Where to Find Help

The budget bill passed in July 2025 has imposed new regulations and requirements on people who receive or apply for SNAP. These new requirements have made it more difficult for Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) workers to process cases and respond to requests for help in a timely manner. It also expanded the number of people who must comply with work requirements to keep receiving SNAP. The combination of those factors has resulted in  many people who are eligible for SNAP losing their benefits, either temporarily or permanently. It has also made it more difficult for DTA to answer calls to their assistance line, process documents, or conduct follow-up interviews.

If you are having trouble reaching DTA or have been notified that you must comply with new work requirements, these resources can help you get the answers and assistance you need.

Learn more about the new work rules for SNAP users at  https://www.mass.gov/info-details/work-rules-for-snap-clients

A number of organizations in Worcester and Worcester County work with the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) to help people apply for SNAP and other assistance programs. You can learn more about applying for SNAP, including information on how to contact DTA when no one answers the assistance line, at our DTA Help page.

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.

• Check with local churches. Read the parish newsletter and/or church bulletin.
• Your medical provider may be able to connect you with food help.

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.  ***

A comprehensive list of food resources that includes pantries, meal programs, and other food resources in many of the surrounding towns.

Worcester Community Action Council Apply for HEAP (formerly LiHeap, commonly called Fuel Assistance

Help with Heating Oil for middle income households

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 Response Fund

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

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

Friendly House manages several food and diaper pantries located around the city. They accept donations to help support their work.

WooFridge

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.

Worcester Free Care Collaborative

Worcester Free Care Collaborative provides free medical care to anyone in the community regardless of income or insurance status. They are always seeking volunteers with a wide range of skills who can offer even a few hours a month of their time, including medical providers, lab techs, medical interpreters, grant writing/fund raising, accounting, and media marketing/outreach. Essentially, if you have a skill, they can probably find a way to use it.

At the WFCC, we believe that everyone deserves access to quality healthcare, regardless of their insurance status or financial situation. To fulfill our mission, we depend on our dedicated team of volunteers who are committed to providing essential medical services to those in need within our community. If you share our passion for serving others and making a positive impact, we invite you to join our team as a volunteer. 

We understand your time is valuable, and we appreciate your consideration of donating even a small portion of it to supporting our mission!

Grassroots Community Organizations

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.

Worcester Free Care

Worcester Free Care Collaborative offers offers free medical programs in  Worcester provide basic, quality healthcare and social support services for residents of the Greater Worcester area regardless of income, insurance, or housing status. All of the programs welcome anyone in need of services. No insurance or citizenship documents are required. 

Medical programs run in the evenings from Monday to Thursday and are staffed by volunteer physicians, nurse practitioners, and nurses who graciously donate their time. Additionally, students from the University of Massachusetts Medical School and Graduate School of Nursing volunteer under supervision at many of the locations. 

Visit www.worcesterfreecare.org for a full list of the services they provide, and to view their calendar.

*** WFCC also provides food resources to patients facing food insecurity at some of their clinics. ***