If a student is experiencing a short-term situation impacting their ability to access and/or afford meals, they can request a one-time allocation of Dining Commons meal swipes. A staff member may also submit on behalf of a student in need.

Click Here to Learn More

The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts' MOBILE FOOD BANK program provides fresh fruits, vegetables, and other healthy foods to individuals of all ages. Please bring a bag to fill for each distribution. No verifications are required. (413) 247-9738.

👜 Need a reusable grocery bag to use at a food pantry? Come to the Dean of Students Office on the 2nd floor of the Campus Center and you will be provided with a reusable bag donated by Big Y!

Hours & Locations in Springfield, MA:

Martin Luther King, Jr. Family Services; 3 Rutland Street | 2nd & 4th Thursday of each month: 1:00 - 2:00pm (Closest to Campus) 

Springfield South End - Dakin; 171 Union Street | 2nd & 4th Monday of each month: 1:00 - 2:00pm

North End; 50 Waverly Street | 1st & 3rd Tuesday of each month: 10:30 - 11:30am

Allen Street; 1602 Allen Street | 2nd Wednesday of each month: 10:00 - 11:00am

Revival Time Evangelistic Center; 116 Florence Street | 4th Wednesday of each month: 1:00 - 2:00pm

Home City Housing; 7 Halsey Street | 2nd & 4th Thursday of each month: 1:00 - 1:45pm

Open Pantry State Street; 260 State Street | 2nd Friday of each month: 1:30 - 2:30pm

Brightwood; 82 Division Street | 1st & 3rd Friday of each month: 1:00 - 2:00pm

Dunbar Center; 33 Oak Street | 4th Friday of each month: 1:00 - 2:00pm

Could you use a nutritious meal or help with groceries? The following programs in The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts Emergency Food Network may be able to help. Please follow the link below to view information on food pantries, meal sites, and mobile food banks in the Springfield, MA area.

Emergency Food Programs - Hampden County

In addition, you may be eligible for SNAP (formerly known as “food stamps”), which provides cash for groceries for low-income individuals and families. To see if you qualify, please contact The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts’ SNAP Department at (413) 247-9738. Households that receive SNAP are also eligible for HIP, which provides extra money for fresh produce each month.

Loaves & Fishes Community Kitchen

Loaves & Fishes Community Kitchen has provided prepared meals to people who are disadvantaged in Greater Springfield on a daily basis since it began in 1980. Lunch and supper are available seven days a week.

Over 750 volunteers from faith communities, civic groups, area businesses, and student organizations are involved in the preparation and serving of nutritious meals.

Ph:(413)731-5668  |  Fax:(413)737-6811

Contact: Darleen St. Jacques, Program Director

Email: Darleen@openpantry.org

SNAP is a federal nutrition program administered by the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) for Massachusetts residents.

CLICK HERE to learn more about the SNAP program and determine if you are eligible.

General Eligibility Information

You may qualify for SNAP if you meet any of the following:

• Receive Federal Work Study, and you work or expect to work during the semester
• Receive financial aid from the state MASSGrant program (as of Sept 2017)
• Work (for pay) an average of 20 hours or more per week
• Care of a child under the age of 12, or you get TAFDC as a parent with children
• Are in school through a state-approved education or training program
• Are in college less than half-time (for example, less than 6 credit hours)
• Are under age 18 or are over age 49
• Have a temporary or permanent disability

Special Considerations

Roommates: If you buy and prepare more than half of your food separately from your roommates, you can apply for SNAP for just yourself. If you buy and prepare most of your food together (you share the food purchased), you must apply for SNAP with your roommates-and they must report their income and meet other rules.

Parents: If you are age 22 or older and live with your parents, but you buy and prepare more than half your food separate from your parents, you can apply for SNAP for just yourself to buy your own food.

If you are under age 22, you cannot get SNAP separately from your parents if you live with them. This is true even if you don’t share food. If your parents currently get SNAP, they should ask DTA to add you. If your family is low-income and does not get SNAP, your parents can apply for SNAP as a household.

On-campus: If you live on-campus and get more than half your meals from a school meal plan, you don’t qualify for SNAP benefits. If you have a limited meal plan – for example, 1 meal a day – then you may be SNAP eligible.