Food For Families
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Overview
In 2020, East Boston was one of the communities hardest hit by COVID and one whose safety net was stretched thinner than most. Now, with the 2025 government shutdown, our friends and neighbors (15.9% of people in MA, US census data) have a critical need for assistance while SNAP benefits get caught in the crossfires of politics. Eastie Farm stepped up to help our community in 2020 and we are here to help now.
While the federal government is dealing in changing information about access to basic needs - Eastie Farm remains a consistent and steadfast resource for fresh healthy food. Period. In addition to our existing CSA program, where neighbors can help neighbors through our unique tiered approach, we have always offered free food bags for community members who need it. We will continue to offer these services and with your donations we can help even more families, whose needs will remain the same, even as their support dwindles.
As we did during the pandemic, Eastie Farm will step up once again and do what we can so no one in East Boston goes hungry. As much as we wish these crises did not occur, we know we have an incredible community that is strong and resilient and that working together - we will get through this. Please consider donating money to Eastie Farm so we are able to buy additional produce to distribute to more people. Please also consider signing up to volunteer to help us bag additional CSA bags.
What will the funds be used for
The funds will be used to broaden our food security program in 2 ways:
expanding the program to include more free and affordable shares: the number of shares will depend on the amount of produce we can procure extending our food security program beyond our current CSA season: we will ramp up as quickly as we can and go on as long as the funds allow
The funds will pay for produce, portion of wages spent on this additional effort, transportation, and any associated administrative costs.
A $50 donation covers the cost of 1 local grocery share for 1 family.
Are there other ways to support?
Consider subscribing to our Helping Hand CSA to receive your own CSA and support Eastie Farm’s food programming. A Helping Hand CSA covers your subscription and helps cover the cost of our free and discounted shares.
Interested in the CSA but aren’t sure yet? Fill out our interest form here.
For corporations/organizations:
Consider purchasing bulk CSA subscriptions in our 2026 season for your staff or clients. Bulk orders help us expand our CSA program and reach our subscriber goals.
Funding goal
$50,000 will support 1,000 free food shares.
