Physical Health United States Project #46155

The Greater Boston Food Bank COVID-19 Response

Project Report | Jul 14, 2026
Quality food for seniors, low-income, and disabled residents at the Chatham Food Pantry

By The Greater Boston Food Bank | Ending Hunger Here in Eastern Massachusetts

A 71-year-old senior living in affordable housing in Chatham, this featured client moved to the community in 1988 after a stroke at age 26 left her disabled and reliant on disability, and later Social Security income. Living on her low, fixed income and limited SNAP benefits that fluctuate with her Social Security payments, she experiences particular financial strain at the end of the month when food stamps run out and basic expenses like rent, car payments, and rising gasoline costs consume much of her check.

With her family deceased and no local relatives, the Chatham Food Pantry has been a “lifesaver,” providing high-quality staples such as pasta, chicken, and pork loin every other week, which allows her to access nutritious food she otherwise could not afford. She describes the broader community as wealthy but emphasizes that many low-income and disabled residents depend on the pantry. She says the demand has grown over the years, with longer lines and more diverse clients, including increasing numbers of Hispanic neighbors.

Reflecting on recent instability in SNAP benefits, especially around Thanksgiving, she recalls a fearful period of uncertainty that underscores how crucial The Greater Boston Food Bank’s support is for Chatham residents who are not “all rich.”

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Apr 13, 2026
Extending a Helping Hand to Fellow Students

By The Greater Boston Food Bank | Ending Hunger Here in Eastern Massachusetts

For this Bunker Hill Community College (BHCC) student working at the DISH (Deliver Information, Sustenance, and Health) Food Pantry on campus is more than just a job—it’s an opportunity to give back to the organization and help other students feel more comfortable receiving food assistance.

“When people seem shy, I tell them about how I receive food from the pantry, too. No one should feel ashamed,” he says.

This student began receiving food from the pantry in 2023 and started working there soon after, packing and distributing orders for fellow clients. The food helps Justin make ends meet while he studies electrical engineering. He adds that the pantry community was especially supportive after his mother passed away in 2024.

In Massachusetts, 38 percent of public and community college students experience food insecurity, according to The Greater Boston Food Bank’s 2025 Food Equity & Access Report. When college students have enough to eat, they can focus on their schoolwork and succeed. It is critical that these students—our future health care workers, elected officials, and educators—have the healthy food they need to thrive.

The DISH Food Pantry at BHCC is a student-driven resource committed to being a safe, dignified, and stigma-free environment for students. About half of the food the pantry receives is provided by The Greater Boston Food Bank. With the resources from DISH, he likes to make jollof rice, a typically West African rice dish with chicken and tomatoes. In his free time, he enjoys cooking, soccer, music, and art. He’s looking forward to finishing his engineering coursework and may even pursue acting classes.

“This student exemplifies leadership and professionalism in his role with DISH and brings a warm and welcoming attitude to the pantry each day. Visitors to DISH light up when they see him,” says Chelsea Alexander, DISH Food Pantry Coordinator. “He, along with the rest of our amazing team of student staff, are the heart of DISH and carry out our mission of being a resource created and sustained by the BHCC community, for the BHCC community.”

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Feb 6, 2026
"I will always support this vital resource"

By Team GBFB | GBFB Communications

In Jessie Damroth’s kitchen in Newton, you might find her using masa flour to make tamales with her two children, or helping her daughter turn overripe bananas into a cake.

“It’s important for my children to understand how to cook and what it takes to prepare a meal, and it teaches them to be creative,” she says. “Also, it’s part of family bonding.”

Some of the family’s most used ingredients—fresh vegetables, yogurt, chicken, beans, masa flour, and bananas—are provided by the Newton Food Pantry.

Jessie and her children experience food insecurity. “I am so thankful that the pantry has been available for us in our greatest time of need,” she told a rapt audience of GBFB supporters at our Taste of the Food Bank event.

Until recent years, Jessie was living and working as a nonprofit director on Martha’s Vineyard. When her children began experiencing concerning, chronic medical symptoms, everything changed. The family moved to Newton to be closer to Boston hospitals, and all three members of the household were diagnosed with an ultrarare genetic condition.

“I have drained every savings account I have had to survive,” Jessie explained. “It has been a full-time, unpaid job to coordinate medical appointments, transport my kids to different doctors, and get my kids to the places they are in today.”

Jessie asked other parents to stop and imagine the experience of food insecurity. “Imagine the feeling of sheer panic when you’re asked to bring in prepackaged snacks for a classroom event, and your SNAP dollars have run out for the month. Imagine feeling relief—and then guilt over the relief—when your daughter is invited to a friend’s house for dinner and there’s one less meal to provide.”

She acknowledged that in Newton, as in many cities and towns, people may assume that hunger is not an issue in their community.

“I wish more people knew that their neighbors living with food insecurity are not lazy. Most people don’t want to rely on benefits,” Jessie said. “We don’t plan to be a client of the Newton Food Pantry forever, but I will always be a supporter of this vital resource.”

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