Food insecurity in Massachusetts has more than doubled since 2019, according to a new report by the Greater Boston Food Bank (GBFB). The findings reflect what is happening locally at the Roslindale Food Pantry, which has seen its number of clients double in the last six months.

A growing number of Massachusetts households are struggling with food insecurity, with rates increasing from 19 percent in 2019 to 40 percent in 2025. The GBFB reported that “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 percent in 2019 to 25 percent in 2025.” Last year, 46 percent of households in Suffolk County experienced food instability. The full report by GBFB can be read here: foodaccessreport.gbfb.org

Mark Smith, manager of the Roslindale Food Pantry (RFP), said these numbers mirror the growing demand the pantry has seen in recent months. He noted that it is a troubling trend that appears to have no end in the short term.

“Food pantries and food rescue organizations are scrambling to meet the rise in demand,” Smith said.

RFP serves the Roslindale and Hyde Park communities at the Roslindale Congregational Church. The pantry is open the second and fourth Saturday of every month. Smith explained that this time last year, about 100 individuals would visit on food distribution days. During the holiday season, RFP began seeing a sharp increase in customers. Over the past two months, demand has remained high, with around 200 people attending each distribution.

The need for food is even greater now than it was during the pandemic.

“Food prices have skyrocketed in recent months. The concern during the pandemic was about keeping people safe while they were out and about in public places,” he explained.

For many families, the biggest concern right now is putting enough food on the table.

The pantry is also seeing many first-time visitors due to outreach efforts, word of mouth, and the rise in food insecurity. The rising cost of living is a major factor behind the significant increase in food hardship.

“The costs of healthcare, groceries, transportation, housing, etc., have skyrocketed in recent months,” explained Smith. “This is leaving financially vulnerable households in a state of constant worry and anxiety about how they will get through the month and feed their families.”

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RFP is concerned that they will not be able to keep up with the rise in demand.

“We are already at alarming levels of food insecurity,” said Smith. “If the trend continues, we will have serious questions whether we can meet the demand.”

Smith emphasized the need for Congress to increase SNAP funding and make benefits more accessible. He also advocated for increased funding for farmers market coupon programs, which helps make fresh fruits and vegetables more affordable for low-income families while helping support local farmers. According to the GBFB, 92 percent of SNAP participants in Massachusetts say the benefits helped their household, while 75 percent of families receiving SNAP still need additional food support.

“The Roslindale Food Pantry relies on the goodwill of Roslindale residents who have generously supported our work for over 40 years. A financial donation to the food pantry goes a long way as we can buy food and staples from the Greater Boston Food Bank at a significant savings,” Smith said.

Volunteers are needed at the Roslindale Food Pantry on distribution days, which take place on the second and fourth Saturday of every month. Responsibilities include sorting and organizing donations, packing grocery bags, assisting with food distribution, and other pantry operations. Those interested in volunteering must be at least 16 years old. For more information, email Mark Smith at rfpmanager.rcc@gmail.com.

To learn more about the Roslindale Food Pantry, visit roscon.org/food-pantry/.

For additional information on food assistance programs in Boston, visit boston.gov/departments/food-justice/food-resources or vitalcxns.org/food.