One out of every six Massachusetts residents fills their refrigerator each week thanks to a small plastic card.

Nearly one million people—including older adults, families with children, and workers with unstable jobs—depend on an EBT card to buy food through the SNAP program.

In recent years, however, that card has also become a favorite target for thieves.

Criminals have stolen information from thousands of cards and emptied accounts before families could buy groceries for the month.

How do they do it? By using hidden devices placed on store card readers, known as skimmers.

This month, that is beginning to change.

Massachusetts has become the first state in the nation to distribute EBT chip cards with contactless tap-to-pay technology statewide.

The new cards use the same security technology found in bank cards.

During August 2026, the Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) is mailing the new cards to all households receiving benefits in the state.

If you or someone in your family receives SNAP or other DTA benefits, this guide explains what is changing, what to do when your new card arrives, and how to protect yourself from theft and scams.

Why are the cards being replaced?

Traditional EBT cards use a magnetic stripe, a technology from the 1970s that is relatively easy to copy.

That is why EBT fraud has become a national problem that disproportionately affects low-income families.

The problem is not theoretical.

Just last month, the DTA uncovered and dismantled a large skimming scheme targeting the SUN Bucks summer food program and reported it to federal prosecutors and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

The new chip cards generate a unique code for every purchase, making them extremely difficult to clone.

They also allow tap-to-pay transactions, so you can pay by tapping the card on the reader instead of inserting or swiping it.

Governor Maura Healey said the goal is clear: Massachusetts families rely on these programs to buy food and essential items, and the state wants to make sure those funds reach the people who need and deserve them.

DTA Commissioner Michael Cole added that chip and contactless payment technology is “a safer way to access the benefits people use to feed their families.”

Before the statewide rollout, the DTA conducted a pilot program in the Worcester area in July, mailing 35,000 chip cards, which were successfully used in tens of thousands of transactions.

SNAP in Massachusetts: More Than a Card

To understand the importance of this change, it helps to look at the numbers.

According to the Massachusetts Law Reform Institute, by the end of 2025 the DTA was providing SNAP benefits to about one million residents in roughly 632,000 households.

That means about one in six Massachusetts residents receives SNAP.

The average household benefit is about $332 per month, or roughly $11 per day.

Research published in medical and public health journals shows that participating in SNAP reduces food insecurity and is associated with better health and lower medical costs, especially for children and older adults.

What should I do when my new card arrives?

The good news is that the process is simple, and you do not need to apply for a new card.

Follow these steps:

• Check your mail during August. New cards are being mailed automatically to all DTA clients statewide.
• Make sure the DTA has your current address. If you have moved recently, update your address in the DTA Connect app or by calling the DTA Assistance Line.
• Use the card within 60 days. You must use the new card within 60 days of receiving it to activate it.
• Keep the letter that comes with the card. It includes important security information and instructions for locking and unlocking your card.

What if the store does not accept the chip yet?

The state has been working with grocery stores and retailers for months to update payment systems, and most stores are already prepared to accept the new cards.

Some stores may still ask you to swipe the card. If that happens, do not worry—it does not mean your card is damaged. The store may simply not have completed its system upgrade.

Your new card still has a magnetic stripe and will continue to work.

How to Protect Your Benefits

In addition to the chip, the DTA offers free tools to help protect your account.

• Lock your card when you are not using it. DTA Connect and the customer service line allow you to lock and unlock your card in seconds.
• Change your PIN regularly, especially before each benefit deposit date.
• Never share your PIN. The DTA will never call, text, or email asking for your card number or PIN.
• Check your balance and transactions in DTA Connect and report any unfamiliar purchase immediately.

Resources in Massachusetts

DTA Connect

Website and app: dtaconnect.eohhs.mass.gov
Check your balance, lock your card, update your address, and manage your case. Available in Spanish.

DTA Assistance Line

877-382-2363 (Spanish available)

EBT Customer Service (24 hours)

800-997-2555
Lock your card, change your PIN, or report a lost or stolen card.

