help us in Supporting our Neighbors Facing Food Insecurity
Hunger is more than an empty stomach, it’s a growing crisis with deep and lasting consequences. In 2024, 34% of households in Essex County were struggling to access enough nutritious food to stay healthy and active. This large percentage of food insecure households has been steadily increasing over the past few years and is likely due to rising costs, long-term effects of the pandemic, and the rollback of pandemic-era financial and food assistance federal programs.*
2025 | The Greater Boston Food Bank’s Fifth Statewide Food Access Report
At our Food Pantry, we see firsthand those who are struggling to put food on their tables. In June alone, our Food Pantry had an average of 120 visits per day serving nearly 2,000 individuals. This number is a 17.65% increase in individuals seeking food assistance comparatively from June 2024. Many clients come to us after losing their SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits, often because of confusing paperwork, delays, or changes to eligibility. For some, the food they receive at Beverly Bootstraps is their only consistent source of nutrition.
The need is only expected to grow. With new federal requirements set to take effect, including stricter work rules and reduced funding for certain programs, we anticipate even more households will turn to us for food assistance. No one in our community should have to face this alone.
Last year alone, your donations fed over 6,000 individuals.
Can you help us serve the growing number of people turning to us for help?
*According to The Greater Boston Food Bank’s Fifth Statewide Food Access Report (2025)
