We all feel the impact of the cost of food on our monthly spending. We have seen the devastating fires in California, the flooding in North Carolina, and the snow in the deep south, all of which will impact the food supply chain. The USDA predicts an overall increase in the cost of food in 2026.

More locally, in Massachusetts, the Greater Boston Food Bank, in its 2024 Food Equity and Access report, shared that 1 in 3 individuals in the Commonwealth are food insecure, meaning they run out of food or do monthly not have enough money to buy food. In Southeastern Massachusetts, the reports illustrate Bristol County at 48%, Plymouth at 36%, Barnstable, Dukes, and Nantucket at 20%, and Norfolk County at 18% food insecure.

How do we help our neighbors who need extra food by going to food pantries?

An Act Encouraging Donations of Food to Persons in Need (H.3154/S.1043) would incentivize farmers and food businesses like restaurants to donate food to food pantries to get a tax credit of up to $25,000. According to the USDA, local farmers in Massachusetts make 96 cents on the dollar selling their food, operating at a loss. Small food businesses like restaurants also cannot afford to give food away and must make a return on their investment. The bill would also inspire food pantries to accept local farm food from their local growers. The bill will benefit farmers, food businesses, emergency food pantries, and the people in the community struggling to provide food for themselves and their families. This would have the added benefit of reducing food waste, mitigating climate impacts, and providing much-needed nutrient-dense food to individuals and families in the Commonwealth struggling with food insecurity.

Governor Healey's Supplemental Budget, HD.5607, "An Act Making Appropriations for FY26 to Provide for Supplementing Certain Existing Appropriations and for Certain Other Activities and Projects," includes a $5,000 tax credit for farm businesses to donate food to non-profit distribution points. This illustrates the Governor's support for this program and is a great start to appropriately ensure farmers have a market and food pantries have more fresh, local, healthy food.

Contact your State Representative and Senator to urge them to support (H.3154/S.1043) An Act Encouraging the Donation of Food to Persons in Need.

To call or email your state legislators, fill out the short form on the right.

Thank you!

The Marion Institute's Southcoast Food Policy Council Team