Food insecurity across Massachusetts continues to rise. In 2024, more than one in three households—around two million adults—struggled to afford enough food at some point during the year. According to The Cost of Hunger in Massachusetts report from the Greater Boston Food Bank, roughly one million households experienced food insecurity, and 650,000 faced very low food security, meaning they regularly went without meals or had difficulty accessing nutritious food.

Over the past five years, these rates have nearly doubled—from 19 percent of households in 2019 to 37 percent in 2024. Federal funding cuts to emergency food assistance have only made the problem worse, leaving community-based organizations to fill the growing gaps.

At Gaining Ground, we hear the effects of these cuts firsthand from our partner organizations—food pantries, shelters, schools, and meal programs that depend on farm-fresh produce to help feed their communities.

Loaves and Fishes, a food pantry serving more than 1,000 families across Ayer, Devens, Littleton, Harvard, Groton, Dunstable, and Shirley, reports that “they have seen a 50% increase in overall need since 2023. The number of families and individuals we serve continues to grow—including new clients and returning clients.”

At the Women’s Lunch Place in Boston, which provides daytime shelter and meals for women experiencing homelessness and poverty, the story is the same. “The cost of food has increased and the number of people in need is growing,” their staff shared.

The Harvard Square Churches Meal Program, which serves a home-cooked meal to anyone in need each Thursday, echoed the urgency: “The number of food insecure guests is increasing, and we are managing to serve them all. Gaining Ground is a lifesaver for so many people.”

As winter approaches, Gaining Ground continues to grow and donate as much as possible. Thanks to a supply of storage crops and fresh food grown in heated high tunnels, nutrient-rich vegetables like squash, carrots, spinach, kale, and lettuce will be shared with those who need it most. In an effort to meet the rising demand for food in Massachusetts, for 2026, Gaining Ground will continue to sustainably maximize production and extend the growing season at the Virginia Road flagship location. Additionally, we will expand growing at the new satellite fields at the Minute Man National Historic Park.