2511-0105 Emergency Food Assistance

For the purchase of supplemental foods for the emergency food assistance program within the Feeding America nationally--certified food bank system; provided, that funds appropriated in this item shall reflect the Feeding America allocation formula in order to benefit the commonwealth's 4 regional food banks; provided further, that the department of agricultural resources may assess an administrative charge not to exceed 2 per cent of the total appropriation in this item; provided further, that not less than $1,250,000 shall be expended to the commonwealth's 4 regional food banks for operating funds to distribute food for the Massachusetts emergency food assistance program; provided further, that not less than $500,000 shall be expended to the Women's Lunch Place, Inc. to provide nutritious food and individualized services for women who are experiencing homelessness or poverty; provided further, that not less than $25,000 shall be expended to the Merrimack Valley Food Bank for the operation of the nourish children's feeding program; provided further, that not less than $100,000 shall be expended to Project Just Because, Inc.; and provided further, that not less than $50,000 shall be expended to the MetroWest Food Collaborative to support food security initiatives