Food Bank of Western Massachusetts Addresses 2026 Food Access Report

CHICOPEE — Food insecurity across Western Mass. 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 sixth annual Massachusetts Food Access Report from the Greater Boston Food Bank and Mass General Brigham.

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 one-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 and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program 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,” the Food Bank stated. “Ending hunger in Western Massachusetts will take sustained investment, thoughtful policy, and a shared commitment to ensuring everyone can access nutritious food with dignity.”