Boston Helps

5 ways to help fight food insecurity in the South Shore right now

Buy a grocery gift card or volunteer at these South Shore organizations.

Germantown Neighborhood Center Food Pantry in Quincy. Craig F. Walker/Globe Staff

With the country in the longest-ever government shutdown — which could end WednesdaySNAP benefits have been restored for recipients this month. Governor Healey has urged recipients to ignore the political rhetoric and “go out and buy the food you need.” Some in Massachusetts are finding ways to support families in need of food assistance or mobilizing their own community efforts.

In the Bay State, more than one million people are impacted by the SNAP cuts, according to the Mass. SNAP Resource Hub. Among those recipients, 32 percent are children, 31 percent are people with disabilities, and 26 percent are seniors.

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Boston.com has gathered a list of practical ways to support some of the organizations and mutual aid efforts addressing food insecurity.

Below, here are 5 ways to volunteer or donate in the South Shore.

5 ways to help fight food insecurity in the South Shore right now

  • Buy a grocery store gift card at South Shore YMCA: Non-perishables, cash, and gift cards from grocery stores donations are needed. Volunteers are also needed to help sort and distribute food. There is a preference for volunteers who can speak Vietnamese, Mandarin, or Cantonese.
  • Make a donation at the South Shore Food Bank: The Food Bank needs volunteers and also accepts financial donations that can greatly increase the number of meals given out every day. A $25 donation results in 227 more meals out into the community.
  • Volunteer at Plymouth Area Coalition for the Homeless: Volunteers can fill out an application to volunteer either as a group or individual. Food pantry volunteers assist clients and stock shelves. 
  • Volunteer at the Duxbury Food Pantry: The all-volunteer organization helps both those in Duxbury and surrounding areas. They take donations, but would like volunteers to call to see what is most helpful. 
  • Volunteer at South Shore Community Action Council Food Pantry: Volunteers supply food to pantries, soup kitchens, and other emergency food providers. They also distribute food directly to individuals and families.

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