How many food assistance resources are in Massachusetts?

Men's Corner tracks 16 food assistance resources for men and fathers in Massachusetts.

Are food assistance resources in Massachusetts free?

16 of the 16 listed food assistance resources in Massachusetts are explicitly free or low-cost.

Which cities in Massachusetts have food assistance resources?

Listings span cities including Boston, Hatfield, Shrewsbury, East Boston, Lowell, Jamaica Plain.

What are some examples of food assistance resources in Massachusetts?

Featured entries include Massachusetts SNAP, Massachusetts WIC Program, Greater Boston Food Bank, The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, Worcester County Food Bank.

Do these listings include phone numbers?

15 of 16 Massachusetts food assistance listings include phone numbers.

How do I apply for SNAP?

Apply through your state's Department of Human Services — online, in person, or by phone. Approval for basic cases can happen in 30 days; expedited SNAP is available within 7 days for households in severe need. Bring ID, proof of income, rent/mortgage, and utilities.

Can I use a food bank without applying?

Yes. Most food banks and pantries don't require income verification, ID, or applications for initial visits. Feeding America's online locator (feedingamerica.org) finds nearby pantries by ZIP code. Most pantries let you visit once or twice a month.

Are custodial fathers eligible for WIC?

Yes. WIC covers custodial parents (including fathers and grandparents) of children under 5, and breastfeeding or postpartum mothers. It's commonly assumed to be mother-only — it isn't. Apply at your local WIC clinic. Income limit is 185% of the Federal Poverty Level.

What is summer food service?

USDA's Summer Food Service Program feeds children 18 and under during school breaks. No application required — kids just show up at a participating site (schools, parks, libraries). Text FOOD to 304-304 to find a nearby site, or call 211.

Best Food Assistance in Massachusetts — 16 resources

About Food Assistance

Food assistance programs for US fathers and families include SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly food stamps), WIC (Women, Infants, and Children — which serves custodial fathers of children under 5), the National School Lunch Program, food banks through the Feeding America network, and Meals on Wheels. SNAP is administered state-by-state; eligibility is generally based on household income below 130% of the Federal Poverty Level. Food banks operate in every state and are the fastest way to access food without an application — most require no ID or income verification for initial visits. TEFAP (The Emergency Food Assistance Program) supplies food banks with USDA commodities. Summer Food Service Programs feed children during school breaks. This directory includes each state's SNAP office, regional food bank networks, and WIC clinics.

16 Resources

1. Massachusetts SNAP — Free

Massachusetts' Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (food stamps) helping eligible low-income residents buy groceries. Benefits are loaded monthly onto an EBT card usable at most grocery stores, farmers markets, and many corner stores. Apply online at DTAConnect.com, by phone, or at a local DTA office. Bring photo ID, Social Security numbers for household members, proof of income (pay stubs or benefit letters), rent or mortgage statement, and utility bills.

877-382-2363 · Apply online at DTAConnect.com or at local DTA office · Online 24/7; offices Mon-Fri 8:45am-5pm · Visit Website

2. Massachusetts WIC Program — Free

Provides nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and supplemental food benefits to pregnant people, new parents, infants, and children under 5 in all 14 Massachusetts counties. Fathers and other caregivers can also bring eligible children to WIC appointments. Find your nearest WIC office on the state website and call to schedule; bring photo ID, proof of income (pay stubs or benefit letters), proof of MA residency, and birth certificates or medical records for the child.

1-800-942-1007 · WIC clinics throughout all Massachusetts counties · Varies by clinic; appointment required · Visit Website

3. Greater Boston Food Bank — Free

Eastern Massachusetts' largest hunger relief organization distributing 100+ million pounds of food annually through 600+ partner agencies (food pantries, meal programs, and shelters) across 190 communities. Individuals do not pick up food at GBFB directly; instead use the website's food pantry locator to find a nearby partner agency by ZIP code. Most partner pantries do not require income documentation but may ask for photo ID and proof of local residency.

