Shocking Rise: Massachusetts Food Insecurity Soars to 37% in 2025—A Stark Increase from 19% Pre-Pandemic

Over 2 million adults in Massachusetts struggle with food insecurity. This means that about one in three households can’t afford enough food or are unsure of where their next meal will come from, as noted in a recent study by the Greater Boston Food Bank and Mass General Brigham. The problem is worsening, particularly as political discussions about cutting federal assistance programs, like SNAP, intensify.

Catherine D’Amato, the president of the Greater Boston Food Bank, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that hunger is a solvable issue, but it requires collective action. “Doing nothing is not an option,” she said.

Increasing Food Insecurity

The report reveals that food insecurity has been on the rise since the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. In a survey of 3,000 Massachusetts adults conducted from November to March, 37% reported struggling to get enough food. This is a significant increase from just 19% in 2019. Notably, almost 650,000 households reported very low food security, meaning they skipped meals due to financial struggles.

Children aren’t spared, either. About one in three kids in Massachusetts face food insecurity, though this number has slightly improved over the past two years. Still, the most severe cases among children are increasing again.

Real Lives Affected

For many, these statistics tell a heartbreaking reality. Jacqueline Martinez, a 54-year-old grandmother from Revere, shared her struggles to provide nutritious meals for her granddaughter amid rising costs. She reflected on how the values of nutrition from her childhood are becoming increasingly hard to replicate today.

Similarly, Rep. Ayanna Pressley recounted her own childhood experiences with food insecurity, emphasizing that hunger affects people from all walks of life. “There is no profile for hunger,” she said, underscoring the hidden nature of this crisis.

The Pandemic’s Impact

The COVID-19 pandemic has had lasting effects, driving food and housing costs higher and stressing many families. As federal assistance programs face potential cuts, food banks warn they won’t be able to fill the gap. Representative Katherine Clark highlighted the struggles of single mothers in her district who depend on federal aid to provide for their families.

"Hunger is a grave injustice," Clark stated, emphasizing the immediate need for action.

Disparities in Food Insecurity

The study revealed troubling disparities. More than 60% of Hispanic residents in Massachusetts face food insecurity, a leap from 44% before the pandemic. The rate among Black residents is high as well, affecting 46%. In contrast, the impact on White and Asian populations has also doubled since 2019, highlighting a broadening scope of this issue.

Central and Western Massachusetts show the highest rates of food insecurity, with Hampden County leading at 54%.

Health Consequences

Food insecurity isn’t just about hunger; it has serious health implications. Dr. Lauren Fiechtner from Mass General Brigham noted that individuals who struggle to afford food are more likely to have chronic health issues. Poor nutrition means these households often face tough decisions between buying food and paying for other necessities like heat and electricity.

Survey respondents expressed a desire to buy healthier foods but felt constrained by prices. Many reported turning to cheaper, processed options, as fresh produce and proteins are often out of reach.

Conclusion

The cost of hunger extends beyond economic measurements, affecting health and future opportunities. “These are not just statistics. These are our neighbors and families,” D’Amato said, calling for community action and awareness. Food insecurity is real, and it’s pressing for those who experience it daily. To learn more about tackling food insecurity, you can read the full report here.

Source link