The City Taskforce on Food Security is working with the City of Worcester and organizations throughout the city to ensure that all residents have access to food and other needs throughout the government shutdown. This page contains important takeaways and links to resources to help you find what you need quickly and easily.
Scroll down and tap or click on the menu item to open the section and read more.
November SNAP benefits may be late.
Visit www.mass.gov/info-details/november-2025-snap-update to stay up to date.
See below for more information regarding SNAP, HIP, and EBT.
Worcester County Food Bank has used private donations to purchase extra food in anticipation of the November emergency, and will continue to distribute food to pantries and meal programs in its network.
In addition, there are food pantries and programs in Worcester that are not part of the WCFB network.
Worcester County Food Bank Food Finder
Worcester has many food pantries and programs for people who need help. The Worcester County Food Bank partners with 99 organizations throughout Worcester County. They are listed in the Food Finder tool. In addition, you’ll find a list of food programs outside the WCFB network in the Additional Food Resources tab.
We are aware that many groups are opening programs to help meet the most urgent needs during the shutdown. If you know of a program that is not on our list – or of a change to the ones that are here – can you help us keep this resource up to date by filling out this pantry update form?
To find food pantries and meals programs in the WCFB network, use the Food Finder tool. Simply type your address into the Search box to get a list of pantries and programs closest to you. Each entry will show the name, address, and phone number of the program. Click “More info” for hours of operation and any restrictions on who is served by that program.
*** We recommend that you call the pantry before going to be sure that they are open and can serve you. ***
The Mustard Seed
93 Piedmont St
Worcester, MA 01609
Hours: M-F 5 – 6:30 PM
Ph: 508-754-7098
mustardseedcw.org
Serves dinner on weekdays to all.
To volunteer, sign up here.
St.. John’s Food for the Poor
44 Temple St
Worcester, MA 01609
Hours: M-F 6:30 – 9:30 AM
Ph: 508-756-7165
www.stjohnsfoodforthepoor.org
Serves a hot, sit-down breakfast to those in need Monday to Friday, from 6:30 to 9:30 am
ESWA sponsors community meals at several locations in the city and surrounding towns.
Located in senior centers, elder complexes, and other convenient places, dining centers are locations where people aged 60 and over can enjoy good food and good company. Participants receive a nutritious noon meal and have the opportunity to socialize and make new acquaintances. Participants are asked to make a $3.00* donation per meal to help defray the cost of the meal.
Map of ESWA Dining Centers and Lunch/Supper Clubs
Gift Certificates available; 5 Lunches for $15.00. To find out how to make a reservation or order Gift Certificates, call Elder Services of Worcester Area’s Nutrition Program at 508-852-3205.
Meals on Wheels//Elder Services Worcester Area
Popularly known as “Meals-on-Wheels”, this federally sponsored home delivered meal service is a national program administered locally to deliver well-balanced, lunchtime meals to frail, homebound individuals who are at least 60 years of age. Elders are asked to make a $3.00* donation per meal to help defray the cost of the meal.
Elder Services delivers hot lunches to elders living in Auburn, Barre, Boylston, Grafton, Hardwick, Holden, Leicester, Millbury, New Braintree, Oakham, Paxton, Rutland, Shrewsbury, West Boylston, and Worcester. Meals are delivered Monday-Friday and include regular hot meals, modified meals for diabetics, supper meals and frozen meals, depending upon a client’s needs. Kosher and therapeutic meals are available in the City of Worcester, frozen therapeutic meals are available in all towns.
For information about Meals on Wheels contact Elder Services of Worcester Area’s Information & Referral Department at 508-756-1545.
WCAC is accepting applications to the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) for the 2025-2026 winter season for first-time clients and clients renewing/recertifying from the previous year. Applications are being mailed now to previous HEAP recipients for recertification.
WCAC is experiencing a significant impact to staffing capacity due to federal budget implications. Please anticipate delays in processing applications and payments due to the federal government shutdown that started October 1, 2025.
As a result, we are strongly encouraging households that are either first-time applicants or returning clients to apply online using the online portal at https://www.toapply.org/WCAC
HEAP will have limited funding beginning November 1st for heating emergencies only.
Typical annual benefits for fuel assistance that are NOT emergencies are otherwise halted until the federal government reopens and approves a discretionary budget for fuel assistance. Heating-related emergencies only will be prioritized until additional federal funding is available.
Heating-related emergencies include:
If you are experiencing a heating emergency, use the form at https://wcac.net/fuel-assistance/ to request a callback.
Food, cash and gift card donations can help reduce the strain on our already strained safety net food resources. Most food pantries will welcome our donations, but it’s best to check in advance what they need most.
*** We cannot list all the individual food pantries that need volunteers and donations on this page or it would be so long it would no longer be useful. We encourage you to check first with grassroots organizations and organizations in your neighborhood who have fewer fundraising resources and nearly always welcome volunteers. ***
United Way of Central Massachusetts is managing donated funds for the United Response fund. Thanks to several generous donors, every dollar given to the United Response Fund may be doubled, making your donation go even further. No donation is too small and your smaller donations can help make a big impact.
Worcester County Food Bank will be using donated funds to purchase gift cards and additional food for distribution to food pantries. They also accept donations of food.
Friendly House manages several food and diaper pantries located around the city. They accept donations to help support their work.
WooFridge community fridges are filled, cleaned, and maintained by community members who volunteer their time. They can always use donations of cash, but one of the most direct ways you can help feed people is to put some food in a community fridge or attached pantry.
Many food pantries have limited supplies of baby necessities for emergencies. There are also several programs in the city that have dedicated baby help pantries. You’ll find details of those on our Diapers and Formula page.
We connect Worcester residents in need of food assistance with local providers of healthy food and meals.
© 2025 FoodHelpWorcester.org.
