McGovern and Project Bread Launch Hospital Hunger ...(st of the kinds of food programs that ex...),Health

"By collaborating with hospitals across the Commonwealth, we can create a strong statewide network of support for those struggling to put food on the table," said Governor Deval Patrick. "I commend Congressman McGovern for his tireless and effective work to end hunger. With this initiative, we can and we will connect more people with the resources they need to stay healthy."

Each year, Massachusetts hospitals help thousands of patients apply for Mass Health, the Health Safety Net, and other public insurance programs through the state's Virtual Gateway, the state's one-stop Internet portal access that offers a common online application for nutrition benefits programs.

Said Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray, "By answering a few additional questions, hospital staff can use the same intake form to help patients apply for SNAP benefits [formerly known as food stamps] as well as begin the process of applying for other federal nutrition programs that support individuals and families in need across our Commonwealth. We thank Congressman McGovern for his continued leadership in antihunger programs and his dedication to develop a more efficient and effective delivery of services to those in need."

"Health care workers are on the front lines for identifying a variety of health care issues affecting patients," said John G. O'Brien, President and CEO of UMass Memorial Health Care. "Food insecurity is a medical issue, and this book provides the resources to help hospitals build programs appropriate to their communities' needs. At UMass Memorial, we have incorporated screening for food insecurity into our health insurance assistance program. As a result, we've help
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