Project Bread – FoodSource Hotline

1-800-645-8333
Free and confidential help in Spanish to find food assistance and apply for SNAP.

Official SNAP Information

mass.gov/snap

Free Legal Help in Spanish

masslegalhelp.org/es

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to apply for the new card?

No. The card is mailed automatically to the address the DTA has on file.

Will I lose my benefits when I change cards?

No. Your benefits stay the same; only the card changes.

What happens if I do not use the new card?

You must use it within 60 days to activate it. If you have problems, call the DTA Assistance Line.

What should I do if I think my benefits were stolen?

Lock your card immediately through DTA Connect or by calling 800-997-2555, change your PIN, and report the theft to the DTA.

Can the DTA ask for my PIN by phone or text message?

No. DTA employees will never ask for your PIN or your full card number. Calls or messages requesting that information are scams.

Important Notice

This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace official guidance from the Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance. For information about your specific case, contact the DTA directly or visit mass.gov.

This article is part of the health education initiative of My Health Fair, the virtual health fair that connects Massachusetts communities with reliable health information and resources in Spanish throughout the year.

Visit myhealthfair.com and follow us on social media for more community health information.

Every year, dozens of community organizations, hospitals, health centers, universities, government agencies, and businesses participate in health fairs across Boston and other Massachusetts communities.

Yet many organizations still wonder whether investing time, staff, and resources to attend these events is truly worthwhile.

The answer is simple: yes.

Health fairs are much more than community events.

They provide valuable opportunities for organizations to build trust, connect people with essential services, and strengthen their commitment to public health.

These events are among the most effective ways to engage directly with residents, especially in culturally diverse communities such as:

• Dorchester
• Roxbury
• Lawrence
• Chelsea
• Lynn
• Revere
• Springfield
• Worcester

and many other neighborhoods throughout Massachusetts.

More Than Just Handing Out Brochures

Today’s communities are looking for organizations that are approachable, accessible, and genuinely committed to their well-being.

Participating in a health fair allows organizations to:

• Introduce their programs and services.
• Explain benefits in a simple, personalized way.
• Answer questions directly from community members.
• Better understand the real needs of local residents.
• Build trust with future patients, clients, or program participants.
• Develop partnerships with other community organizations.

In many cases, a five-minute conversation at a health fair can become the beginning of a long-term relationship that improves the health of an individual—or even an entire family.

Health Fairs Reach People Who May Never Access the Healthcare System

For many families, a community health fair is their first opportunity to learn about services and resources they never knew existed.

This is especially true for individuals who face barriers related to language, transportation, or access to reliable health information.

During these events, community members often have the opportunity to:

• Learn about disease prevention.
• Discover free community programs.
• Receive information about health insurance options.
• Access basic health screenings.
• Connect with mental health, nutrition, physical activity, and wellness resources.

When an organization participates, it does more than promote its services—it helps reduce barriers to healthcare access.

An Opportunity to Strengthen Your Organization’s Reputation

Communities remember the organizations that show up.

When an institution consistently participates in community events, it demonstrates that its commitment extends beyond providing services.

It shows a willingness to listen, educate, and build long-term relationships.

This type of community presence strengthens public trust, increases brand recognition, and creates a lasting impact that traditional advertising alone cannot achieve.

Massachusetts Offers Opportunities Year-Round

From spring through fall, numerous health fairs take place throughout Boston and communities across Massachusetts.

Many are held as part of cultural festivals, neighborhood celebrations, and events organized by nonprofit organizations, community groups, healthcare providers, and local institutions.

These gatherings attract thousands of residents interested in learning about healthcare services, disease prevention, and wellness.

For organizations, they represent an ideal opportunity to expand their reach and establish meaningful community connections.

How Can Your Organization Get Involved?

Many organizations want to participate in health fairs but don’t know where to find these events or who to contact.

That’s where My Health Fair becomes a strategic partner.

