Proper nutrition plays an important role in student success!
In Massachusetts, at least 37% of students have experienced food insecurity (source). If you’re having difficulty meeting your food needs, there’s help available. Below are some of the resources available to you.
The information linked below is not affiliated with Franklin Cummings Tech and the college does not accept any responsibility for the reliability of the information provided. These resources are included here as an example of what is available through your community. It is the student’s responsibility to carefully evaluate all resources.
SNAP Benefits
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly called food stamps) provide you with additional funds to purchase food based on your income level and the size of your household—up to $291/month for a single person, and even more if there are additional people in your household. When approved, you’ll receive an EBT card (similar to a debit card) that allows you to purchase groceries at most retailers and farmers markets, as well as some online food retailers.
In addition, SNAP benefits provide discounted access to many museums, the New England Aquarium, the Franklin Park Zoo, and more through the EBT Card to Culture program. Tip: If you don’t see the place you want to visit listed, try Googling the name of that place followed by “EBT discount” to see what they offer.
Students attending Franklin Cummings Tech automatically qualify for SNAP if they also meet the income and immigration requirements. When submitting your application, we encourage you to include a letter stating that you are a Franklin Cummings Tech student and state “I understand Franklin Cummings Tech students are eligible for SNAP benefits and I can self-declare that information.” This should help speed up the application review process!
Learn more about SNAP on www.mass.gov. Go to https://dtaconnect.eohhs.mass.gov to apply!
If you have questions about eligibility, the application process, verification documentation, or want help applying, reach out to the Office of Student Wellness and Success. We will be happy to help!
Project Bread
Project Bread helps connect individuals with reliable sources of food. It can direct you to food pantries and free meal sites and help you apply for SNAP benefits, and more! You can find more information at https://www.projectbread.org/get-help or by calling 1-800-645-8333.
Food Pantries
Food pantries provide free access to non-perishable foods like canned goods, pasta, and more. Many food pantries also have fresh fruits and vegetables, milk, and other fresh food items. You can find your local food pantry by contacting Project Bread (see above, available statewide) or by visiting the Greater Boston Food Bank website at https://www.gbfb.org/need-food.
On-Campus Food Resources
Franklin Cummings Tech has a few different programs to help students access the food they need, including a small food pantry. Reach out to the Wellness Office with questions about the on-campus food resources.
Need further assistance?
If you would like assistance with any of the resources listed here, please contact Emma Michalowski, LICSW, Director of Student Wellness and Support, at emichalowski@franklincummings.edu or 617-588-1302.
