Massachusetts food programs give free food, low cost food, and information about good nutrition to low-income families, seniors, and other residents. Some of the food programs are government funded, while others are run by non-profit community organizations.

SNAP Food Stamps

The Food Stamp Program is now called SNAP, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. SNAP helps low-income households pay for food so they can have a healthy diet and still have money to pay other bills. Use the online SNAP Food Stamps Eligibility Check to see if you might qualify for benefits.

Food Pantries and Free Meals

Food pantries are places to go to get free uncooked food to take home. Free meals programs are places to go to eat cooked meals free of charge.

Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)

WIC provides free healthy food to women, infants, and children who are at risk of developing medical or nutritional problems.

School Meals and Summer Food Program

School Meals offer free and reduced price school meals and milk to children from low-income families who are enrolled in school. During summer vacation, the Summer Food Program provides free meals for children and teens at parks, schools, community centers, and other approved sites.

Meals on Wheels & Dining Centers

Meals on Wheels delivers prepared nutritional meals to homebound seniors age 60 or older. Dining Centers are congregate meal sites where seniors come together to enjoy lunch, conversation, and activities.

Bags of Food / Food Packages

Several non-profit organizations offer free and low cost bags of food and special food packages to Massachusetts residents:

• Brown Bag gives a free bag of food each month to low-income seniors.

• Dollar-a-Bag offers grocery bags filled with fresh produce and other available food items, for a donation of $2 per bag.

• Serve New England provides packages of healthy foods at a reduced cost in return for two hours of volunteer work in the community per month.

Other Food Programs

Several other food programs give free food to people in need. Each of these programs has its own eligibility requirements, benefits, and application process.

• Massachusetts Children's Fund gives jars of baby food and gently used baby supplies to families in need.

• HIV/AIDS Nutrition Services include congregate meals, home-delivered meals, boxed groceries, and nutritional counseling to help meet the specific needs of people living with HIV.