Get the Facts
The latest data on food insecurity in Massachusetts from Project Bread
Understanding the issue
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.
Current Trends
Food Insecurity in Massachusetts
In 2024, food insecurity affected more than 1 in 3 Massachusetts households, around 2 million adults, at some point during the year. Approximately 1 million households experienced food insecurity, with 650,000 facing very low food security, meaning they had difficulty consistently accessing enough food.
Over the past five years, food insecurity rates in the state have gradually increased, rising from 19% in 2019 to 37% in 2024. Similarly, very low food security has increased from 6% to 24% during this period.
In 2024
1 in 3 households
in Massachusetts are food insecure
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.
Over 1.4 million people in Massachusetts are at risk of hunger due to low income.
This figure highlights the deep economic inequality in the state and underscores the need for targeted support, policy reform, and community-driven solutions.
Poverty in Massachusetts: A Closer Look
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.
Estimated Income Ranges by Poverty Level
To better understand the financial reality for low-income households, the following income ranges show estimated thresholds based on federal guidelines (United States HHS):
Implications
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.
The Latest
2023 USDA Food Security Report Shows Federal-Level Interventions Work
Learn about the key findings from the latest USDA food security report and delve into our work to combat food insecurity.
Inequities
BIPOC households are experiencing significantly higher rates of food insecurity
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
Shedding light on disparities
LGBTQ+ individuals face greater rates of food insecurity
The LGBTQ+ community has faced oppression throughout history. They face many barriers and obstacles that suppress their voices and economic opportunities, and cause several other negative impacts. This oppression has a major impact on the community’s food security.
Expanded Child Tax Credit
Majority of Child Tax Credit Spent on Basic Needs & Debt
An estimated 70% of households in Massachusetts that received the Child Tax Credit (CTC) in July 2021 spent the payment on food, rent, utilities, or debt. The highest category was food, underscoring the importance of the CTC in helping families in Massachusetts. We support making the expansion of the CTC permanent so households with children continue to receive support in meeting their needs.
Note: Table percentages total more than 100 because respondents were allowed to choose more than one category.
The importance of SNAP
SNAP provides 9 meals for every 1 meal a food bank provides
The federal nutrition program, SNAP, is our country’s most effective and efficient response to hunger. Only SNAP has the ability to quickly scale up to meet any size of need. SNAP is proven to reduce food insecurity and lift people out of poverty.
SNAP Trends
SNAP enrollment has increased substantially since the onset of the pandemic.
SNAP has been a powerhouse during the pandemic to help individuals and families afford food. As of March 2022, Massachusetts has surpassed 1 million SNAP recipients in the state. Enrollment data show that Massachusetts continues to see increases in SNAP enrollment. In 2024, there were 1,067,778 people and 653,855 households in Massachusetts receiving SNAP.
Our latest Research
Barriers to SNAP
During the pandemic, state and federal actions to remove barriers and strengthen SNAP have helped many people access and afford food.
Indications that food insecurity is beginning to decline, with SNAP possibly having a role, brings urgency to our research to measure SNAP awareness, understand the perceptions that may impact a person’s willingness to enroll in the program, and learn about the experiences of residents when using SNAP benefits.
Explore our research findings, released August 2021, informing our recommendations to dismantle any barriers that persist between those eligible but not enrolled, that may contribute to SNAP’s underutilization.