In 2023, 900,000 households in Massachusetts, about 34 percent of the state's population, experienced food insecurity. According to the Greater Boston Food Bank, nearly half of adults in Boston are struggling to buy food.

The high costs of housing, food, and other basic needs have exacerbated food insecurity in Massachusetts and has put a tremendous strain on food banks. More than 820,000 individuals in Massachusetts rely on food provided by the four Massachusetts food banks each month.

Organizations, including the Greater Boston Food Bank and Feeding America, recognize September as Hunger Action Month, which is an annual nationwide campaign to raise awareness about hunger in America and inspire action. The Greater Boston Food Bank has designated September 10 as Hunger Action Day to spotlight community anti-hunger efforts.

The City of Boston has committed itself to ending food insecurity by 2030 via the Mayor's Office of Food Justice, which educates about food insecurity, cultural offerings, and the importance of food banks in alleviating hunger in our communities.

This week, the Council adopted a resolution recognizing September as Hunger Action Month and September 10, 2024 as Hunger Action Day in the City of Boston.

• Last updated: September 16, 2024