We connect hospitals, health centers, clinics, universities, insurance providers, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and healthcare professionals with community health fairs and outreach events taking place throughout Massachusetts.

Our goal is simple: to help more organizations bring valuable health resources directly to the communities that need them most.

Whether your organization wants to educate the public, provide preventive services, promote community programs, or strengthen its local presence, participating in a health fair can make a meaningful difference.

Let’s Connect

If your organization is interested in participating in upcoming health fairs in Boston, Lawrence, Worcester, Springfield, Chelsea, Lynn, Revere, or other Massachusetts communities, My Health Fair can help identify participation opportunities and connect you with event organizers.

Investing just a few hours at a health fair can lead to hundreds of meaningful conversations, new partnerships, and—most importantly—a positive impact on community health.

Because when organizations meet people where they live, work, and celebrate, healthcare becomes more than a service—it becomes an opportunity for everyone.

Upcoming Health Fairs in Massachusetts

Health Fair – Casa de la Cultura Dominicana in Boston

📅 Saturday, August 8, 2026

🕚 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

📍 1 Franklin Park Road, Boston, MA 02121

Hosted by Casa de la Cultura Dominicana in Boston, this community health fair will bring together healthcare providers and community organizations offering educational resources, health information, and wellness activities for families.

For more information:

Yovanka González
Event Coordinator

📞 857-352-8170

📧 [email protected]

Facebook: Casa de la Cultura Dominicana en Boston

Instagram: @casadelaculturadominicanaboston

2nd Annual Community Health Fair – All Bright Community Center

📅 Saturday, August 22, 2026

🕙 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

📍 1287B Commonwealth Avenue, Allston, MA 02134

The event will feature:

• Free health screenings
• Blood pressure checks
• Health education and information from community healthcare organizations and providers

To register or learn more:

ABCDC Resident Services

📞 617-787-3874 ext. 201 or 202

📧 [email protected]

📧 [email protected]

Massachusetts continues to position itself as one of the leading destination states for immigrant communities in the United States.

A large portion of this population comes from Latin America, the Caribbean, Asia, and Africa.

Cities such as Lawrence, Chelsea, Lynn, Revere, Springfield, and Boston have experienced significant growth in immigrant communities over the past decade.

This growth has been driven by job opportunities, family reunification, and access to education and services.

However, along with these opportunities, many families face complex challenges from the moment they arrive:

• Lack of access to healthcare.
• Language barriers.
• Misinformation about rights and services.
• Difficulty accessing housing.
• Financial and emotional stress.
• Complex immigration processes.
• Lack of community support.

Several community organizations and health centers across Massachusetts are currently working to reduce these barriers.

How do they do it? By offering free or low-cost resources to help families integrate and access essential services.

Massachusetts: A Deeply Immigrant State

Massachusetts is one of the states with the largest immigrant populations in the country.

According to recent data from the U.S. Census Bureau and the Migration Policy Institute, more than 1.3 million foreign-born residents currently live in Massachusetts.

This represents approximately 19% of the state’s population (USAFacts).

In addition:

• Nearly 36% of immigrants in Massachusetts come from Latin America and the Caribbean (Massachusetts Government).
• The Latino population continues to grow in cities such as Lawrence, Lynn, Chelsea, Springfield, and Boston (Census.gov).
• Many immigrants work in essential sectors such as healthcare, construction, restaurants, cleaning services, and elder care.

However, behind this growth there are also very real challenges.

The Difficulties Many Families Face

Moving to another country involves much more than learning a new language.

Many immigrant families face:

• Language barriers.
• Lack of health insurance.
• Misinformation about their rights.
• Fear related to immigration status.
• Difficulty accessing housing.
• Financial stress.
• Anxiety and social isolation.

In many cases, children adapt faster than adults and end up helping their parents translate documents, communicate with schools, or navigate complex systems.

And while trying to survive and adjust, many families do not realize that free or low-cost resources are available to help them.

