FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 7, 2026   

MEDIA CONTACT: Deb Ondo, Communications and Engagement Manager, Food Bank of Western Massachusetts debo@foodbankwma.org Phone: 413-419-0170.   

[April 7, 2026, Chicopee, MA] – Food insecurity across Western Massachusetts remains at alarmingly high levels, with 50% of households struggling to afford enough nutritious food—well above the statewide rate of 40%. This marks a significant and sustained increase from pre-pandemic levels, when food insecurity in the region was 25%. Today, it has doubled and shows no signs of improvement year over year. This data comes from the Greater Boston and Mass General Brigham 6th Annual Food Access Study.  

Hampden County continues to experience the highest rate at 53%, followed by Franklin and Hampshire counties combined at 48%, and Berkshire County at 38%. At the same time, disparities persist across racial and ethnic groups. Hispanic households are experiencing food insecurity at a rate of 80%—the highest ever recorded. 

At its core, food insecurity in the region is being driven by the rising cost of living. Nearly 70% of households cite the cost of groceries as the primary reason they are struggling, and more than a third report decreased income. While programs like SNAP are reaching 67% of food insecure households, the benefits are not keeping pace with real costs, leaving families to rely on food pantries as a necessary part of how they put food on the table. In fact, pantry use has tripled since 2019. 

Yet even when food is available, barriers remain. Transportation challenges, limited food pantry hours, and the physical difficulty of getting food home can make access difficult. Just as significant are the human barriers to visiting a pantry: many people want to support themselves, worry they are taking food from others, or feel uncomfortable being seen accessing help. Food insecurity is not just about food; it is about dignity, access, and understanding. 

“The data reflects what we see every day across Western Massachusetts,” said Andrew Morehouse, Executive Director of the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts. “People are working, raising families, and contributing to their community as best they can—but the cost of living continues to outpace what they can afford. Food banks are essential, but they cannot solve food insecurity alone. We need stronger public investments in people and communities, including adequate SNAP benefits, transportation, and other public policies and programs that reverse extreme income inequality that corrodes our communities and local economies.” 

Food banks and local food pantries are essential, but they cannot solve systemic challenges alone. Building lasting food security requires addressing the key drivers of hunger—strengthening income supports to keep pace with the cost of living, investing in reliable transportation so people can access food, and ensuring public programs like the Massachusetts Emergency Food Assistance Program (MEFAP) and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) are adequately funded and administered. At the same time, we must continue working to reduce stigma and increase understanding of how and when to access food resources.  

Ending hunger in Western Massachusetts will take sustained investment, thoughtful policy, and a shared commitment to ensuring everyone can access nutritious food with dignity. 

Key resources to learn more and act: 

Food Bank Advocacy Action Center  

The Massachusetts House of Representatives is preparing to release their proposed FY27 budget in mid-April, and we need funding for crucial programs that help address food insecurity:   https://www.foodbankwma.org/advocacy/action/ 

Food Bank SNAP Stories 

Hear directly from people impacted by food insecurity by watching and listening to the Food Bank’s SNAP Stories:   https://www.foodbankwma.org/snap-stories/ 

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About the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts:
Since 1982, the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts has worked to build lasting food security by providing nutritious food and partnering with communities to end hunger across the region. Through food distribution, public education and advocacy, and a network of nearly 200 food pantries and meal sites, we support people across all four counties. We also work to address the drivers of hunger—because food is a right and everyone should have access to nutritious food without barriers or stigma.