Our Research & Evaluations

In March 2020, Massachusetts shut down to slow the spread of COVID-19 and food insecurity doubled. While this surge has impacted residents of all backgrounds, it has disproportionately impacted minority households, representing the continuation of a trend that pre-dates the pandemic. 

One proven resource in helping to alleviate food insecurity is the federally-funded Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP. State and federal actions to remove barriers and strengthen this program during the pandemic have helped many people access and afford food.

Indications that food insecurity is beginning to decline, with SNAP possibly having a role, brings urgency to our research to measure SNAP awareness, understand the perceptions that may impact a person’s willingness to enroll in the program, and learn about the experiences of residents when using SNAP benefits.

We have used these findings to inform our recommendations to dismantle any barriers that persist between those eligible but not enrolled, that may contribute to SNAP’s underutilization.

Preliminary findings reveal that Project Bread’s Flexible Services program increases food security for patients and may offer health care cost savings.

As a partner in MassHealth's Flexible Services Program, Project Bread is treating food insecurity through the health care system to improve long-term patient health outcomes.

Since April 2020, Project Bread has piloted the Flexible Services Program with MassHealth and Community Care Cooperative (C3) in 14 Massachusetts health centers. The program is one of only few in the nation to provide comprehensive services to address the individualized needs of patients who are food insecure and have a physical or behavioral health diagnosis.