As many families across Boston face cuts or a pause in their SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)benefits, it’s more important than ever for our community to step up. East Boston has always taken care of its own, and there are plenty of ways—big and small—to make sure no one goes hungry this season. Whether you can donate canned goods, volunteer your time, or give a few dollars, your kindness will go a long way.
Here’s your guide to giving locally
Local Food Pantries & Organizations Accepting Donations
Grace Federated Church Food Pantry
Address: 760 Saratoga Street, East Boston, MA 02128
When: 1st & 2nd Saturday of each month, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Details: Longtime neighborhood pantry serving hundreds of families monthly.
How to help: Donate non-perishable food or volunteer during Saturday distributions.
East Boston Community Soup Kitchen (EBCSK)
Address: Our Savior Lutheran Church, 28 Paris Street, East Boston, MA 02128
Website: ebcsk.org
Details: Serves over 600 people weekly with groceries, meals, and hygiene items.
How to help: Donate food, hygiene products, or funds to support weekly grocery bags.
Action for Boston Community Development (ABCD) East Boston
21 Meridian Street
Website: bostonabcd.org
Details: Provides fresh groceries and pantry staples while helping families apply for SNAP and other benefits.
How to help: Donate shelf-stable foods or make a monetary contribution to support ongoing food access programs.
St. Mary’s Center – Crossroads Family Shelter Food Pantry
Address: 56 Havre Street, East Boston, MA 02128
When: Wednesdays, 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Website: stmaryscenterma.org
Details: Supports families facing homelessness and food insecurity.
How to help: Donate rice, beans, pasta, cereal, and canned goods or volunteer during weekly distributions.
Mutual Aid Eastie – Free Little Pantry & Library
Address: 4 Eagle Square, East Boston, MA 02128
Website: mutualaideastie.org
Details: A neighborhood “take what you need, leave what you can” pantry open 24/7.
How to help: Drop off canned goods, boxed meals, or hygiene items directly anytime.
Eastie Farm – Fresh Food Distribution
Address: 294 Sumner Street, East Boston, MA 02128
Website: eastiefarm.com
Details: Community farm that distributes free and low-cost produce to East Boston residents and supports SNAP shoppers through the “Healthy Incentives Program.”
How to help: Donate funds to sustain farm operations or contribute produce from local drives.
Most Holy Redeemer Church Food Pantry
Address: 65 London Street, East Boston, MA 02128
When: Fridays, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Details: Faith-based pantry providing groceries and essentials to local families in need.
How to help: Bring canned goods, pasta, peanut butter, and household items.
💵 Other Ways to help
Monetary donations go a long way—especially since local food programs can stretch your dollar through partnerships with the Greater Boston Food Bank or Project Bread. A $25 donation can feed a family for a week! Consider giving online to the Greater Boston Food Bank and/or Project Bread!
Julie’s Family learning program is looking for gift card donations to help families in need. You can learn more here.
Project Paulie supports over 30 local organizations. They are currently working to help those who may be affected by the SNAP pause.
Know of another way to give back? Drop the details in the comments below.
Maureen Dahill is the editor of Caught in Southie and a lifelong resident of South Boston sometimes mistaken for a yuppie. Co-host of Caught Up, storyteller, lover of red wine and binge watching TV series. Mrs. Peter G. Follow her @MaureenCaught.
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