Dollar-a-Bag
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What is the Dollar-a-Bag program?
The Dollar-a-Bag program is a surplus food distribution program run by Fair Foods, Inc., a non-profit community action organization based in Dorchester, MA. The Dollar-a-Bag program distributes fresh fruits and vegetables and other food items to thousands of families in the Boston area and eastern Massachusetts each year.
Dollar-a-Bag increased its prices to two dollars a bag in 2009, the first price increase in twenty years. (Read about the price increase)
Families can visit Dollar-a-Bag sites at schools, senior centers, housing developments, and other community locations, and pick up grocery bags filled with fresh produce and other food items for a $2 donation per bag.
Am I eligible?
Anyone in need of food is welcome to take part in the Dollar-a-Bag program. You do not need an ID or a referral. There are no income limits.
What benefits will I get?
When you visit a Dollar-a-Bag site, you can pick up grocery bags filled with fresh produce (such as potatoes, onions, carrots, leafy greens, etc.), and other available items for a donation of two dollars per bag. No one is turned away for inability to pay.
The fruits and vegetables are surplus foods donated by wholesale vendors from the New England Produce Center, area farms, and trucking companies. The selection changes from day to day.
Each bag weighs about 10 pounds, and contains 5 to 7 different types of fresh produce, plus dry goods and beverages if available.
Community volunteers run the program, fill up the food bags, collect the donations, and clean up.
How do I apply?
You do not have to apply for the Dollar-a-Bag program. Just show up at any of the sites during program hours. You do not need an ID and you do not need to give any information about yourself.
Where are the Dollar-a-Bag sites?
Dollar-a-Bag sites are at schools, churches, housing developments, senior centers, and other community locations throughout the metro Boston area. For a list of sites and the hours they are open, see:
Each site is open once a week, or once every two weeks, for about an hour.
If you have questions, call Fair Foods at 617-288-6185 or send them an e-mail at .
Useful links
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- Fair Foods Dollar-a-Bag Program
The official site of Fair Foods, Inc., including a list of Two-Dollar-a-Bag sites.
Dollar-a-Bag program section last updated on 4/16/10
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