Rising Food Insecurity in Greater Boston: Key Insights from the Latest Food Bank Report

In 2024, food insecurity surged in Massachusetts, affecting half of the households in Franklin and Hampshire counties and about two million adults statewide. This troubling data comes from a recent report by The Greater Boston Food Bank and Mass General Brigham.

The report revealed a concerning trend: 37% of Massachusetts households faced food insecurity, nearly double the rate of 2019, and a significant 13% increase from the previous year. Catherine D’Amato, the president and CEO of The Greater Boston Food Bank, highlighted that this issue poses risks not only to public health but also to the economy. She emphasizes the need for supportive policies from the government and continued commitment from community organizations.

D’Amato stated, “Hunger is not just an individual issue; it is a public emergency.” She believes a cooperative approach among different sectors can effectively address this crisis, especially in Massachusetts, which has a history of innovative solutions to help those in need.

The report relied on an online survey with over 3,000 responses collected from November 2024 to March 2025. Participants shared their experiences regarding food access over the previous year, revealing the depth of the problem.

Food insecurity means being unable to afford enough food or worrying about where the next meal will come from. This issue can be categorized into two levels: low food insecurity, where a person has to cut back on meal quality, and very low food insecurity, where individuals might skip meals entirely.

Those working directly with food pantries report seeing the effects of rising food insecurity firsthand. Andrew Morehouse, Executive Director of the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, remarked, “We’re providing more food to more people than ever in our 43-year history.” The food bank delivered over 1.34 million meals to Franklin County in the past year, a significant increase from the previous year’s 1.28 million meals.

Similarly, Janna Tetreault, Associate Director at Community Action Pioneer Valley, agreed that the survey’s findings reflected the increased demand for food services. Their agency has recorded a 22% rise in participants since 2022. Even rural areas, like the Hilltowns, aren’t spared; Patricia Thayer, who oversees the Hilltown Churches Food Pantry, has noted a steady rise in families seeking assistance.

Experts confirm that several factors contribute to this crisis. Inflation, rising living costs, and housing shortages have all added pressure on families, making it increasingly difficult for them to afford food. In Franklin County, the rural landscape adds unique challenges, affecting transportation and overall access to resources.

Ignoring food insecurity can have serious consequences beyond nutrition. Research highlights that food-insecure households often experience higher medical costs. The Greater Boston Food Bank estimates that food insecurity may lead to around $1.3 billion in annual emergency room visits and hospitalizations tied to Medicaid.

Moreover, food insecurity can decrease community involvement. Individuals from food-insecure households are less likely to volunteer, vote, or participate in local organizations. Children facing food insecurity miss out on social activities at three times the rate of their food-secure peers.

To combat this pressing issue, experts suggest that communities unite and advocate for investments in food and health care systems. Morehouse pointed out the community’s support during the pandemic but warned that food insecurity is now worse than it was during that time. He urged society to think broadly about ensuring that everyone can meet their basic needs.

Thayer stressed that community support is crucial for keeping food assistance programs running, as they rely entirely on donations. “It’s a tight budget; we squeeze every penny,” she noted. “Everybody needs to eat, so we’ll keep plugging.”

However, the future looks uncertain due to potential cuts to social safety nets. Tetreault and Morehouse expressed concern that proposed budget cuts to SNAP and Medicaid could further strain food assistance programs, pushing more individuals to local food pantries.

As the Greater Boston Food Bank continues to gather insights from their ongoing efforts, you can find more details in their latest Statewide Food Access Report. It highlights the serious need for collaboration and support across varying sectors to tackle food insecurity effectively. More details on local resources can also be found through their web links.

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