Civic Leaders Draw Attention to Food Insecurity at The Greater Boston Food Bank’s 20th Annual Chain of Giving
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
As 1.1 Million Massachusetts Residents Face a Hunger Emergency Because of Delayed SNAP Benefits, Governor Maura Healey, Mayor Michelle Wu, and Civic Leaders Draw Attention to Food Insecurity at The Greater Boston Food Bank’s 20th Annual Chain of Giving
Delayed and reduced November SNAP benefits expected to drive historic demand at food pantries this holiday season and beyond
Boston, MA (November 6, 2025) – With an ongoing hunger crisis driven by the November pause in SNAP benefits for 1.1 million Massachusetts residents, The Greater Boston Food Bank (GBFB), New England’s largest hunger-relief organization, held its 20th annual Chain of Giving event today, convening community to bring attention to this crisis. The event, sponsored by Shaw’s and Star Market Foundation, spotlights food insecurity in the state and GBFB’s efforts to respond to the growing need. The Chain of Giving symbolizes the interconnectedness of our community and reminds us that individually and collectively we are linked and stronger when we come together to ensure everyone has access to the nutritious food they need to thrive.
GBFB provides free food to over 600 community partners throughout Eastern Massachusetts which is distributed locally through food pantries and other local organizations. SNAP benefits, which enable recipients to purchase food at grocery stores, are delayed in November due to the federal government shutdown, which is expected to drive overwhelming demand at food pantries. This is a particularly pressing concern as the holidays approach.
Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, Shaw’s and Star Market Vice President of Operations Jim O’Leary, and GBFB President and CEO Catherine D’Amato spoke about hunger in the Bay State and how our community can come together to support those in need. As is tradition, over 150 people formed a human chain to pass over 500 turkeys from a delivery truck to a large freezer in GBFB’s warehouse. This is a small portion of the 50,000 turkeys and other holiday and daily food items GBFB will distribute to pantries across Eastern Massachusetts during the holiday season.
“Every year, The Greater Boston Food Bank provides food to hundreds of thousands of Eastern Massachusetts families,” said Maura Healey, Governor of Massachusetts. “Their work is all the more important in this moment when children, seniors and veterans across our state are facing hunger because the Trump Administration has delayed and reduced SNAP benefits. I’m glad to be here with The Greater Boston Food Bank and partners from across the state for the Chain of Giving to do what we do best in Massachusetts — show up for our neighbors in need.”
“So many of our families across Boston, Massachusetts, and the country are living in fear of how they’re going to make ends meet and where that next meal is going to come from,” said Michelle Wu, Mayor of Boston. “Our collective efforts during this extraordinary time of need are only possible because hunger-relief infrastructure in our state has been built so strong. In the City of Boston, we believe dignity is a guarantee for every single resident and family, and ensuring that everybody has access to healthy, culturally appropriate, and delicious food to celebrate the holidays with their families.”
Food insecurity in Massachusetts, which remains at historic levels post-pandemic, has become a daily reality for 1 in 3 residents of the Commonwealth – or 2 million individuals. In response, GBFB has expanded its operations, opening local distribution centers in Eastern Mass to facilitate access by community organizations, with a new warehouse slated to open in Salem in 2026 to better serve the North Shore.
“For 20 years, Chain of Giving has provided an opportunity to come together as a community to commemorate helping our neighbors,” said Catherine D’Amato, GBFB President and CEO. “With Thanksgiving just around the corner, we are reminded that generosity of spirit and looking out for neighbors is an inherent part of who we are. The freeze in SNAP benefits makes the need more urgent than ever and adds to the growing uncertainty that our neighbors are feeling. I encourage everyone, if they can, to help those in need get through this difficult time.”
About The Greater Boston Food Bank
The Greater Boston Food Bank (GBFB) is the largest hunger-relief organization in New England and one of the largest food banks in the country. For nearly half a century, GBFB has fueled Eastern Massachusetts’ hunger-relief system, putting nearly 90 million healthy meals on tables across the region each year. Over 600 community-based pantries and other local partners in 190 cities and towns depend on GBFB to provide access to healthy food for 600,000 people every month. GBFB is committed to the belief that access to healthy food is a human right regardless of an individual’s circumstances. Through policy, partnerships, and providing free, nutritious, and culturally responsive food, GBFB is committed to addressing the root causes of food insecurity while promoting racial, gender and economic equity in food access. Together, we have the power to end hunger here. For more information and to help us help others, visit us at GBFB.org, follow us on Facebook, Twitter (@gr8bosfoodbank) and Instagram, or call us at 617.427.5200.
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Nate Hillyer
The Castle Group
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