Health Resources for Immigrant Families

1. Immigrant & Refugee Health Center at Boston Medical Center

Immigrant & Refugee Health Center at Boston Medical Center
https://www.bmc.org

725 Albany St, 5th Floor, Suite 5B, Boston, MA 02118
Phone: (617) 414-5951

This program offers healthcare and specialized support for immigrants and refugees, including bilingual services and healthcare system navigation assistance.

2. Institute for Community Health

Institute for Community Health
https://icommunityhealth.org/

350 Main St, Malden, MA 02148
Phone: (781) 338-0300

Works with vulnerable communities by offering public health programs, prevention services, and access to community resources.

3. Lowell Community Health Center

https://www.lchealth.org
Phone: (978) 937-9700

Provides primary care, pediatrics, mental health services, women’s health services, and bilingual support for immigrant and refugee communities.

4. Greater Lawrence Family Health Center

https://glfhc.org
Phone: (978) 686-0090

One of the state’s leading community health centers, offering medical, dental, pediatric, and mental health services in Spanish.

5. NeighborHealth

https://www.neighborhealth.com
Phone: (617) 569-5800

Formerly known as East Boston Neighborhood Health Center. Serves a large immigrant population with comprehensive healthcare services and community programs.

6. Holyoke Health Center

https://www.holyokehealth.com
Phone: (413) 420-2200

Community health center providing accessible healthcare, preventive programs, and Spanish-language services for Latino families.

7. Manet Community Health

https://www.manetchc.org
Phone: (617) 376-3000

Offers primary care, pediatrics, vaccinations, and community support for uninsured or low-income patients.

Mental Health: The Silent Need

Immigration also has a profound emotional impact.

• Family separation.
• Economic stress.
• Fear.
• Loneliness.
• Anxiety.

All of this especially affects parents, teenagers, and children.

However, in many Latino communities there is still stigma surrounding mental health.

More and more organizations in Massachusetts are offering emotional support and culturally sensitive therapy to help break down these barriers.

Many families arrive believing they have to solve everything on their own.

Massachusetts is full of organizations, community workers, and programs that exist specifically to help.

For thousands of families, access to reliable information can make the difference between remaining isolated and finding stability.

Specialists and community leaders agree that many of the barriers immigrants face — from healthcare to mental health and education — are not necessarily caused by a lack of resources, but by not knowing how to access them.

We look forward to seeing you at My Health Fair

Editorial Note

This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. If you or someone you know needs immediate help, please contact a support hotline or a licensed professional.

In Massachusetts, community food pantries have become an essential pillar in the face of the rising cost of living and recent changes to programs like SNAP or WIC.

Far from being a temporary solution, they represent a living network of solidarity, health, and local resilience.

The use of food pantries among adults in the state grew from 9% to 12% since the pandemic, reflecting a greater dependence on and need for these services.

This is according to a study published by the Greater Boston Food Bank (GBFB).

In addition, the Massachusetts Emergency Food Assistance Program (MEFAP) currently coordinates 894 food providers throughout the state.

This demonstrates the magnitude and relevance of this collective effort.

These data confirm that the Massachusetts community is actively seeking food aid spaces and community pantries.

Not only to receive support, but also to participate and give back to their community.

Best of all: anyone can start a food pantry—a church, a school, an organization, or even a group of neighbors. It doesn’t take much, just empathy, organization, and a genuine desire to help.

1. What is a “Food Pantry” and Why Are They So Necessary?

A food pantry is a local distribution point that offers free or low-cost food to people facing food insecurity.

Unlike large food banks, pantries serve families in the neighborhood directly, which makes them more agile, humane, and efficient.

According to data from the Greater Boston Food Bank, one in three households in Massachusetts had difficulty accessing food last year.

Food pantries alleviate that gap by ensuring no one goes hungry while waiting for state or federal support.

2. Who Can Start One and Where to Do It

The answer is simple: anyone who wants to help. The most effective pantries often emerge from:

• Churches, temples, or community centers.
• Schools and universities.
• Neighborhood groups or block associations.
• Non-profit organizations.
• Small businesses with a social interest.

