Celebrating Two Years of Advocacy: A Legislative Session Worth Celebrating

Together, we educated, advocated, and delivered meaningful wins for Massachusetts’ food system.

The close of the 194th Massachusetts Legislative Session marks more than the end of another legislative cycle—it marks two years of collaboration, persistence, and progress.

Thanks to the dedication of our members, Community Advisory Board, Food Equity Advisors, coalition partners, and legislative champions, the Southcoast Food Policy Council helped advance policies that support farmers, expand food access, strengthen local communities, and build a healthier Massachusetts.

Here are a few of the milestones we accomplished together.

Educating Hundreds of Community Advocates

 

Advocacy starts with education.

Throughout 2025 and early 2026, SFPC hosted a series of Lunch & Learn Legislative Briefings to help residents better understand the issues shaping our food system—and how they could make a difference.

Together, we:

  • Educated 276 community members
  • Explored priority legislation and state budget issues
  • Helped participants contact their legislators during the sessions

Why it matters: An informed community is a stronger advocate for lasting change.

Restoring the Healthy Incentives Program (HIP)

When HIP benefits were reduced, our community stepped up.

Working alongside partners across the Commonwealth, we helped restore and strengthen one of Massachusetts’ most successful food access programs.

Together, we helped:

  • Restore HIP benefits to $40–$80/month
  • Secure $25.4 million in FY26 funding
  • Advance legislation moving HIP toward permanent authorization
  • Secure $29.7 million for FY27 to expand participating farms and increase food access

Why it matters: More families can purchase fresh, locally grown food while supporting Massachusetts farmers.

Community Voices Changed Policy

 

Real stories make better policy.

Over the past two years, hundreds of community members helped elevate food system issues by sharing their experiences directly with decision-makers.

Together, we:

  • Sent 600+ Action Alert letters
  • Sent 440+ letters from SFPC leadership
  • Submitted testimony on 8 priority bills
  • Hosted a Regional Legislative Breakfast attended by 185 community members and 20 legislators and staff
  • Built lasting relationships through meetings on Beacon Hill

One of the most memorable moments came when Food Equity Advisors shared their personal experiences with HIP directly with legislators—powerful reminders that behind every policy discussion are real people. Have a story to share? Submit yours here.

Investing in Massachusetts’ Food System

Advocacy produced real investments.

This legislative session secured:

These investments strengthen our food system from farm to table.

Launching the Aquaculture Policy Coalition

 

This year also marked the beginning of an exciting new partnership.

Following our annual Food Summit, SFPC joined regional organizations to launch the Aquaculture Policy Coalition, bringing attention to wastewater infrastructure challenges affecting Southcoast shellfish farms.

Working together, coalition partners successfully advanced language supporting infrastructure improvements and faster water testing in the Environmental Bond Bill.

It’s another example of what happens when organizations come together around a shared vision.

What’s Next?

While we’re celebrating these wins, our work continues.

Our priorities moving forward include:

Thank You

Every letter.

Every testimony.

Every meeting.

Every conversation.

Every person who chose to get involved helped make these accomplishments possible.

Together, we’ve strengthened our food system, expanded food access, and built momentum that will continue shaping policy for years to come.

Thank you for being part of this work. The next chapter starts now.

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