Food insecurity is a significant challenge in many communities, leaving individuals and families struggling to access nutritious food. In Western Massachusetts, the Mobile Food Bank program steps in to bridge this gap, delivering essential groceries directly to those in need. Funded by the Stop & Shop Family Foundation, this initiative ensures that fresh and non-perishable food items reach underserved populations across the region.
Mobile food bank delivering groceries to a community in Western Massachusetts, highlighting the impact of food bank programs
What is a Mobile Food Bank?
Imagine a food pantry on wheels. That’s essentially what a mobile food bank is. It’s a truck equipped to transport and distribute a variety of groceries, including fresh produce, meats, dairy, and non-perishable goods, directly to communities. This innovative approach overcomes transportation barriers and brings food assistance closer to people who may have difficulty reaching traditional food pantries. The mobile food bank program in Western Massachusetts acts as a crucial lifeline, ensuring that individuals facing food hardship have access to healthy and nourishing food options within their own neighborhoods. This direct delivery model is particularly effective in reaching vulnerable populations in rural or underserved areas where access to food resources might be limited.
Who Can Benefit from the Mobile Food Bank?
One of the most impactful aspects of the Mobile Food Bank program is its accessibility. There are no strict eligibility requirements to receive food. Anyone experiencing food insecurity is welcome to visit a distribution site and receive assistance. This inclusive approach ensures that the program serves a broad spectrum of the community, including:
- Families facing economic hardship
- Seniors on fixed incomes
- Children in food-insecure households
- Individuals with disabilities
- Anyone struggling to afford groceries
If you or someone you know is in need of food assistance, the Mobile Food Bank is a valuable resource. It is advisable to arrive 10-15 minutes before the scheduled distribution time to allow for parking and registration. Remember to bring your own bags or boxes to carry your groceries home.
Mobile Food Bank Distribution Schedule & Locations
The Mobile Food Bank operates on a monthly schedule, bringing food to various locations throughout Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden, and Hampshire Counties. Below is the regular monthly distribution schedule. Please note that schedules can change, and it’s always best to confirm the most up-to-date information.
Berkshire County Mobile Food Bank Locations
| Partner Agency | Address | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adams Council on Aging | 3 Hoosac St. Adams | 2nd & 4th Tues. | 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. |
| Brien Center | 124 American Legion Drive North Adams | 1st & 3rd Fri | 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. |
| Community Health Programs | 400 Main St. Dalton | 4th Wed. | 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. |
| Community Health Programs | 444 Stockbridge Rd. Great Barrington | 1st Tues | 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. |
Franklin County Mobile Food Bank Locations
| Partner Agency | Address | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Franklin County Community Meals Program & Montague Senior Center | 62 5th St. Turners Falls | 3rd Wed. | 1 – 2 p.m. |
| Greenfield Housing Authority | 7 Oak Courts Greenfield | 2nd Wed. | 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. |
Hampden County Mobile Food Bank Locations
| Partner Agency | Address | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crossover Church | 1602 Allen St. Springfield | 2nd Weds | 10 – 11 a.m. |
| Holyoke Housing Authority | Beaudoin Village/Yoerg Circle 40 Leary Dr. Holyoke | 1st Mon. | 11 – 11:45 a.m. (Closed 2/3) |
| Neighbors Helping Neighbors & First Central Bible Church | 50 Broadway St. Chicopee | 2nd & 4th Mon. | 10– 11 a.m. |
| Square One Springfield & Dakin Humane Society | 171 Union St. Springfield | 2nd & 4th Mon | 1 – 2 p.m. |
| Home City Development Inc | 7 Halsey St. Springfield | 2nd & 4th Thurs | 1 – 1:45 p.m. (Closed 2/13) |
| Martin Luther King Jr. Family Services | 3 Rutland St. Springfield | 2nd & 4th Thurs. | 1 – 2 p.m. |
| Springfield Housing Authority | Moxon Apartments 24 Moxon St. Indian Orchard | 1st & 3rd Thurs | 1 – 2 p.m. (Closed 2/6) |
| New North Citizens Council | 40 Waverly St. Springfield | 1st & 3rd Tues | 10:30-11:30 a.m. |
| One Holyoke CDC | 70 North Bridge St. Holyoke | 2nd & 4th Fri | 1 – 1:45 p.m. |
| Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church | 485 Appleton St. Holyoke | 2nd and 4th Tues. | 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. |
| New North Citizens Council & Springfield Housing Authority | Brightwood Neighborhood 82 Division St. Springfield | 1st & 3rd Fri | 1 – 2 p.m. |
| Trinity United Methodist Church | 361 Sumner Ave. Springfield | 1st & 3rd Wed | 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. |
| Urban League/Dunbar Center & Mt. Zion Baptist Church | 33 Oak St. Springfield | 4th Fri. | 1 – 2 p.m. |
| St. John’s Lutheran Church | 60 Broad St. Westfield | 1st & 3rd Mon. | 10 – 11 a.m. (Closed 2/3) |
| Third Baptist Church | 149 Walnut St. Springfield | 2nd Fri. | 1 – 2 p.m. |
Hampshire County Mobile Food Bank Locations
| Partner Agency | Address | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Easthampton Community Center & Our Lady of the Valley | 34 Franklin Street Easthampton | 1st & 3rd Thurs | 1 – 2 p.m. (Closed 2/6) |
| Grenville Park | 73 Church St. Ware | 3rd Tues | 1 – 2 p.m. |
| Amherst Survival Center & The Boulders | 125 Brittany Mnr. Amherst | 1st Wed | 1 – 2 p.m. |
Stay Informed and Get in Touch
For the most current information, including any unexpected closures or schedule adjustments, it is recommended to contact the Mobile Food Bank staff directly at 413-419-0079. They can answer your questions and provide real-time updates.
Download the Mobile Food Bank Schedule PDF for 2025 to keep a handy reference on your device or to print.
If you are a college student, be sure to check out additional resources for college students who may be facing food insecurity, including campus food pantries and SNAP eligibility information.
The Mobile Food Bank program is a vital community resource, working tirelessly to ensure that everyone has access to nutritious food. By attending a distribution, you can access the support you need and nourish yourself and your family.
