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Some on the South Coast are in more need than ever, with local benefits like SNAP in question and the holiday season approaching. Here is a list of local food pantries and food drives around the South Coast.
Related story: Healey says state will resume full food benefits
Local food pantries
The PACE Community Food Center is open five days a week, serving free, nutritious staples and essential items to residents of the Greater New Bedford community.
The schedule is:
- Monday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
- Tuesday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
- Wednesday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
- Thursday, 2-7 p.m.
- Friday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
The food bank serves residents of New Bedford, Dartmouth, Marion, Rochester, Mattapoisett, Fairhaven and Acushnet. Last year, it served over 10,000 individuals. In addition, it offers emergency food assistance.
Sign up for the Food Center here.
The Solanus Casey Food Pantry is at 238 Bonney St. in New Bedford. It operates out of the Catholic Social Services office. The pantry serves South Coast residents, including those in Bristol County. It is open Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to noon.
The Salvation Army is located at 619 Purchase St. in New Bedford. It offers bread Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to noon and a food pantry Wednesday 9 a.m. to noon.
Grab-and-go food pantry entrance on Nye Street beginning at 10 a.m. and ending at 11:30 a.m. every other Thursday. Bring ID with local address. Line can begin as early as 6 a.m.
Food and pet supply pantry offered on the third Saturday of the month from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. and on the last Tuesday of the month from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. ID required. 136 Rivet St.
Open every other Friday from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at 110 Summer Street.
Martha’s Pantry — Grace Episcopal Church
Open every Wednesday and Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at 133 School St. 508-993-0547.
Open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 1177 Acushnet Ave. ID required. 508-999-4159.
YMCAs of Dartmouth, Fall River, New Bedford, Swansea and Wareham
YMCA Southcoast Full Plate Project provides free food distributions across Dartmouth, Fall River, New Bedford, Swansea, and Wareham.
Distributions are available at the following times:
- Dartmouth: Every second and fourth Tuesday at 2:30 p.m. (do not enter the lot before 2 p.m.)
- New Bedford: Every third Tuesday at 10 a.m.
- Fall River: Every first Friday at 8:30 a.m.
- Swansea: Every third Friday at 10 a.m.
- Wareham: Every second and fourth Friday at 10 a.m. (do not enter the lot before 9:30 a.m.)
Mercy, Meals & More provides free breakfast to anyone in need. Breakfast is served Monday through Saturday from 5 to 7:30 a.m. at 634 Purchase St., New Bedford. For more information, call 508-264-8183.
M.O. L.I.F.E., Inc. Food Pantry offers food assistance to New Bedford residents. The pantry is open every Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 725 Pleasant St., New Bedford. Services are available once every 30 days. For more information, call 774-929-9020.
Food drives
Damien’s Place Food Pantry provides food assistance to residents.
Distributions take place at the following times:
- Thursday and Saturday: 7:30 to 11 a.m. (last shop begins at 10:45 a.m)
- Tuesday: 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. (starting January 2026)
Anyone arriving after 10:45 a.m. receives a pre-packaged box of food. New applications are accepted on Thursday and Saturday from 8 to 10:30 a.m.
The City of New Bedford’s Department of Community Services is running a food drive that will continue through March 31, 2026. Nonperishable food donations will benefit PACE, the New Bedford Housing Authority, and local food pantries.
Items can be dropped off at:
City Hall, Room 113 (Community Services)
New Bedford Council on Aging, 181 Hillman St., Building 9, Entrance 1
Buttonwood Senior Center in Buttonwood Park
For more information, call the New Bedford Office of Community Services at 508-979-1464.
Buzzards Bay Brewing is collecting nonperishable food for a drive supporting the Greater Fall River Community Food Pantry and PACE Community Food Center in New Bedford. The drive continues until support programs are restored. Requested items include soups, pasta, cereal, rice, canned proteins, fruit, vegetables, tomato products, beans, nut butters, and shelf-stable sauces or oils. Do not bring expired, opened, glass, refrigerated, frozen, or prepared foods. Donations are accepted at the brewery during open hours.
Through Monday, Aug. 31, 2026
Donation drop sites needed
Local food pantries need help building supplies as SNAP benefits change. Reggae on West Beach (ROWB) is organizing a food and baby item drive for area families in need. Businesses are asked to host donation boxes provided and maintained by ROWB. Boxes will be picked up monthly or sooner if full.The business with the most donations will receive the 2026 Food Fight Trophy. The drive runs through August 2026, leading up to ROWB’s 10th-year event. Participating businesses will be highlighted on ROWB’s social media pages. Posts from your business may be shared to boost visibility for your events. Email reggaeonwestbeach@gmail.com or rowbvendors@gmail.com, or text 774-634-1008 for more information. Sign up here.