Food insecurity hit 40% of Mass. households in 2025, survey suggests
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A record 40% of Massachusetts households didn't have consistent access to food last year, a new survey from the Greater Boston Food Bank and Mass General Brigham suggests.
The big picture: The report estimates that more than 1.1 million Massachusetts households experienced food insecurity last year, due to the state's high cost of living, inflation and the 2025 federal government shutdown.
State of play: The rate of food insecurity has more than doubled since 2019, leading to increasing reliance on food pantries and other charitable organizations, per a survey of 3,000 residents.
- 56% of insecure households relied on food charities last year, another record high, while the federal government has reduced food supplies to the GBFB.
What they're saying: "Every population — from families with young children to seniors — is struggling to afford food," said Lauren Fiechtner, senior health and research adviser at the food bank.
- Fiechtner is also the division chief of pediatric gastroenterology, hepatology and nutrition at MassGeneral Brigham for Children.
By the numbers: 25% of all Massachusetts households experienced "very low food security," meaning they regularly missed meals, the survey suggests.
- An estimated 37% of children experienced food insecurity in 2025, compared to 33% in 2024, but Fiechtner says those figures would look a lot higher without Massachusetts' universal school meals program.
Caveat: The food bank and MGB conducted the survey before the new appropriations law took effect, imposing new SNAP work requirements and eligibility rules.
- The report predicts that will lead to more reliance on food pantries in 2026.
Zoom out: Hunger is on the rise nationwide.
- A recent Urban Institute report says 1 in 4 U.S. adults reported experiencing food insecurity in 2025, citing a survey of 10,000 people.
In Massachusetts, the food bank several policy changes to tackle food insecurity, including increased funding for the Massachusetts Emergency Food Assistance Program (MEFAP) and the Department of Transitional Assistance.
- Households reported needing about $100 more per week to afford enough groceries without relying on charitable food assistance, or $3.3 billion a year across Massachusetts.
Yes, but: Their asks come as the state grapples with a budget deficit and the loss of billions in federal funding.
- Meanwhile, nonprofits have lost federal funding, and fundraising has become increasingly competitive.
What's next: Food providers asked state lawmakers to allocate $58 million to MEFAP in the fiscal 2027 budget, $8 million more than last year.
- Healey's budget proposal allocated $55 million.