Hunger Commission Assists Programs That Support Families in Need

One in 10 people is at risk of hunger in Massachusetts. Food pantries provide fresh produce, meat, bread, dairy products, and nonperishable food items to anyone who is food insecure. They are all judgment-free and ask for minimal information.

The Hunger Commission provides food and logistical support free of charge to programs that support families and individuals in need. Program partners include established pantries, shelters, soup kitchens, and Council on Aging centers.

The United Way Hunger Commission also increases the availability of a variety of healthy, fresh foods to vulnerable populations by distributing food grown at Sharing the Harvest Community Farm, a program of YMCA Southcoast in Dartmouth.

Annually, the Hunger Commission distributes hundreds of thousands of pounds of food, and in 2020, due to the increased need and increased support for the program, the Hunger Commission distributed over 1.3 million pounds of food across the region.

Initiatives like Hunger Heroes raise awareness for food insecurity and show how important it is for the community to rally together to support those in our community facing food insecurity.

Here is the full list of food pantries that partner with United Way:

Catholic Social Services
Citizens for Citizens (FR)
Damien’s Family Pantry
Dartmouth Council on Aging
Department of Children & Families
Fairhaven Council on Aging
Greater Fall River Food Pantry
Harbour House
Harmony House
House of Hope
MO Food = Life Pantry
New Life South Coast
P.A.C.E.
Sister Rose’s House
Salvation Army (NB)
Salvation Army (FR)
St. Anthony’s Church
Vets Association (FR)

The 7th Annual Hunger Heroes Project will take place on Saturday, November 20. United Way will work with volunteers to fill 1,000 Thanksgiving meals for families in need throughout Greater New Bedford. For those looking for a Thanksgiving meal, you must check with pantries regarding meal sign-ups.

New Bedford Mitubishi encourages everyone to Live United.