The Greater Boston Food Bank is a wholesale food bank rather than a walk-in food pantry. That said, they run free Mobile Markets at partner locations across Eastern Massachusetts, serving seniors, veterans, students, community health center patients, and others in need. Check their website for locations and more!
At Mobile Market events, visitors shop in a farmer's market style and can choose from a range of fresh produce, dairy products, and high-protein items. Fresh produce makes up a large part of what's distributed at each market.
GBFB's SNAP outreach team helps Massachusetts residents apply for food benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. You can call 617-598-5022, email snap@gbfb.org, or fill out an online referral form at gbfb.org. Specialists are available Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
Two full-time registered dietitians also provide nutrition education to GBFB's agency partners through the Takeda Center for Community Health and Nutrition.
GBFB accepts monetary donations online, by check mailed to 70 South Bay Avenue, Boston, MA 02118 (Attn: Accounting), by stock transfer, through an IRA charitable rollover, or by donating a car. Monthly giving, donor-advised fund grants, and employer matching gift programs are also available. Visit the Ways to Give page to donate online, or contact the development team at development@gbfb.org or (617) 427-5200 with any questions.
Volunteers help sort and pack food at GBFB's South Boston warehouse. Shifts run Monday through Friday (9 AM to 12 PM and 1 PM to 4 PM) and Saturday (9 AM to 12 PM and 1 PM to 3:30 PM). You can sign up as an individual or as part of a group through the Volunteer Portal. Visit the volunteer page to learn more about current openings and group scheduling.
See something missing or wrong?
Suggest an updateThe Preventive Food Pantry at Boston Medical Center serves low-income BMC patients who have special nutritional needs. You can visit if you've been screened and referred by your BMC primary care provi
The Salvation Army at 1500 Washington Street serves anyone in need, including people experiencing poverty and homelessness. The Salvation Army welcomes all people without discrimination based on age,
The pantry serves South Boston individuals and families who are dealing with hunger. Visitors report that you need to live in South Boston and bring a Massachusetts ID to receive groceries. Emergency
Everyone is welcome at Haley House. There are no eligibility requirements and no registration needed to receive a meal or groceries. The doors are open to anyone, whatever their situation.