617-427-5200 · 70 South Bay Ave, Boston, MA 02118 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

4. The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts — Free

Regional food bank serving Hampden, Hampshire, Franklin, and Berkshire Counties through 175+ partner agencies (food pantries, meal programs, and shelters) providing food distribution and nutrition programs. Individuals do not pick up food at the food bank directly; instead use the website's pantry locator to find a nearby partner by ZIP code. Most partner pantries do not require income documentation but may ask for photo ID and proof of local residency.

413-247-9738 · 97 N Hatfield Rd, Hatfield, MA 01038 · Mon-Fri 8am-4pm · Visit Website

5. Worcester County Food Bank — Free

Serves all of Worcester County through 130+ partner agencies (food pantries, meal programs, and shelters) distributing food to families in need across central Massachusetts. Individuals do not pick up food at the food bank directly; instead use the website's food pantry locator to find a nearby partner by ZIP code. Most partner pantries do not require income documentation but may ask for photo ID and proof of local residency to register.

508-842-3663 · 474 Boston Turnpike, Shrewsbury, MA 01545 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

6. Project Bread — Free

Statewide anti-hunger organization operating the FoodSource Hotline (1-800-645-8333) that connects Massachusetts residents to SNAP application help, food pantries, school meals, summer meals, senior meals, and WIC referrals in 180 languages. Free and confidential; no registration, insurance, or income verification required to call. Hotline counselors can walk callers through SNAP eligibility, help complete applications, and find nearby food resources by ZIP code.

1-800-645-8333 · 145 Border St, East Boston, MA 02128 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm; Sat 10am-2pm · Visit Website

7. Feeding America - MA Food Banks — Free

National hunger relief network with multiple Massachusetts member food banks including Greater Boston, Western Mass, Worcester County, and Merrimack Valley. Use the national website's ZIP code locator to find your nearest Feeding America partner food bank, which will in turn list local food pantries. Free to use; no registration required. Have your ZIP code ready. Partner pantries set their own eligibility, but many do not require income documentation.

Search by MA zip code · Online 24/7 · Visit Website

8. DTA Connect (Massachusetts Benefits Portal) — Free

Massachusetts online portal for applying to SNAP, Emergency Aid to the Elderly, Disabled and Children (EAEDC), Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children (TAFDC), and other DTA benefits. Check eligibility, submit applications, upload verifications, check EBT balances, and manage benefits online or in the mobile app. Available 24/7. Have photo ID, Social Security numbers, proof of income, and housing costs handy before starting an application.

877-382-2363 · Online resource · Online 24/7 · Visit Website

9. Merrimack Valley Food Bank (Lowell) — Free

Regional food bank serving the Merrimack Valley region (Lowell, Lawrence, Haverhill, Amesbury, and surrounding towns) distributing food through 150+ partner pantries and meal programs. Individuals do not pick up food at the food bank directly; instead use the website's pantry locator to find a nearby partner by ZIP code. Most partner pantries do not require income documentation but may ask for photo ID and proof of local residency to register as a shopper.

978-454-7272 · 360 Merrimack St, Building #9, Entry L, Lowell, MA 01852 · Mon-Fri 8am-4pm · Visit Website

10. Community Servings (Boston) — Free

Prepares and delivers medically tailored, free meals to critically and chronically ill individuals and families across Massachusetts. Clients must be referred by a healthcare or social service provider; meals are customized for diagnosis (HIV, cancer, kidney disease, diabetes, etc.). No fee to clients; services are funded by MassHealth, private insurance, and donations. Call or ask your medical provider for a referral; bring insurance cards and medical documentation when enrolling.

617-522-7777 · 179 Amory St, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

11. Rosie's Place (Boston) — Free

Boston sanctuary for women that also operates a food pantry and hot meal program providing meals, groceries, and food pantry access to women and families in need. Does not provide shelter or services to single men, but food pantry and meal programs are available without appointments for women (with or without children). Walk in during posted meal and pantry hours; bring photo ID when possible. Free; no income verification required.

617-442-9322 · 889 Harrison Ave, Boston, MA 02118 · Mon-Fri meals and pantry hours vary · Visit Website

12. Lovin' Spoonfuls (Boston) — Free

Food rescue nonprofit collecting fresh, healthy surplus food from grocery stores, produce wholesalers, and farms and delivering it to community organizations serving people in need across eastern and central Massachusetts. Does not distribute food directly to individuals; instead partners with shelters, pantries, afterschool programs, and community meal sites. Use the website to find partner agencies. Free for partner organizations; funded through donations and grants.

