Nearly half of the food received by the Food Bank comes from the Massachusetts Emergency Food Assistance Program (MEFAP) and The Emergency Food Assistance Program (USDA/TEFAP). We expect food shipments through TEFAP to drop by 33%, which creates a big gap in food. The Food Bank must purchase additional food to make up the shortfall in assistance.

The Food Bank is the region’s food warehouse, resource, education, and advocacy center. In addition to managing a nearly 40,000-square-foot warehouse for dry, refrigerated, and frozen goods, we assist community members with SNAP enrollment, nutrition education, food assistance navigation, and advocacy. Volunteers help with food sorting so it’s ready for member pantries and our partners.

Nearly 200 partner food pantries, meal programs, and shelters work together to create food security across Western Mass. The Food Bank operates two direct distribution programs, Mobile Food Banks and the Brown Bag: Food for Elders program. Through this network, the Food Bank provides the equivalent of more than 1 million meals every month. In 2025, we distributed a total of 17.9 million pounds of food, and the need grows.

More than 50% of households experience food insecurity in Hampden, Hampshire, Franklin, and Berkshire counties. Food Bank member pantries provide front-line support and food assistance with dignity and respect. No one – especially kids, people with disabilities, veterans, and older adults – should be left wondering if they can afford their next meal. The rising cost of food, utilities, housing, and childcare combined with cuts to SNAP creates more demand.