Eastie Farm distributes free food to East Boston community members, with a focus on neighbors facing food insecurity. Anyone in the community can receive free food at distribution events during the growing season. To find out when and where food is available, text "Food" to 617-207-6545 or check the calendar.
Eastie Farm also runs a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) program with tiered pricing that includes free shares and heavily discounted shares ($20/week) for those who need help. To apply for a free CSA share, fill out this form. To apply for a discounted Leg Up Share, apply through the CSA subscription form.
Free food distribution runs during the growing season only. The specific days and times change from year to year, so text "Food" to 617-207-6545 or check the calendar for the latest updates before heading over. If you're dropping by without a specific event, the greenhouse at 6 Chelsea Terrace is open on weekdays from 9 am to 5 pm.
Eastie Farm focuses on fresh, locally grown produce. Free food shares include fruits and vegetables sourced from local farms, including through partnerships with Boston Area Gleaners and Gaining Ground. CSA bags typically contain 5 to 8 different items and weigh between 10 and 20 pounds. A typical CSA bag includes one fruit, one to two root vegetables, one bunch of leafy greens, plus items like mushrooms, eggs, microgreens, and honey. The produce is sourced from over 50 farms across Massachusetts.
For free food distribution events, Eastie Farm announces the time and location through text updates and the calendar. For CSA subscribers, bags are picked up at scheduled locations. On your first pickup day, you'll receive your share in a reusable cooler bag. Each following week, you bring your empty bag back to trade for a full one. A swap box is also available at CSA pickups, so you can exchange any item you don't want for something else that's available.
Eastie Farm's food page offers guidance on enrolling in SNAP (the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program). If you're not sure whether you qualify due to income or immigration status, you can call the Project Bread SNAP hotline at 1-800-645-8333. Eastie Farm is also a HIP (Healthy Incentives Program) vendor, meaning SNAP users get money back on their EBT card when buying local produce through the CSA.
The farm also offers programs for children and teens, including Junior Farmers (a summer program for elementary schoolers) and Climate Corps (an earn-to-learn program for high school students interested in green jobs).
Eastie Farm is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and all donations are tax-deductible. You can donate by credit card or PayPal on the donate page, through Venmo (@Eastie_Farm), or by mailing a check to Eastie Farm, 6 Chelsea Terrace, East Boston, MA 02128. To donate stock or wire funds, contact development@eastiefarm.com.
You can also support neighbors in need by subscribing to the Helping Hand CSA at $55/week. This tier helps cover the cost of free and discounted shares for families who can't afford them.
Eastie Farm welcomes volunteers every week. You can help pack CSA bags on Wednesdays from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm, or help with greenhouse work on Tuesdays from 5:00 to 7:00 pm. All volunteers meet at 6 Chelsea Terrace in East Boston. To sign up, visit eastiefarm.com/volunteer or email volunteer@eastiefarm.com. Corporate and group volunteers who'd like to come outside these hours can fill out this form.
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