617-390-0030 · Boston, MA · Mon-Fri 7am-3pm · Visit Website

13. Open Table (Maynard/MetroWest) — Free

Community food pantry and nutrition program serving MetroWest Massachusetts families in Maynard, Stow, Concord, Acton, Boxborough, and nearby towns with weekly groceries, fresh produce, and cooking education. Free for food-insecure residents; register in person on a first-visit basis. Distribution days and hours are posted on the website and change seasonally. Bring photo ID and proof of MetroWest residency (utility bill or lease) at first visit to register.

978-369-2333 · 33 Main St, Maynard, MA 01754 · Distribution days vary; check website · Visit Website

14. New Bedford Community Food Pantries — Free

Network of food pantries across New Bedford providing emergency groceries and food assistance to families in southeastern Massachusetts. Use Mass 2-1-1 (dial 211 or visit mass211.org) to find current pantry days, hours, and locations by ZIP code. Most pantries do not require income documentation; some ask for photo ID and proof of New Bedford residency (utility bill, lease, or mail) at first visit. Free; no appointment required at most sites.

508-979-1500 · Multiple locations in New Bedford, MA · Varies by pantry · Visit Website

15. Rachel's Table (Springfield) — Free

Food rescue program of the Jewish Federation of Western Massachusetts collecting surplus food from restaurants, grocery stores, caterers, and institutions and distributing to 60+ hunger relief agencies in Hampden and Hampshire Counties. Does not distribute food directly to individuals; instead partners with pantries, shelters, afterschool programs, and community meal sites. Use the website to find partner agencies in your area. Free for partner organizations.

413-452-0801 · Springfield, MA · Mon-Fri 8am-4pm · Visit Website

16. Salvation Army Massachusetts - Food Services — Free

Multiple Salvation Army locations across Massachusetts provide emergency food pantries, hot meal programs, mobile food distributions, and holiday (Thanksgiving and Christmas) meal baskets for families in need. Find the nearest corps location by ZIP code on the website. Most pantries do not require income documentation; some ask for photo ID and proof of local residency at first visit. Free; no religious participation required to receive food services.

617-542-5420 · Multiple MA locations · Varies by location · Visit Website

Frequently Asked

How many food assistance resources are in Massachusetts?: Men's Corner tracks 16 food assistance resources for men and fathers in Massachusetts.
Are food assistance resources in Massachusetts free?: 16 of the 16 listed food assistance resources in Massachusetts are explicitly free or low-cost.
Which cities in Massachusetts have food assistance resources?: Listings span cities including Boston, Hatfield, Shrewsbury, East Boston, Lowell, Jamaica Plain.
What are some examples of food assistance resources in Massachusetts?: Featured entries include Massachusetts SNAP, Massachusetts WIC Program, Greater Boston Food Bank, The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, Worcester County Food Bank.
Do these listings include phone numbers?: 15 of 16 Massachusetts food assistance listings include phone numbers.
How do I apply for SNAP?: Apply through your state's Department of Human Services — online, in person, or by phone. Approval for basic cases can happen in 30 days; expedited SNAP is available within 7 days for households in severe need. Bring ID, proof of income, rent/mortgage, and utilities.
Can I use a food bank without applying?: Yes. Most food banks and pantries don't require income verification, ID, or applications for initial visits. Feeding America's online locator (feedingamerica.org) finds nearby pantries by ZIP code. Most pantries let you visit once or twice a month.
Are custodial fathers eligible for WIC?: Yes. WIC covers custodial parents (including fathers and grandparents) of children under 5, and breastfeeding or postpartum mothers. It's commonly assumed to be mother-only — it isn't. Apply at your local WIC clinic. Income limit is 185% of the Federal Poverty Level.
What is summer food service?: USDA's Summer Food Service Program feeds children 18 and under during school breaks. No application required — kids just show up at a participating site (schools, parks, libraries). Text FOOD to 304-304 to find a nearby site, or call 211.