Catholic Charities Boston to Distribute 4,000 Thanksgiving Meals as Local Demand Soars Due to Rising Living Costs and SNAP Benefits Uncertainty

The annual Thanksgiving meal distributions will take place at five locations across Dorchester, Brockton, Lynn, Lowell, and South Boston 

With food demand surging amid policy uncertainty, SNAP reductions, and rising living costs, Catholic Charities Boston (CCAB) will pack and distribute approximately 4,000 Thanksgiving meals to people in need from Friday, November 21 to Tuesday, November 25.

The annual distribution brings together nonprofit partners, faith-based organizations, and hundreds of volunteers at a critical moment, as federal funding cuts and changes to SNAP eligibility requirements are forcing families to make difficult choices between food and other necessities. Catholic Charities Boston food pantries saw a 32% jump in household enrollments between September and October.

“Too many vulnerable children, families, and seniors in our community are struggling to eat or pay their bills,” said Kelley Tuthill, President and CEO of Catholic Charities Boston. “These efforts demonstrate that our community cares and no one should face these challenges alone.”

Catholic Charities is partnering with United Way of Massachusetts Bay for Saturday’s distribution as part of United Way’s 26th Annual Thanksgiving Project, which is providing 10,000 Thanksgiving meals in 13 communities across the region. United Way is contributing 2,400 meal bags to the distribution at the Catholic Charities Yawkey Center in Dorchester.

“Our partnership with Catholic Charities through our Thanksgiving Project is so important to families, especially in this moment and during the holiday season,” said Marty Martinez, President and CEO at United Way of Massachusetts Bay. “The food insecurity and need that was already there has been magnified with the government shutdown and the impact of changes to SNAP and food assistance.  This is one way we can all join together to support families in these difficult times.“

Additional Catholic Charities Boston distribution sites include Catholic Charities Merrimack Valley in Lowell, Catholic Charities South in Brockton, Catholic Charities Lynn Food Pantry, and Catholic Charities Labouré Center in South Boston.

Community partners also include the Greater Boston Food Bank, which donated over 1,000 turkeys as well as fresh produce and non-perishable items, and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which donated 1,000 turkeys. Catholic Charities Boston will provide families and individuals with a turkey or a grocery store gift card.

As needs in the community continue to grow, Catholic Charities Boston launched its Hope for the Holidays campaign early this year to raise critical emergency assistance funding when families need it most.

“The generosity of our partners makes this Thanksgiving distribution possible, but the need extends beyond the holiday season,” said Tuthill. “Hope for the Holidays ensures we can meet this moment and the difficult months ahead with compassion.”