Get the Facts

In support of our mission to end hunger in Massachusetts, we use internal and external data to inform our direct service programs and to make evidence-based policy recommendations.

We believe scientific evidence is critical in promoting equity and so we prioritize providing inclusive and accurate statistics. Our research and analyses is based on our efforts to ensure that we are using the highest quality data available. 

Food insecurity affects all communities, but the impacts remain disproportionate. In 2024, Black and Hispanic households faced the highest rates at 46% and 62%, respectively. Food insecurity also doubled for Asian and White households since 2019.

These increases reflect ongoing challenges such as rising food and housing costs as well as shifts in federal support programs.

Source: Anisha Gundewar, Man Luo, Meghan Perkins, Catherine Lynn, Kate Adams, Rachel Burgun, Christina Peretti, Daniel Taitelbaum and Lauren Fiechtner. The Cost of Hunger in Massachusetts. The Greater Boston Food Bank, 2025.

Living at or below 200% of the federal poverty level is a strong predictor of food insecurity. For many Massachusetts residents, limited income means making challenging choices between groceries and rent, medicine and heat. These daily trade-offs take a toll on health, stability, and quality of life.

In Massachusetts 21.6% of the population, approximately 1,427,360 individuals, live at or below 200% of the federal poverty level. This group includes those in extreme poverty, experiencing severe financial hardship, as well as working individuals and families living paycheck to paycheck who still struggle to meet basic needs in a high-cost state.

To better understand the financial reality for low-income households, the following income ranges show estimated thresholds based on federal guidelines (United States HHS):

These figures reveal the reality of poverty in Massachusetts. Even households earning above the official poverty line may still be unable to afford basic necessities in a state with high housing, healthcare, and transportation costs. Ultimately, targeted policies and support programs are critical. By understanding the challenges facing over a fifth of the commonwealth’s population, we can better advocate for solutions that build lasting food security and economic stability for all.

BIPOC households are recovering from the pandemic significantly slower than white households. In 2024, 1 in 6 (17.2%) white households with children compared to more than 1 in 3 (33.3%) Black households with children and approximately 1 in 3 (34.3%) Latino/a households with children were food insecure.

Source: US Census Household Pulse Survey

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in Massachusetts serves a vital role in ensuring food security for low-income individuals and households. In 2024, SNAP supported an average of 1.1 million people –1 in 6 households – each month to purchase food. The average SNAP benefit for households is about $320 per month. Of the people who use SNAP, about 1 in 4 of SNAP are aged 60 or older, and more than 1 in 4 SNAP households have at least one child.

Our federal government is moving to restrict SNAP, the largest federal nutrition program in the country, despite its proven success of lifting families out of poverty and strengthening food security for millions of people. In recent months, Project Bread and other advocates have observed a troubling decline in SNAP participation locally and across the Commonwealth. This drop is likely the result of both the chilling effect of the ongoing persecution of previously protected immigrant groups and the recent passage of the reconciliation bill, which threatens deep cuts to the program.

At this critical moment, Project Bread’s work is more vital than ever. We are on the front lines helping families overcome barrier to accessing SNAP, while also driving essential policy advocacy to protect and expand this important safety net program for those who rely on it most.

Source: Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance