Southcoast Food Policy Council

07/30/2026

Your voice can help shape the future of HIP.

The Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) is looking for SNAP participants to join a focus group and share their experiences with the Healthy Incentives Program (HIP).

No matter your level of familiarity with HIP, your feedback is valuable.

✅ Participate virtually or in person throughout August
💳 Receive a $50 grocery store gift card for your time

Complete the interest form by July 31 using the QR code or link here: https://forms.office.com/g/Ui1JGULpur

Please help us spread the word by sharing this opportunity with anyone who may be eligible!

07/29/2026

Great news for Massachusetts farmers! 🌱

The Healthy Incentives Program (HIP) is expected to reopen to new farmers and vendors this fiscal year—creating new opportunities to connect with SNAP shoppers while expanding access to fresh, local food.

If you've been waiting to participate, now is the time to prepare.

We break down:
✅ What HIP is
✅ How to become a SNAP retailer
✅ The steps to become HIP-enabled
✅ What CSA operators need to know
✅ Helpful resources to guide you through the process

Don't wait until enrollment opens—getting started now can help ensure you're ready when applications become available.

🔗 Read the full article through the link in our bio or here: https://www.marioninstitute.org/hip-is-expanding/

& Spread the word!!

07/22/2026

Please help us spread the word!

See full job description here: https://www.marioninstitute.org/sfpc-program-director/

📢 We're hiring!

Do you believe everyone deserves access to fresh, healthy, and culturally relevant food? Are you passionate about building partnerships, facilitating collaboration, and creating lasting systems change?

The Marion Institute is looking for a Southcoast Food Policy Council Program Director to lead regional partnerships that strengthen food security, support local agriculture, and advance equitable food policies across Southeastern Massachusetts.

If you're a collaborative leader who thrives on bringing people together to create meaningful change, we'd love to hear from you.

📍 Full-time | Marion, MA
📅 Apply by August 15, 2026

Know someone who would be a great fit? Tag them below or share this post to help us find our next Program Director.

See full job description here: https://www.marioninstitute.org/sfpc-program-director/

07/21/2026

We're hiring!

Do you believe that food is a powerful connector? Are you passionate about storytelling, community engagement, and using communications to create meaningful change?

We are seeking a Marketing & Communications Manager. If you're a creative marketer with strong writing skills, experience in digital communications, and a passion for mission-driven work, we'd love to hear from you.

📍 Full-time | Marion, MA
📅 Applications due: August 1, 2026

View the full job description and apply today: https://www.marioninstitute.org/marketing-communications-manager/

07/06/2026

🎉 Eat Local Challenge GIVEAWAY #1 (of 4) 🎉

Our 21-Day Eat Local Challenge starts this Monday, 7/6 and goes until 7/26!

🍽️ This week’s prize:
• Jonathan Sprouts Organic Sprout Salad Packs, paired with 1 cup of Organic Salad Toppers and your choice of dressing!
• 2 Marion Institute Frogfoot Farm Hats
• Eat Local Challege Vinyl Stickers

Here’s how to enter:
1️⃣ Follow us
2️⃣ Like this post
4️⃣ Sign up for the FREE Eat Local Challenge → marioninstitute.org
5️⃣ Tag 3 friends in the comments
BONUS POINTS: Follow our friends at Jonathan Sprouts

📍Note: Winner must be able to pick up their prize at our office in Marion, MA.
📅 Winner announced Thursday, 7/9 in our stories, comments, + DM!

Let’s eat local + win local 💚

07/02/2026

Find a Summer Eats site at projectbread.org/summereats

07/01/2026

Your voice can help shape how Massachusetts supports communities with state-owned land.

The Commonwealth is seeking public input on its Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) Program through a series of listening sessions across the state. Whether you're a resident, municipal official, or simply interested in how state-owned land impacts local communities, your feedback is encouraged.

📍 Marion Music Hall
🗓 Tuesday, July 14
🕙 10:00–11:30 a.m.

Read full executive order: https://www.mass.gov/executive-orders/no-645-establishing-the-commission-on-pilot-for-state-owned-land

Register today and learn more using this link: https://bit.ly/PILOTListeningSessions

Can't attend? You can still submit your feedback through the online form: https://bit.ly/PILOTForm

Please help us spread the word by sharing this post!

06/30/2026

Earlier this week, Marion Institute's Executive Director, Liz Wiley and Southcoast Food Policy Council's Program Coordinator, Christine Smith attended the 2026 Northeast Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NEASDA) Annual Meeting in Amherst, MA, joining more than 160 agricultural leaders, policymakers, and food system advocates from across New England and beyond.

The conference focused on some of the most pressing issues facing our food system, including food security, farmland protection, and investments in supply chain infrastructure. We were encouraged to hear that many of the challenges and opportunities being discussed align closely with the work already underway here in Southeastern Massachusetts.

In particular, conversations around rebuilding the "middle of the supply chain"—the infrastructure needed to help local farmers and food producers get products to market—reinforced the importance of the regional planning and coalition-building efforts we are leading through the Southcoast Food Policy Council.

We were also proud to see the Southcoast Food Policy Council represented on one of the conference panels, helping elevate the innovative work happening across our region.

A special thank you to the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources and National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) for hosting such an inspiring event and creating space for meaningful collaboration across the Northeast.