Boston Food Pantry

Mission

The Boston Food Pantry is operated by the American Red Cross of Massachusetts. Since 1982, we’ve been on a mission to help alleviate hunger and food insecurity among low-income communities throughout the Boston area at our onsite food pantry and working with agency community partners at mobile distribution sites. Our priority is to be inclusive, inviting, and barrier-free. 75% of the food distributed is fresh produce and is given with sensitivity towards sustainability and the environment. Produce not fit for distribution is saved for composting at local farms.

Onsite Food Pantry

Location

1033 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston, MA 02118
(entrance door is on Proctor Street)

Open Hours

Wednesdays and Saturdays, 9:00am-12:00pm

Onsite food pantry policy:

Only one registration card per household unit.
To register, one member of the household needs to complete a registration form at the pantry during open hours.

Pantry members need to bring proof of identify (photo ID NOT required) and registration card to pick up food in the pantry.

Members may access food in the pantry whenever the pantry is open on Wednesdays and Saturdays – as frequently as once a day, if necessary.

Holidays (closed)
 

  • Wednesday, January 1, 2025 (New Years)
  • Saturday, May 24, 2025 (Memorial Day)
  • Saturday, July 5, 2025 (Independence Day)
  • Saturday, August 30, 2025 (Labor Day)
  • Saturday, November 29, 2025 (Thanksgiving)
  • Wednesday, December 24, 2025 (Christmas)

 

Senior Distribution Open Days:

In collaboration with community partners, this program prioritizes the health and wellness of the growing, vulnerable senior population, susceptible to chronic illnesses.
 

  • January 9, 2025*
  • February 6, 2025
  • March 6, 2025
  • April 3, 2025
  • May 8, 2025*
  • June 5, 2025
  • July 3, 2025
  • August 7, 2025
  • September 4, 2025 

 

(Senior distributions [CSFP] are for pre-approved individuals)
 

SNAP Outreach

When picking-up food, people can also visit our onsite Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) kiosk. Apply for or manage benefits (including SNAP, TAFDC, EAEDC). Pantry staff is here to help you!
 

Volunteerism

Volunteers account for most of the peoplepower required for the Boston Food Pantry to service our community. We host volunteer opportunities during morning hours on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, allowing people to build comradery with each other while addressing the growing problem of food insecurity in our community. For more information about volunteering, please email us: MABostonfoodpantry@redcross.org