Report: Hunger on the Rise in Massachusetts

In Massachusetts, the rate of food insecurity has more than doubled since 2019, driven by rising costs, ongoing economic instability, and federal policy changes, according to the 2026 Massachusetts Food Access Report by Greater Boston Food Bank and Mass General Brigham.

Even as participation in food and nutrition assistance programs reached record levels among those with food insecurity, many households report it is not enough—they must often stack multiple programs and make impossible tradeoffs between food, housing, and healthcare.The widening gap between the need and availability of support services reflects structural underinvestment in the systems meant to prevent hunger.

The number of Massachusetts households experiencing food insecurity has increased substantially, rising from 19% in 2019 to 40% in 2025. During the same period, rates of very low food security (the most severe form of food insecurity with hunger) have more than quadrupled, growing from 6% in 2019 to 25% in 2025. These trends have hit communities throughout Massachusetts—but not equally.

While not the worst region of the state, our area — Norfolk County — still registered a 7% increase during the study period.

The full report, including methodology, can be found here: https://foodaccessreport.gbfb.org/the-state-of-food-insecurity

In the video below, hear Dr. Lauren Fiechtner of Mass General Brigham, who oversees the annual study, explain the key insights.