HungerThursday, November 12
Food bank turkey chain spotlights food insecurity in 40% of Massachusetts households
The BOStoday team
If you've wondered how many of your neighbors are struggling, here's a number to repeat: 40% of Massachusetts households experienced food insecurity in 2025, according to the Greater Boston Food Bank's latest study. Gov. Maura Healey, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu and others passed turkeys down a line at the food bank's 21st annual Chain of Giving in Dorchester on Thursday, Nov. 5.
The Chain of Giving came amid rising hunger
- 40%
- of Massachusetts households were food insecure in 2025
- 19%
- of households were food insecure in 2019
- 230
- participants formed the chain, a record
- 54,000+
- turkeys headed to pantries and meal programs this season
Sources: Chelsea Record, WCVB
Federal SNAP cuts are adding to the pressure. "The face of hunger is changing every day and every year," Wu said. Healey said her administration has made "record investments in food assistance."
- Network: about 600 partners; GBFB supplies nearly 80% of their food
- New CEO: Carl Howell's first Chain of Giving
- Sponsor: the Shaw's and Star Market Foundation
185,000+Massachusetts residents lost SNAP benefits from Nov. 2025 to Sept. 2026
That's an 18% drop in SNAP participation since new eligibility restrictions took effect in Massachusetts in November 2025.
Source: Chelsea Record
Sources: Chelsea Record, WCVB