Massachusetts

Get the facts about hunger in Massachusetts

Though many of us may not realize the grave disparities that exist in our own communities, people face hunger in every county and congressional district in Massachusetts. They could be our neighbors, kids in our children's classes – the possibilities go on.

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What Hunger Looks Like in Massachusetts

In Massachusetts, 713,870 people are facing hunger - and of them 169,800 are children.

1 in 10 people

Illustration showing 10 stick figures in a row with one highlighted in green.

face hunger.

1 in 8 children face hunger.
People facing hunger in Massachusetts are estimated to report needing $592,150,000 more per year to meet their food needs.

The average cost of a meal in Massachusetts is $4.41. Data from Feeding America's Map the Meal Gap study. Learn more ›


Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in Massachusetts

Charitable programs are unable to fully support those facing hunger. The combination of charity and government assistance programs are necessary to help bridge the meal gap.

SNAP, formerly food stamps, provides temporary help for people going through hard times – providing supplemental money to buy food until they can get back on their feet.

In Massachusetts,

30.9% of households receiving SNAP benefits have children
$1,131,148,466
distributed through
SNAP generated
$1,922,952,392 in economic activity*.

*Economists estimate that every dollar a household redeems through SNAP generates about $1.70 in economic activity.


Make a Difference in Massachusetts

Volunteer in Massachusetts

The Feeding America network is able to reach 40 million people, largely thanks to the commitment of volunteers. Our communities are stronger when we join together – help give your neighbors a hand up by volunteering at your local food bank.

Pledge to volunteer ›

Become an Advocate

To make progress toward ending hunger in Massachusetts, we need to make sure our lawmakers in Washington are fighting for those struggling back home. You can help make sure they see how great the need is in Massachusetts – call on lawmakers to make ending hunger a priority.

Contact your member of Congress today ›

3 Food Banks that serve Massachusetts

Food banks serve large areas and will be able to find a feeding program in your local community.

The Greater Boston Food Bank

The Greater Boston Food Bank

70 South Bay Ave
Boston, MA 02118
617.427.5200

www.gbfb.org 

The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts

The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts

25 Carew Street
PO Box 160
Chicopee, MA 01020
413.247.9738

www.foodbankwma.org/ 

Worcester County Food Bank, Inc.

Worcester County Food Bank, Inc.

474 Boston Turnpike
Shrewsbury, MA 01545
508.842.3663

foodbank.org/