basic needs Resources

As of Friday, Oct 24, the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) updated its website and began sending information to SNAP recipients that “President Trump is currently choosing to not issue November SNAP benefits that help you and many families put food on the table. You also may have your benefits cut starting in November because of changes Congressional Republicans and President Trump enacted in the “One Big Beautiful Bill.” Learn more and check back for updates at mass.gov/dta

What is NOT affected

• Applications for SNAP are still being accepted, but processing may be delayed.

• HIP (Healthy Incentives Program) This is a benefit for all SNAP recipients in MA to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables at farmers markets and mobile markets available on their EBT cards.  As long as participants have a positive SNAP balance (even $1) on their card, they will be able to spend the month’s value of HIP.

• WIC, universal free School Meals, and adult congregate care programs will continue to be funded.

• Food Banks do not see an immediate disruption, but there will likely be an uptick in demand at food pantries due to federal furloughs and SNAP benefit changes.

What IS affected

• November SNAP benefit issuance (particularly for recipients who typically receive benefits in the first few days of the month)

• Timeline for benefit distribution once federal funding resumes

• Boston Food Justice Resource List

  • Find a list of resources for free or low cost food here.

• Dorchester Food Co-op

  • The Dorchester Food Co-op is a community & worker-owned grocery store that makes healthy food accessible and advances economic opportunity through neighborhood engagement. The Dorchester Food Co-op is a diverse inclusive community with opportunities for employment, ownership, and access to healthy food. As a food co-op, we serve and reflect the wide variety of cultural, racial, and socio-economic groups that make up the neighborhoods of Boston.

• Greater Boston Food Bank

  • The Greater Boston Food Bank (GBFB) partners with more than 600 hunger-relief agencies, including food pantries, community meal programs and other food assistance providers throughout the nine counties and 190 towns and cities across Eastern Massachusetts. Use this directory to find a food bank near you!

• Arlington Street Church Supper Program

  • Friday Night Supper Program was cofounded by the Arlington Street Church and Dignity Boston in 1984. The two organizations continue to cosponsor the program, which provides meals to anyone in need every Friday night from 5pm to 7pm.

• Fresh Truck

  • Fresh trucks are rethinking the traditional grocery store model, making it mobile and bringing food closer to the people that need it the most. Order online and check the mobile grocery store schedule here!

• NFAC Food Resource Guide

  • A reliable compilation of trusted food resources to ensure everyone in MA has access to food every day. Click here to find their monthly guide in English, Spanish, Haitian Creole, Vietnamese, and Cape Verdean Creole. 

• YMCA Mobile Market

  • The Mobile Market provides free produce and shelf stable items. The truck visits sites all around the Greater Boston area. Check out the mobile market schedule here!

• Project Bread's FoodSource Hotline

  • The food assistance line for all of Massachusetts. Whether you need help paying for food and don't know where to start or you're simply curious about ways to boost your food budget or save on groceries.

• City of Boston Free Immigration Consultations

  • Do you need immigration advice from a lawyer? The Mayor’s Office for Immigrant Advancement offers free one-time immigration consultations on the first and third Wednesday of every month from 12:00 - 3:00 p.m.

• Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts 

  • Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts (VLA) helps artists, cultural organizations, and creative entrepreneurs through a lawyer referral program, direct representation, and educational programs. Fill out the AAC intake form for a free consultation. 

• Know Your Rights

  • Know your rights if an immigration officer (ICE) tries to talk to you. Click here for a resource guide. 

• Emergency Planning Guide for Families

  • Parents with uncertain immigration status may be concerned about the care and custody of their children in the event of sudden detention or deportation by federal immigration officials. The following guides have legal options to consider.

• Boston Metrolist

  • Metrolist is Boston's primary resource to find income-restricted housing. Metrolist has listings across Greater Boston, and information to help you find affordable housing.

• Artist Housing Certification

  • With an Artist Housing Certification, you are initially qualified for some artist live-work spaces in the City of Boston. Most artist live-work spaces in the City of Boston are affordable. That means you may also have to meet other affordable housing requirements, like income and asset limits. Learn more about affordable housing in Boston.

• Emergency Housing Assistance

  • Massachusetts individuals and families seeking emergency housing will find shelter programs and related services here. Families already living in shelter will also find related program information here.

• Housing Assistance for Massachusetts Residents

  • This page provides an overview of the housing, home repair and home energy help programs available to homeowners, renters and landlords.

• Mass Health Connector

  • See if you qualify for savings on your monthly health insurance premium, shop health plans, see if you qualify for MassHealth, and Get the latest information on what to know about the new federal rules and how they could affect what you may qualify for and your coverage.

• Free Health Care Programs Directory

  • Find a list of free health clinics and programs throughout Massachusetts. 

• Wellness and Mental Health Free Programs

  • Find a list of initiatives, programs, and resources throughout Massachusetts.

• Resources on Racial Justice and Trauma

  • Find a list of initiatives, programs, and resources throughout Massachusetts.

• Resources for Seniors

  • Find a list of initiatives, programs, and resources throughout Massachusetts.

• Boston Medical Center

  • Find a collection of health and well-being resources here. 

• Mayor’s Health Line

  • A free, confidential, multilingual health information and referral service who help all residents regardless of immigration status. If you or a loved one needs legal help, they also provide referrals to legal services.

• Specialized Help Lines

  • A list of specialized mental health hotline resources.