Ideal Locations

It is recommended to locate them in easily accessible areas: near public transport stops, schools, health centers, or parks.

The space should have good foot traffic, security, and ventilation, and, if possible, basic refrigeration to preserve fresh produce.

3. How to Collect and Distribute Food

Donations are the soul of the project. To ensure order and fairness, it is recommended to follow these criteria:

Collection

• Organize thematic campaigns: “Rice Week,” “Healthy Breakfasts,” “Winter Kit.”
• Place visible boxes in schools, supermarkets, or libraries with bilingual messages.
• Prioritize non-perishable foods and personal hygiene products.

Distribution

• Establish fixed days and hours (e.g., Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.).
• Offer a first-come, first-served system or registered appointments to avoid long lines.
• Distribute food in reusable bags or labeled boxes with clear information on contents and expiration.
• Always respect the privacy and dignity of those receiving help: no invasive questions or excessive requirements.

“It’s not charity, it’s community,” emphasizes the team at the Methuen Citywide Food Drive, which collects non-perishable food at eight points in the city.

4. What Impact Do Food Pantries Generate?

Community pantries do more than just mitigate hunger:

• They reduce food waste.
• They strengthen public health, by offering more nutritious options.
• They promote empathy and teamwork.
• They increase food literacy, teaching about nutrition and fair access.

In Massachusetts, pantries like Arlington EATS or The Open Door (Gloucester) have shown that, with good management, they can serve up to 500 families weekly.

5. Sustainability and Growth

To maintain the project long-term:

• Design a rotating volunteer calendar.
• Create alliances with the Greater Boston Food Bank or Food For Free to receive regular food supplies.
• Post updates on social media thanking donors.
• Evaluate the community’s needs every six months.

6. Useful Resources in Massachusetts

Greater Boston Food Bank:

Logistical support and large-scale food, provides food and resources to more than 600 food assistance agencies in Eastern Massachusetts.

• Address: 70 South Bay Ave, Boston, MA 02118
• Phone: 617-427-5200
• Web: www.gbfb.org

Merrimack Valley Food Bank (MVFB):

Supports pantries, soup kitchens, and food programs in the Middlesex and Essex regions, including home delivery for people with limited mobility.

• Address: 1703 Middlesex Street, Lowell, MA 01851
• Phone: 978-454-7272
• Web: www.mvfb.org

Worcester County Food Bank (WCFB):

Distributes food for the Worcester region and serves as a liaison for local pantries, promoting healthy eating programs and hunger reduction.

• Address: 474 Boston Turnpike, Shrewsbury, MA 01545
• Phone: 508-842-3663
• Web: www.foodbank.org

Food For Free:

Distributes fresh and cooked food to schools, universities, and community organizations. Promotes food recovery to reduce waste and hunger.

• Address: 59 Inner Belt Rd, Somerville, MA 02143
• Phone: (617) 868-2900
• Web: www.foodforfree.org

Project Bread – FoodSource Hotline:

Toll-free line that connects people with food programs and local resources. Offers bilingual and confidential guidance.

• Address: 145 Border St, East Boston, MA 02128
• Phone: 1-800-645-8333 (service in Spanish)
• Web: https://myhealthfair.com/booths/project-bread/

Massachusetts Emergency Food Assistance Program (MEFAP):

State program that funds and coordinates over 800 food pantries and food banks in Massachusetts, guaranteeing access to nutritious food year-round.

• Address: One South Station, Boston, MA 02110
• Phone: (617) 727-7775
• Web: www.mass.gov/mefap

Organizing a Food Pantry is an Act of Civic Love

Every pantry represents a bridge between those who have and those who need.

Every shared bag of food brings Massachusetts closer to a fairer, more supportive, and healthier future.

At My Health Fair, we remain committed to connecting, educating, and supporting the community, because health begins when everyone has food on the table.

