The Greater Boston Food Bank (GBFB) is the largest hunger-relief organization in New England. Partnering with a network of over 600 food pantries, community meal programs, and other food assistance providers, GBFB serves 190 cities and towns across nine counties in Eastern Massachusetts.
GBFB provides critical support to individuals and families facing food insecurity. Beyond distributing food, the organization offers vital resources like SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) application assistance. Those seeking help can access GBFB’s SNAP outreach team via an online referral form, phone (617-598-5022), or email ([email protected]).
Locating Food Resources Near You
Finding food assistance is made easy with GBFB’s online Partner Agency Locator. This tool allows individuals to search for nearby food pantries, meal programs, and other resources within the GBFB service area.
Essential Food Assistance Programs in Massachusetts
Beyond the immediate support offered by GBFB and its partner agencies, there are several key food assistance programs available in Massachusetts:
- Healthy Incentives Program (HIP): Provides SNAP recipients with monthly incentives to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Women, Infants & Children (WIC) Program: Offers supplemental food, nutrition education, and healthcare referrals for low-income pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, infants, and children up to age five.
- Pandemic-Electronic Benefits Transfer (P-EBT) Program: Provides food benefits to families with children who have temporarily lost access to free or reduced-price school meals due to COVID-19 related closures or reduced attendance.
- Meals on Wheels: Delivers nutritious meals to homebound seniors and individuals with disabilities.
- City of Boston Office of Food Justice: Works to ensure food security and access for all Boston residents.
For detailed information on these programs, visit the Massachusetts government website on food assistance (mass.gov/topics/food-assistance).
Connecting to Additional Support
Several organizations offer comprehensive resources and support for individuals and families facing food insecurity:
- Project Bread: Operates a FoodSource Hotline providing multilingual assistance with finding food resources and applying for SNAP benefits.
- 211HELPSteps: Connects individuals with local health and human services, including food assistance, housing, childcare, and mental health support.
Partnering with the Greater Boston Food Bank
Organizations interested in joining the fight against hunger can become GBFB member agencies. Food pantries, mobile markets, and meal programs can learn about membership criteria and the application process on the GBFB website. This collaborative approach ensures that resources reach those who need them most.
Conclusion: Addressing Food Insecurity with GBFB
The Greater Boston Food Bank plays a crucial role in alleviating hunger in Eastern Massachusetts. Through its extensive network of partner agencies and commitment to providing essential resources, GBFB works tirelessly to ensure that no one goes hungry. By connecting individuals with food assistance programs and empowering community organizations, GBFB continues to make a significant impact in the fight against food insecurity.
