GBFB offers assistance with applications for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps. SNAP benefits are put on an electronic card that is used like an ATM or bank card, and can be used at most supermarkets, convenience stores, and some farmers’ markets.
The Boston Food Access Council (BFAC) brings community and stakeholder voices together to create access to affordable, just, culturally connected, healthy, and sustainable food in Boston. The work of the BFAC will include initiatives working toward this goal in areas such as improving access to healthy and affordable foods, reducing the amount of food wasted in homes and restaurants, and supporting local food producers and food businesses.
The Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) assists and empowers low-income individuals and families to meet their basic needs, improve their quality of life, and achieve long term economic self-sufficiency. DTA serves one in seven residents of the Commonwealth with direct economic assistance (cash benefits) and food assistance (SNAP benefits), as well as workforce training opportunities.
Created in 1981, the Coalition embraces a collaborative approach to unify people and mobilize resources to support its mission. The Coalition has been committed to tackling difficult problems that impact families and individuals who are experiencing homelessness or at-risk of losing their homes. It works to maintain awareness of the accelerating challenges of poverty and homelessness. Seen as a leader and expert in its field, the agency is called upon by peer organizations and state agencies to share its knowledge and expertise. Since its origin, the Coalition has been committed to developing programs that meet an unmet need, which in turn leads to long-term solutions to poverty and homelessness.
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children - better known as the WIC program - serves to safeguard the health of low-income pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, infants, and children up to age 5 who are at nutritional risk by providing nutritious foods to supplement diets, information on healthy eating including breastfeeding promotion and support, and referrals to health care.