For programs to increase the commonwealth's participation rate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and other federal nutrition programs; provided, that not less than $900,000 shall be expended for a grant to Project Bread � The Walk for Hunger, Inc.; provided further, that funds may be expended to establish a pilot program to supplement the supply of food available to recipients of benefits provided under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program using mechanisms designed to identify surplus food and distribute such surplus food to the recipients at a discount; provided further, said program shall: (a) employ technology to redirect surplus food to areas in which recipients are experiencing a higher need for more affordable and healthier food; (b) ensure that surplus food distributed pursuant to this program complies with nutritional standards and guidelines set by the department; and (c) prioritize reducing food insecurity for recipients; provided further, that the work of employees of the department of transitional assistance paid for from this item shall be restricted to processing supplemental nutrition assistance program applications; provided further, that the department shall not require supplemental nutrition assistance program applicants to provide reverification of eligibility factors previously verified and not subject to change; provided further, that notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, the department shall require only 1 signature from supplemental nutrition assistance program applicants; provided further, that the department shall fund a unit staffed by department employees to respond to supplemental nutrition assistance program inquiries and arrange and conduct telephone interviews for initial supplemental nutrition assistance program applications from this item; provided further, that the department shall fund a system to image and catalog eligibility documents electronically from this item; provided further, that funds may be expended for supplemental nutrition assistance program outreach; and provided further, that not later than February 3, 2026, the department shall report to the house and senate committees on ways and means on the status of these programs
