Community Resources For Food Insecurity

Food access and security in our communities

Food insecurity is certainly not talked about enough! Let’s take some time today to focus on connecting individuals and families in Massachusetts with much-needed support. We are focusing on resources in-and-around our communities of Boston and Newburyport. You can download a PDF resource handout here.

Some background: In Massachusetts, approximately 19.2% of households reported food insecurity in March 2023. Prior to the pandemic this number was approximately 8.2% (Project Bread). Project Bread is a great resource to start with. Their mission is to “connect people and communities in Massachusetts to reliable sources of food while advocating for policies that make food more accessible—so that no one goes hungry.” They have a hotline where any questions can be answered or guide you toward the right resources for you and your family.

Resources:

Project Bread

This organization works to break the cycle of hunger through advocacy, education, and community action. You can check out their awesome website here.

Greater Boston Food Bank

They partner with more than 600 hunger-relief agencies throughout nine counties and 190 towns and cities in Eastern Massachusetts.

You can search here for a food pantry in your area.

Local Community Dinners

Locations listed here for Amesbury, Wakefield, Stoneham and Malden

You can find the full schedule of community dinners here

Our Neighbors Table in Amesbury

• Every Wednesday, 4:00pm - 6:00pm

• Main Street Congregational Church (Vestry Hall) 145 Main Street, Amesbury, MA

• In person dining resuming 6/21

Saint Joseph Parish in Wakefield 

• 1st Thursday of each month at 5:00 pm

• 173 Albion Street, Wakefield MA 01880

Most Blessed Sacrament Parish in Wakefield

• 2nd Wednesday of each month from 5:00 – 6:00 pm 

• 1155 Main Street in Wakefield

First Baptist Church in Wakefield

• 4th Monday of each month from 6:00-7:00 pm

• Dinners are temporarily being held at First Parish Congregational Church at One Church St, Wakefield

Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Wakefield

• Sit-down community meal on the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 5 pm

• Horizon House, 78 Water Street, Wakefield

Bread of Life in Malden

• Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 5:30pm to 6:30pm

• First Baptist Church located on the corner of Main and Church Streets in Malden

Community Dinners and Food Pantry in Stoneham

• Tuesdays at 5:45pm

• 1 Church Street, Stoneham, MA

Transition Newburyport

Food pantry resources and daily meal programs open to everyone located throughout Newburyport, surrounding towns and South Hampton, NH

A complete list can be found here

SNAP

A federal nutrition program with monthly funds on a debit-like EBT card to buy food

Where to Apply: www.mass.gov/how-to/apply-for-snap-benefits-food-stamps

Eligibility: Dependent on who is in the household, income and certain expenses. You must also be a US citizen. You can check your eligibility here

WIC

Health and nutrition program for pregnant women, breastfeeding women, up to 1 year postpartum, non-breastfeeding women, up to 6 months postpartum and infants and children younger than age 5.

Where to Apply: https://www.mass.gov/forms/apply-for-wic-online

Eligibility: must live in Massachusetts, have a nutritional need (determined by WIC staff), are a child under 5, a new mom or a pregnant or breastfeeding woman, and have a family income less than WIC guidelines

You are automatically income eligible for WIC if you currently receive MassHealth/Medicaid insurance plans, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children (TAFDC) or cash assistance.

National School Lunch Program

All schools participating in the NSLP, provide students with free school lunch. This includes all public schools and some charter schools. Breakfast and a snack is also available at some schools.

Summer Eats (Summer Food Service Program)

Summer Eats provides free meals for youth ages 0-18 during the summer months, Monday through Friday.

Locations can be found by calling your local school district or at this website here