[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 113 (Tuesday, July 9, 2024)]
[House]
[Page H4486]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                             END HUNGER NOW

  (Mr. McGOVERN asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. McGOVERN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to tout the 
transformational Flexible Services Program in Massachusetts' Medicaid 
program and to highlight an important upcoming transition that will 
further strengthen its approach to supporting those experiencing 
illness, hunger, and homelessness.
  Since early 2020, Massachusetts has been providing housing support 
and nutrition services like medically tailored meals, food 
prescriptions, kitchen supplies, and nutrition education and counseling 
to eligible members through MassHealth.
  It is also the first of its kind to serve vulnerable household 
members like children and high-risk pregnant mothers.
  Early next year, the program will transition to a new health-related, 
social needs services framework to better provide supplemental 
nutrition services to eligible members. Transportation and food 
delivery costs will be included as a supplemental benefit, currently 
among the biggest barriers to adequate and affordable nutrition.

  I am incredibly proud of Massachusetts' forward-thinking approach to 
providing nutrition and housing supports to those struggling to make 
ends meet. I encourage other States to look at this innovative model. 
Together, we can end hunger now.

                          ____________________