BOSTON – On December 14th, Senator DiDomenico joined his Food System Caucus (FSC) Co-Chairs in hosting a forum and strategy session about how Massachusetts can end hunger and tackle diet-related diseases this decade. Co-Chairs, other elected officials, and advocates also discussed takeaways from the momentous White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health in September.

“Massachusetts is leading the country’s efforts to end hunger and I was proud to lead the efforts to extend universal school meals in our schools, expanding access to SNAP benefits, and increasing cash assistance to our neighbors who are most in need,” said Senator DiDomenico, Food System Caucus Co-Chair and Assistant Majority Leader of the Massachusetts Senate. “However, our discussion made it clear that we still need to work incredibly hard next session and keep pushing to make sure we finally eliminate hunger completely by 2030. I am grateful we were joined by Project Bread President and CEO, Erin McAleer, The Greater Boston Food Bank President and CEO, Catherine D'Amato, Congressman Jim McGovern, and so many other colleagues and advocates who have helped our state come so far on addressing food insecurity.”

Senator DiDomenico will be a new Food System Caucus Co-Chair in 2023 after years of advocacy on this issue. Senator DiDomenico’s recent legislative accomplishments related to food access include passing Breakfast After the Bell and Universal School Meals to ensure no Massachusetts student goes hungry in school, increasing funding for food banks, creating a common application to expand access to SNAP benefits, and increasing cash assistance programs to families in need.

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BOSTON– Senator DiDomenico successfully included $150,000 for the Chelsea Public schools in the wide-ranging Economic Development bill that passed last month. This funding will help Chelsea schools offer college and career assistance programs to their students. These programs will help students access internships and give staff the resources to take students on college tours in the area.

The college and career assistance programs provide Chelsea students with the resources and knowledge they need to make informed decisions about their future after high school. There is no single path for a high school graduate to take, and these programs help young people figure out which path is the best for them and how they can get there.

“I am proud to bring this funding to Chelsea so students throughout our community can access the resources they need to succeed after high school,” said Senator DiDomenico, Assistant Majority Leader of the Massachusetts Senate. “I will always prioritize funding for our schools and programs like this that provide our youngest residents with skills and opportunities to thrive.”

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BOSTON– Senator DiDomenico successfully included $150,000 for the Everett Public Schools in the wide-ranging Economic Development bill that passed last month. This funding will help Everett schools offer the Student and Parent Internship program and the Reality Check program to students. The Student and Parent Internship program empowers Everett students to gain work experience and serve our younger population. Internship opportunities include culinary arts students providing food for other high schoolers, student athletes serving as coaches for sports camps, and empowering our young people in the school community. This program also includes resources for parents who will support these programs and increase engagement from other parents.

The Reality Check program provides a conference for students hosted by local businesses – banks, mortgage companies, real estate agents, car salesmen, childcare providers, etc. – which will help high schoolers learn about various career options and connect with the local economy.

“I am proud to bring this funding to Everett so students throughout our community can gain work experience, connect with local businesses, and learn about the different pathways to success after high school,” said Senator DiDomenico, Assistant Majority Leader of the Massachusetts Senate. “I will always prioritize funding for our schools and programs like this that provide our youngest residents with skills and opportunities to thrive.”

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