More than 630,000. That’s how many Bay State households will be affected by the end of additional Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program — aka SNAP — benefits beginning next month. On average, Boston-based SNAP users were receiving $144 per month in the emergency allotments.
With household food insecurity nearly doubling in our state during the pandemic, we’re helping Bostonians stock up on information about six programs + organizations working to fight for food justice in our city.
Community fridges
Take what you need, give what you can. These volunteer-run fridges are typically stocked with groceries ranging from fresh produce to canned and packaged foods. Check out this map of the 20+ neighborhood fridges around Boston.
The Greater Boston Food Bank
The largest hunger relief organization in New England distributed more than 90 million meals last year. The nonprofit serves nine Massachusetts counties, including Suffolk County. Locate your nearest food pantry.
Summer Eats
Local organizations transform into meal sites over the summer, providing breakfasts and lunches to youth 18 years and under. Interested groups can fill out this form by Friday, April 28 to host meals and expand healthy food access for kids + teens this year.
Consult this guide of safe items to bring to your local community fridge.
Photo by @hibiscushoops
Healthy Incentives Program
Residents who receive SNAP benefits can earn a dollar-for-dollar match on their EBT card after purchasing fresh fruits + vegetables. Find the list of participating farmers markets.
Project Bread
This Massachusetts-based food assistance program offers a free hotline to help residents navigate various nutrition programs like School Meals. The group’s next annual “Walk for Hunger” is scheduled for Sunday, May 7 around the Boston Common.
Daily Table
Visit the Roxbury, Cambridge, or Dorchester locations to shop for affordable groceries (think: SNAP-eligible prepared meals). There are also free cooking classes available in the Codman Square Health Center Teaching Kitchen.
Bonus: Visit the Mayor’s Office of Food Justice for more initiatives, from urban farming to local food forests.