment.
  • The commission may meet as needed to complete its work.

Timeline and Dissolution

  • Report deadline: within 18 months of enactment, including findings, recommendations, and drafts of necessary legislation or regulations.
  • The commission must file its report with the clerks of the House and Senate and with pertinent joint committees.
  • Dissolution: 30 days after submission of the report, unless a two-thirds vote to extend is approved, with the extension’s time frame specified in the motion.

Status and Legislative Actions

  • Introduced: September 8, 2025.
  • Filed as House Petition: 8/7/2025; Reported favorably by the Committee on Agriculture and Fisheries; New draft associated (House No. 118).
  • Status: Discharged to the Committee on House Rules (disposition: “Discharged to the committee on House Rules”).
  • Legislative actions on file indicate movement between committees and actions on the same date as the report from Agriculture and Fisheries, with subsequent discharge to House Rules.

Potential Impact

  • Provides a structured, law-driven review of MEFAP’s emergency food network, with concrete recommendations and potential legislative or regulatory changes.
  • Aims to strengthen pantry operations, workforce capacity, governance, and financial sustainability to better serve residents facing food insecurity.
  • Establishes a formal public process with diverse stakeholder participation and transparency.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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