Discover more resources and alliances at www.myhealthfair.com

Over the past few days, many families in Massachusetts have received news about possible interruptions in their SNAP benefits.

This is due to the temporary federal government shutdown.

SNAP is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which helps over a million state residents.

These include families with children, seniors, and adults with disabilities, making it essential support to ensure access to stable, healthy food.

Although the situation causes concern, various local communities and organizations are already mobilizing to offer alternatives and support the affected families.

Rising Hunger: A Silent Crisis

One in three families in the state experienced food insecurity last year.

• 2019: 19% of households reported difficulty accessing food.
• 2024: That figure rose to 37%, the highest level in a decade.

This is according to the “Cost of Hunger in Massachusetts 2025” report by the Greater Boston Food Bank.

The crisis not only reflects an economic problem but also gaps in information and access, which affect immigrant and Hispanic families most intensely.

Local Initiatives and Solidarity in Action

In cities like Methuen, municipal authorities began a food drive campaign and are planning free distributions.

These events will take place starting November 1st from the Methuen Senior Center.

Such initiatives reflect the commitment of local leaders and volunteers who work daily to ensure no one is left without support.

Where to Find Food Assistance in Massachusetts

Several organizations are reinforcing their response capacity to support families in need. Instead of being alarmed, it is time to get informed and rely on the available resources:

1. Massachusetts Government Assistance

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey launched a new SNAP resource hub at Mass.gov/SNAPFreeze that includes information on how hungry families can get help.

It also indicates how individuals and businesses can offer aid, and a new digital map showing how many people depend on SNAP to feed their families in every city and town in Massachusetts.

2. Food Pantries and Community Banks

Food pantries are places where families can receive basic food at no cost. Options available in Massachusetts include:

• Greater Boston Food Bank – Distributes food to hundreds of local pantries.
• Roslindale Food Collective – Offers fresh food, community pantries, and 24/7 open refrigerators.
• Catholic Charities Food Pantries – Food assistance in Boston and neighboring cities.

If you need immediate help, you can find the nearest pantry at Mass.gov/find-food.

3. Mobile Markets and Access to Fresh Fruits and Vegetables

For those looking for healthy, low-cost options, several programs offer fruits and vegetables directly in neighborhoods:

• Fresh Truck (About Fresh) – Trucks that bring fresh produce at affordable prices.
• YMCA Mobile Market – Mobile markets with fresh, local foods.

4. Programs for Seniors and Families

Several services offer ready-made or home-delivered nutritious meals for seniors or those with reduced mobility:

• Ethos Meals on Wheels – Food delivery to older adults in the Boston area.
• Project Bread – FoodSource Hotline
  • 1-800-645-8333 (Toll-free line with service in Spanish)
  • Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. — 7 p.m. | Saturdays, 10 a.m. — 2 p.m.

5. Donations and Solidarity in Methuen

While SNAP benefits remain on hold, the city of Methuen launched a campaign to collect food and basic necessities.

This food will go to its more than 10,000 residents who depend on the program.

Donation points will be open at eight locations, including Methuen City Hall, the Senior Activity Center, and all fire and police stations.

Deliveries for residents will begin on November 1st and 5th at the Senior Center (77 Lowell St.).

Donors can contribute non-perishable food and paper goods (monetary donations are not accepted).

The effort is coordinated by the Methuen Department of Health and Human Services, with support from the police, fire department, and local volunteers.

At My Health Fair, we believe that the power of the community can make a difference in times of uncertainty.

Donating, sharing verified information, and supporting local programs are concrete actions that strengthen collective well-being.

While the federal situation is resolved, local aid networks—from food pantries to donation drives—continue to be a pillar of support for thousands of families.

Together, we can continue building a more supportive, informed, and healthy Massachusetts.

Important Notice for the Reader

The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only. It should not be interpreted as professional advice, diagnosis, or medical treatment. For any question or concern related to your personal health, we strongly recommend consulting a doctor or other qualified health professional.