Summer EBT:

Summer EBT--also called SUN Bucks--is a federally funded program that would bring over 4.5 million federal dollars to NH per year for feeding 37,000 hungry kids during the summer. Many children who depend on free or reduced school meals don't have access to meals in the summer. Summer EBT connects these children to the nutrition they need when school isn't in session. The benefits of Summer EBT are 100% paid by the federal government, and the state bears 50% of the administrative cost. 

 

Elderly Simplified Application Project for SNAP:

The Elderly Simplified Application Project (ESAP) is a set of waivers allowed by the federal government that makes it easier for older adults and people with disabilities with fixed incomes to receive SNAP--formerly known as food stamps--by simplifying the application and recertification process. This program saves the state in administrative costs because it requires fewer recertifications, and it helps reduce hunger for older adults and people with disabilities.

 

NH Local Food for Local Schools Reimbursement Pilot Program:

We were happy to support advocacy efforts for the  Local Food for Local Schools Reimbursement Pilot Program bill. This bill funded a pilot program to incentivize NH school districts and food service directors to purchase locally grown and produced food for breakfast and lunch services.

Interested schools will apply to participate in the pilot program and, if selected, will be reimbursed for all qualifying food purchases at the following rate: $1 for every $3 spent on NH grown, caught, or produced foods and $1 for every $6 spent on New England grown, caught, or produced foods up to a predetermined dollar amount based on the school's enrollment.

The NH Farm to School Network estimates the Local Food for Local Schools Reimbursement Pilot Program will annually inject $420,000 federal and state funds directly into New Hampshire's farm and food economy.

To learn more about the program or how to apply, email Stacey Purslow with NH Farm to School. 

 

Voluntary Certification for Doula & Lactation Service Providers:

The Office of Professional Licensure and Certification to establish a voluntary certification process for doula and lactation service providers, which would allow for Medicaid coverage of their services.

This voluntary certification will help more mothers access the breastfeeding resources they need, giving more children a healthy start in life.

 

Voluntary Certification for 

Community Healthcare Workers:

Aiming to increase access to care by growing the state’s health care workforce, we supported New Futures' efforts to create a voluntary certification for Community Health Workers (CHWs). This would provide a clear career path and greater financial stability for these frontline health workers, many of whom help connect food insecure individuals to state and federal nutrition programs.

CHWs play a crucial role within health care and social service teams, bridging the gap between patients, their providers, and the community services they need to be healthy and thriving. Supporting this invaluable workforce will help Granite Staters access much-needed health care.

 

WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP):

The re-establishment of the WIC FMNP was included in the state's 2023-2024 biennium budget; however, the program is still not implimented.

The NH WIC FMNP would allow WIC participants to buy unprepared, locally grown fruits, vegetables, and herbs from state-approved farmers, farmers' markets or roadside stands. This program makes it easier for pregnant and nursing mothers and children to purchase local, fresh produce while supporting our local farmers and economy. 

We will continue to work on adminstrative advocacy and support funding for WIC FMNP.

 

If you have any questions or wish to provide any input about our policy work, please contact Brodie Deshaies: bdeshaies@nhhungersolutions.org.