Food Support in Massachusetts: Accessible Meal Options for Families
In Massachusetts, we know that food security is a real concern for many families.
This is due to the high cost of living, inflation, and recent changes in federal programs.
However, there are numerous community and state resources that provide free or very low-cost food support, regardless of your immigration status.
It’s crucial to know that families are not alone and that there are numerous programs and resources dedicated to ensuring no one goes hungry in our state.
This guide aims to break down the available options, from government programs to community initiatives.
Its goal is to help you and your family access free or low-cost food.
The key is to know your rights and where you can find the necessary support.
1. Food Banks and Community Pantries
Food banks distribute large quantities of food to community pantries that then deliver food directly to families.
These resources are free and available throughout the state:
Greater Boston Food Bank:
Ending hunger in Eastern Massachusetts by providing food and resources to communities in need. Find nearby pantries by entering your zip code.
Food Bank of Western Massachusetts:
Mission: to feed those who lack resources and lead the community in ending hunger.
Merrimack Valley Food Bank:
Providing affordable, healthy food to individuals and families in need in the Merrimack Valley.
Worcester County Food Bank:
Helping alleviate hunger through a network of pantries, meal sites, and community organizations.
Open Table (MetroWest and Merrimack):
Providing healthy meals and a welcoming environment for individuals and families in need in MetroWest communities.
You can visit these websites or call directly to find out where the nearest pantry is, when it opens, and what you need to bring.
2. SNAP Program: Food Purchase Assistance
SNAP, formerly known as “food stamps,” is the largest food assistance program in the country.
It provides monthly benefits on an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card that works like a debit card.
It can be used in most supermarkets and farmers’ markets to buy food.
Who qualifies?
Eligibility is primarily based on household income and the number of people in the family.
If your income is below certain limits, you likely qualify.
It’s important to know that the application will not affect your immigration status or that of your family members.
In fact, citizen children, even if their parents do not have documents, may be eligible for benefits.
How to apply?
If you are an undocumented immigrant, your U.S.-born children may qualify for SNAP.
Organizations that help with SNAP enrollment and access:
Project Bread: Call 1-800-645-8333 (they offer assistance in Spanish).
They work with schools, community centers, hospitals, and other organizations to ensure people can access nutritious food and programs like SNAP. They also operate the FoodSource Hotline, a free and confidential helpline to find food resources statewide.
La Colaborativa (Chelsea):
Supports Latino and immigrant communities with essential resources such as food, housing, and public benefits assistance.
Chelsea Hunger Network:
Provides coordinated access to nutritious food and assistance with SNAP applications.
Action for Boston Community Development (ABCD):
Empowers low-income individuals and families by providing access to basic resources, including SNAP assistance.
Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services (SCES):
Helps seniors and adults with disabilities, including support for applying for SNAP.
Greater Lawrence Community Action Council (GLCAC):
Offers services that promote economic self-sufficiency, including assistance with SNAP applications.
Community Action Pioneer Valley:
Provides support with public benefits like SNAP in the Franklin and Hampshire regions.
3. WIC: Food Aid for Women and Children
The WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) program offers healthy foods, formula, fruits, vegetables, nutrition education, and breastfeeding support to:
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women
- Infants and children under 5 years old
This benefit is also provided via an EBT card. You can apply even if you don’t have health insurance or regular immigration status.
- More information and application: www.mass.gov/wic
- Find a nearby office: 1-800-942-1007
4. Community Kitchens and Hot Meal Programs
Many organizations offer hot meals ready to go or to eat on-site. These services are free and open to everyone.
Catholic Charities Boston:
Their mission is to build a just and hopeful future for the most vulnerable, offering services that include food distribution in various Massachusetts locations.
Haley House Soup Kitchen (Boston):
Its function is to use food as a vehicle to empower individuals, build community, and promote social justice. They offer hot meals, especially for homeless individuals.
Rosie’s Place (for women):
Provides a safe place for homeless or low-income women to receive support with food, housing, and other critical services.
Daily Table:
Provides nutritious and affordable meals through low-priced supermarkets, removing financial barriers to healthy eating.
5. School Food Programs for Children and Adolescents
Public schools offer free breakfasts and lunches for students, with no application needed in many districts.
During the summer, the Summer Eats Program, a federal nutrition program designed to ensure that all youth (18 and under) have access to healthy meals and snacks during the summer, is available.
Free meals are available to all kids and teens at hundreds of sites across the state. Find a meal site at Summer Eats.
6. Mobile Markets and Cooperatives
Mobile markets bring fresh food to neighborhoods without nearby supermarkets. Many accept SNAP and WIC.
Fresh Truck (Boston):
Its mission is to expand access to healthy food in underserved communities.
Through its market-style mobile truck, they bring fresh fruits and vegetables to Boston neighborhoods so families can buy nutritious food conveniently and affordably.
Greater Boston Food Bank (GBFB) Mobile Market:
Check routes at the GBFB link. It brings fresh produce directly to communities with limited access to healthy food.
It operates monthly in collaboration with local organizations to distribute free fruits, vegetables, and other nutritious foods to families in need.
Legal Resources and Application Assistance
If you need help applying for SNAP, WIC, or resolving issues with your benefits:
Health Care For All:
Promotes equitable access to quality healthcare for all Massachusetts residents, especially those with fewer resources.
The organization offers free assistance in various languages for enrolling in health insurance like MassHealth and the Health Connector.
Massachusetts Law Reform Institute (MLRI):
Works to protect access to basic services like housing, food, health, and education.
Greater Boston Legal Services (GBLS):
Provides free legal representation to low-income individuals in the Boston area facing serious problems such as eviction, denial of public benefits, domestic violence, or discrimination.
GBLS helps families access justice and maintain their safety and stability.
Many of these programs do not require proof of citizenship and offer assistance in Spanish.
Do not hesitate to ask for help. Access to food is a right, and in Massachusetts, resources are available for you and your family.
Stay informed with My Health Fair and share this information with your community.
