Boston

1. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

SNAP, formerly known as food stamps, is a federal program that provides monthly benefits to eligible individuals and families to purchase groceries.

Eligibility:

• Income Limits: Eligibility is based on household income, which must be at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). For example, in 2023, a household of 1 must earn less than $2,266/month, and a household of 4 must earn less than $4,626/month.
• Residency: You must live in Massachusetts and be a U.S. citizen or a qualified non-citizen (e.g., green card holder, refugee, asylee).
• Assets: Most households do not have an asset limit, but certain households (e.g., those with elderly or disabled members) may have limits.
• Work Requirements: Able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs) must meet work requirements unless exempt.

Costs:

• There is no cost to apply for or receive SNAP benefits.

How to Apply:

1. Online: Apply through the Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) website at DTAConnect.com.
2. Mobile App: Use the DTA Connect mobile app to apply, check your benefits, and upload documents.
3. In-Person: Visit a local DTA office in Boston (e.g., the Dudley Square DTA Office).
4. By Phone: Call the DTA Assistance Line at 1-877-382-2363 to apply or get help.

Local Considerations:

• Boston-Specific Resources: Many community organizations, such as Project Bread and the Greater Boston Food Bank, offer assistance with SNAP applications.
• EBT Card Use: SNAP benefits are loaded onto an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, which can be used at grocery stores, farmers' markets, and some online retailers like Amazon and Walmart.

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2. Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program

WIC provides nutrition assistance, education, and support to pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and children under 5 years old.

Eligibility:

• Income Limits: Household income must be at or below 185% of the FPL. For example, in 2023, a household of 1 must earn less than $2,248/month, and a household of 4 must earn less than $4,626/month.
• Residency: You must live in Massachusetts.
• Nutritional Risk: Applicants must be assessed by a health professional to determine nutritional risk (e.g., anemia, underweight, or poor diet).

Costs:

• WIC services and benefits are free.

How to Apply:

1. Find a WIC Office: Locate a WIC office in Boston by visiting Mass.gov WIC.
2. Schedule an Appointment: Call your local WIC office to schedule an appointment.
3. Bring Documentation: You’ll need proof of identity, income, and residency, as well as your child’s immunization records.

Local Considerations:

• WIC Farmers’ Market Coupons: In Boston, WIC participants can receive additional coupons to purchase fresh produce at local farmers’ markets.
• Culturally Tailored Foods: WIC offices in Boston often provide culturally appropriate food options for diverse communities.

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3. The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP)

TEFAP provides free food to low-income individuals and families through local food pantries and soup kitchens.

Eligibility:

• Income Limits: Generally, households earning up to 200% of the FPL are eligible.
• Residency: You must live in Massachusetts.

Costs:

• TEFAP food is free.

How to Access:

1. Find a Food Pantry: Use the Greater Boston Food Bank’s Food Finder Tool to locate a pantry near you.
2. Visit a Distribution Site: Bring proof of residency and income if required.

Local Considerations:

• Many Boston food pantries offer culturally specific foods to meet the needs of immigrant communities.
• Some pantries, like those run by Catholic Charities or ABCD (Action for Boston Community Development), also provide additional services like housing or job assistance.

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4. School Meal Programs

Boston Public Schools (BPS) provides free breakfast and lunch to all students, regardless of income, through the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP).

Eligibility:

• All students enrolled in Boston Public Schools are automatically eligible for free meals.

Costs:

• Meals are free for all students.

How to Access:

• Students simply need to show up at school to receive meals—no application is required.

Local Considerations:

• Some schools also offer after-school meal programs and summer meal sites for children under 18.

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5. Boston Food Access Programs

The City of Boston has several initiatives to improve food access for residents.

Key Programs:

• Boston Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program: SNAP recipients can use their EBT cards at farmers’ markets and receive additional funds through the Healthy Incentives Program (HIP). For every dollar spent on eligible produce, you get a dollar back (up to a monthly limit).
• Fresh Truck Mobile Market: A mobile grocery store that brings fresh, affordable produce to Boston neighborhoods.
• Community Fridges: Boston has several community fridges where residents can take or leave food for free. Locations include Dorchester, Jamaica Plain, and East Boston.

Local Considerations:

• Many of these programs are designed to address food deserts in underserved neighborhoods like Roxbury, Dorchester, and Mattapan.

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6. Meals on Wheels

Meals on Wheels delivers nutritious meals to homebound seniors and individuals with disabilities.

Eligibility:

• Must be 60 years or older or have a disability that limits mobility.
• Must be unable to prepare meals independently.

Costs:

• Meals are free, but donations are encouraged.

How to Apply:

1. Contact Ethos: Ethos is the primary provider of Meals on Wheels in Boston. Call 617-477-6606 or visit Ethos’ website.
2. Assessment: A caseworker will assess your eligibility and needs.

Local Considerations:

• Ethos also offers culturally tailored meals for Boston’s diverse population, including Asian, Latino, and African cuisines.

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7. Project Bread’s FoodSource Hotline

Project Bread operates a statewide hotline to connect residents with food resources.

How to Access:

• Call 1-800-645-8333 (available in multiple languages).
• The hotline provides information on SNAP, WIC, food pantries, and other local resources.

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Tips for Accessing Food Assistance in Boston:

1. Language Support: Many programs offer translation services for non-English speakers. For example, DTA and WIC provide materials in Spanish, Haitian Creole, Chinese, and other languages.
2. Community Organizations: Reach out to local nonprofits like ABCD, Catholic Charities, or the YMCA for additional support.
3. Cultural Sensitivity: Boston’s food assistance programs often cater to the city’s diverse immigrant communities, so don’t hesitate to ask about culturally appropriate food options.

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By leveraging these resources, you can access the food and nutrition assistance you need in Boston. If you have further questions or need help navigating these programs, feel free to ask!