Pantry Hours
Tuesday: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Friday: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Community Food Pantry
The Community Food Pantry provides individuals and families in need with fresh fruits and vegetables, canned and dry goods, meats, and dairy products. Donations from Food for Free, the Greater Boston Food Bank, Spoonfuls, Food Link, and numerous corporations and individuals make this possible. Community members are welcome to come to the pantry four times per month.
Eligibility for the Community Food Pantry
We serve individuals and families in need in the Cambridge and greater Boston area with no residency restrictions. On your first visit, you will be required to verify your information, including your residency and income status. This information is used for internal purposes only and WILL NOT be shared publicly. Please bring your I.D. and a form of income verification. For income verification, we accept a paystub, a Medicare or Mass Health card, a DTA/EBT card, a referral, a benefit statement, or any other document that proves your income status.
A household is eligible to receive food by virtue of attending an emergency food program such as a food pantry. Any food pantry or other distribution site that requires a photo identification or Social Security card to receive food from a publicly-funded program limits access to such programs and undermines their very purpose. Further, the imposition of such a requirement may violate federal and state nondiscrimination laws as well as data collection and privacy laws. Publicizing these requirements, even if food banks overlook them in practice, also deters eligible individuals and families from accessing these vital resources.
Identification requirements are imposed in order to comply with local, state and federal law. The following is a list of identity verification methods that can be used when visiting our Community Food Pantry on Tuesdays and Fridays:
Identification Verification
- Mass Health or other Insurance Card
- EBT Card (non photo EBT)
- Local Supermarket Card
- Library Card
- Public Transit Card
- Referral from other social service agency(not recommended if referring agency is mandating a photo ID for any client who may receive USDA food)
- Voluntary photo ID (can be an OPTION if it is convenient for the client, NOT MANDATED by the program)
Proof of Residency/Address
- Utility Bill
- Mail with Postage Mark
- Bank Statement
- Signed Lease/Rental Agreement
- Property Tax Bill
- Addresses can also be collected verbally, over the phone, via text, or through email
Additional Resources for Nutrition and Food Insecurity
- Cambridge Food Resource Guide: This guide includes information for Cambridge residents on food pantries, free community meals, SNAP & WIC store list, farmers markets, and resources for older adults.
- Want to know if you are qualified for SNAP? Need help applying for SNAP? Click here to learn more about the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.Â
- Need help finding your next easy & healthy meal to cook for the family?Â