Cambridge Food Pantries & Food Resources

Below are a few of the Cambridge organizations working to support those in our community who need assistance to ensure they have enough food for themselves and their families. The crisis of the reduction in SNAP benefits might seem over but the need is still critical and growing as more people find themselves without employment. SNAP benefits can be used to purchase food at local groceries and farmer’s markets.

CAMBRIDGE COMMUNITY CENTER FOOD PANTRY

8 Callender St., Cambridge 

Cambridge and non-Cambridge residents can participate

open Tuesday-Friday beginning at 1PM until food runs out.

To Access Food Info: https://www.cambridgecc.org/pantry.html

To Donate: https://givebutter.com/supportccc

To Volunteer: https://www.cambridgecc.org/volunteering.html

CEOC (Cambridge Economic Opportunity Committee)

11 Inman Street, Cambridge

Cambridge Economic Opportunity Committee (CEOC) is a Community Action Agency, born out of federal legislation during the War on Poverty. They have been fighting poverty in our community since 1965. Free food (including fresh fruits and vegetables, frozen meat, and limited amount of non-perishables like shelf-stable milk, rice, and more) is available at CEOC’s food pantry in Central Square..​ Because of the actions of the federal government, CEOC has begun distributing grocery store gift cards to SNAP recipients who are age 60+, living with a disability, or parents/caregivers with children.This food pantry is open to Cambridge residents only.

To Access Food: https://www.ceoccambridge.org/food-pantry

To Donate: https://www.ceoccambridge.org/donate

Food for Free

Food For Free is not just a food rescue organization; it’s a community-driven movement dedicated to ending hunger in Greater Boston. Starting in the 1980s, their mission has been to ensure that nutritious food reaches neighbors in need. Today, they serve 132,000 individuals annually by delivering fresh, nutritious food to our partners with dignity and care. By volunteering or providing financial support, you can join in the fight against hunger. 

To Donate: https://foodforfree.org/donate/

To Volunteer update-volunteer positions are unavailable right now (11/25)-check back after the new year. Monetary donations are greatly appreciated.  https://foodforfree.org/volunteer/

MARGARET FULLER NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSE

71 Cherry St., Cambridge

The Margaret Fuller House provides access to a supermarket-style food pantry for patrons up to threetimes a month. They also provide housing and other typesof long-term assistance and education to supportindividuals and families.

To Access Food & Donate:

https://margaretfullerhouse.org/food-and-assistance/

To Volunteer:

https://bit.ly/VolunteerSignUpMFNH

PROJECT RESTORE US

Created by Pagu Restaurant during the pandemic, Project Restore Us launched the SNAP Stopgap Initiative to deliver dry goods that are shelf- stable for long periods of time, directly to families who have seen a major reduction or absolute depletion of their SNAP benefits. We’re leaning on the same systems we built during the pandemic; buying food at wholesale prices, distributing through trusted community partners, and keeping the focus on culturally relevant staples like rice, beans, grains, and other staples.

To Donate: https://givebutter.com/vx8FnN

Cambridge Volunteers

Cambridge Volunteers strengthens civic engagement and supports the nonprofit sector by recruiting an effective and inclusive volunteer corps for agencies serving residents of Cambridge, MA. In their November Volunteer Update, Cambridge Volunteers includes several organizations providing food resources that need volunteers.

To Volunteer: https://bit.ly/CambridgeVolunteersNovember2025Update

Website: https://www.cambridgevolunteers.org/

A Few Resources Beyond Cambridge

Somerville

PROJECT SOUP

165 Broadway, Somerville

Project Soup provides groceries to Somerville residents.

Register for assistance, find the calendar of times people can access a warm meal, and more at their website.

To Access Food and/or to Donate:

https://somervillehomelesscoalition.org/food-security/

Elizabeth Peabody House

Supporting low-income and immigrant families in Boston and Somerville. The mission of EPH is to support families in our community and enable them to thrive through early childhood education, youth development and enrichment, and food security. Elizabeth Palmer Peabody (1804-1894) was a writer, educator, and activist who supported efforts to abolish slavery and advance women’s rights. She also opened the first English-language kindergarten in the U.S. in 1860.

To Access Food: https://www.teph.org/food-pantry/

To Donate: https://www.teph.org/food-pantry-fundraiser/

To Volunteer: https://www.teph.org/volunteer-opportunities/

Chelsea

La Colaborativa Survival Center

Since 1988, La Colaborativa has stood as a cornerstone of hope in Chelsea, Massachusetts, founded with one simple but radical belief: that every person deserves the right to live with dignity. They aim to ensure their community is healthy at every opportunity. They know food is medicine, and a stable and prosperous life is empowered by health.

To access food: 63 Sixth Street, Chelsea

To Donate: https://la-colaborativa.org/donate/

Volunteer: https://la-colaborativa.org/volunteer-application/ 

Or email philipw@la-colaborativa.org

More Resources

Cambridge Health Alliance (CHA) Food Resource List

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1lvZVELzerBli318TzbJTZSIMqgHZfhKFgVYXoiE7fQQ/edit?usp=sharing