Marblehead, Massachusetts

In Eastern Massachusetts, the cost of food has consistently increased throughout the years, as Massachusetts ranks as the fifth state with the highest average cost of a meal. These higher prices only make it more difficult for those fighting hunger as they struggle to keep up with these continuously demanding costs. 1 in 11 people in Eastern Massachusetts face food insecurity; this number is even higher for children in Massachusetts as 1 in 9 struggle with food insecurity. “In Massachusetts, one third of folks struggling with hunger are ineligible for government programs, as compared to a quarter nationwide,” Catherine D’Amato, president and CEO of The Greater Boston Food Bank. “And even those who do receive government assistance regularly run out of benefits before the end of the month.” (quote from The Greater Boston Food Bank) COVID-19 has only worsened these already strenuous times as around 38% of people in Massachusetts declared themselves food insecure at one point, in March alone.