Arlington EATS

Arlington EATS’ (EATS’) mission is to engage the community in eliminating food insecurity and hunger in Arlington, MA. We envision an active and engaged community in which everyone has access to sufficient and nutritious food and understands the causes and effects of food insecurity. Since our founding, we have provided millions of meals to thousands of individuals facing food insecurity in Arlington, MA.

EATS’ robust programs serve thousands of individuals each year through multiple delivery models designed to effectively reach residents in need, wherever they are. Our programs are: 

1. EATS Market is a full choice pantry serving all of Arlington, MA. We structure this program as a market, though it functions like a free food pantry, to provide guests with a dignified “shopping” experience as they would have in any grocery store. Available items include a variety of fresh produce, meat, dairy, and shelf-stable foods. We offer culturally-relevant foods based on guest feedback, as well as a wide variety of items for special diets including low sugar, low salt, and gluten free options. The EATS Market serves over 500 households a week, and demand is growing. 

2. The EATS Home Delivery Program offers home delivery of groceries from EATS Market for medically frail individuals, as well as those who do not feel comfortable coming to EATS Market in person due to safety concerns, immigration status, and more. Volunteers deliver personalized grocery orders each week to the homes of guests, ensuring they receive the full selection and experience of the EATS Market from afar.

3. The School Snacks Program provides healthy snacks to any student in need in Arlington Public Schools. This program recognizes that food in schools should be free and accessible, and that eliminating stigma around food insecurity is essential to ensuring hunger is not a barrier to learning.

4. The School Vacation Lunches Program provides grab-and-go grocery bags filled with healthy, kid-friendly food options during public school vacation weeks and in the summer.

5. The Arlington Farmers' Market (AFM): In 2023, EATS assumed management of AFM. At AFM, we run the Arlington EATS Fresh Bucks Program which provides access to fresh, locally-grown produce, meat, and breads. Each week, SNAP card holders can come to the Arlington EATS booth at the Farmers’ Market and receive a match up to $15 in Fresh Bucks for any SNAP purchase made at the Farmers’ Market. Fresh Bucks may be used with most vendors, and is funded 100% by Arlington EATS’ charitable donations. This initiative is a prime opportunity to connect residents with access to government food benefits, such as SNAP and the Healthy Incentive Program (HIP), while incentivizing them to access fresh, healthy food with the addition of Fresh Bucks.