12 Ways Boston Residents Can Fight Hunger this December

As families across Boston prepare for the holiday season, a growing number are facing an unsettling reality: more than one in three households is struggling with food insecurity. The burden has become increasingly visible in recent months, revealing just how fragile access to basic nutrition can be for tens of thousands of residents.

Project Bread, the statewide anti-hunger organization, has seen the strain firsthand. Between October 27 and November 7—when November SNAP benefits were stalled in political limbo during the government shutdown—calls to the nonprofit’s FoodSource Hotline surged 444% year over year, as families scrambled to find help putting meals on the table. The spike represented more than 3,700 calls in just ten days.
“Grocery prices and health care costs are sky high, and people facing hunger have hard decisions to make—juggling bills, putting food on the table while kids are out of school, and trying to create family holiday memories when there’s no money,” says Erin McAleer, President & CEO of Project Bread. “The holidays are meant to be about gathering around the table — not worrying that there won’t be anything on it.”

This season, the organization is offering residents a practical road map through its “12 Ways to Help Fight Food Insecurity”, a set of community-driven actions aimed at ensuring no one goes hungry this winter—or any time of year.
1. Answer the Call for HelpProject Bread’s FoodSource Hotline (1-800-645-8333) has fielded 11,572 calls this year as of September. During the government shutdown, calls surged by 444%, with more than 3,700 calls in ten days. Sharing information about the free, multilingual hotline helps ensure families know where to turn.

2. Support SNAP AccessMore than 1 million Massachusetts residents rely on SNAP, which generates $2.4 billion in economic activity. Advocate against cuts to SNAP and WIC, and consider joining Project Bread’s Hunger Action Team — a statewide network of more than 4,900 advocates and stakeholders.
3. Link Health and FoodThrough Project Bread’s Health Care Partnerships, more than $1.9 million in grocery gift cards have been provided to food-insecure patients this year. Encourage those struggling with food access to speak with health care providers about available supports.

4. Champion Universal School MealsEvery day, 900,000 Massachusetts students receive free school meals thanks to statewide policy. Universal meals eliminate stigma, build community, and strengthen school nutrition programs. Encourage students to participate—and thank school nutrition staff this holiday season.
5. Help Close the Language GapNearly 40% of FoodSource Hotline callers request translation services in one of more than 180 languages. Share Project Bread’s multilingual materials to help ensure all families can access assistance.

6. Engage in Collective ActionJoin the Make Hunger History Coalition, a network of more than 500 partners united to permanently end hunger in Massachusetts.
7. Walk or DonateNearly 4,800 people participated in this year’s Walk for Hunger, raising $1.3 million for direct food access and systemic change. Registration for the 58th annual event, scheduled for Sunday, May 3, 2026, opens in February.
8. Invest in Local SolutionsSince 2021, more than $800,000 in community grants have supported organizations improving food access locally. Residents can also visit winter farmers markets and make use of the Healthy Incentives Program, which stretches SNAP benefits while supporting local growers.
9. Get Plugged In to Your CommunityFind out which groups are working to address hunger right in your neighborhood. Through The Walk for Hunger Commonwealth program, local anti-hunger organizations receive free resources and keep 60% of the funds they raise.
10. Have a Beer (Yes, Really!)Throughout December, Lamplighter Brewing Co. is serving “Bread Zeppelin,” a limited-edition ale whose proceeds benefit Project Bread’s year-round anti-hunger work. The ginger-spiced brew features notes of cardamom, clove, spiced pear, rye toast, and gingerbread.

11. Be a Holiday HelperChannel 7News produces an annual Holiday Helping recipe booklet featuring staff members’ favorite dishes. Proceeds support Project Bread’s mission to ensure everyone across the Commonwealth can afford food with dignity.
12. Keep the Momentum Going Beyond December
Hunger doesn’t follow a calendar. Project Bread encourages residents to commit to year-round support—including becoming a monthly donor to sustain statewide food security efforts.
As food insecurity intensifies across Massachusetts, the choices residents make this season can help ensure that no family has to choose between holiday traditions and basic nourishment. Project Bread’s message is clear: when communities come together, hunger doesn’t stand a chance. For more information, visit: www.projectbread.org.