Food Insecurity

If you (or someone you know) are struggling to afford enough food to keep yourself or your family healthy, there are several options to help.

Please visit the Nutrition Department’s website for information about navigating supplemental food resources.

Sebastian’s Cafe

Dean’s Dollar Deal – In January 2020 the Dean’s Office at Harvard Chan began work with Sebastian’s Cafe to offer inexpensive healthy options for breakfast and lunch each day.

In addition, all degree-seeking students are eligible to receive a 20% discount at Sebastian’s Cafe when purchasing items using Crimson Cash.

GradPlus – The Graduate or Professional School Student Meal Plan

All Harvard graduate and professional school students are eligible for the GradPlus meal plan. Participants in the plan get a 10% discount at all cafeterias operated by Harvard University Dining Services including Sebastian’s.

The declining balance plan can be used for any meal. as well as snacks and items to go over the weekend. It can be term billed.

SIGN UP TODAY: bit.ly/HUDSgradplus

The Financial Health Resource Group

The Harvard Chan Office of Financial Aid is committed to being a resource to students throughout the year as they face financial issues — from budgeting in Boston to planning for loan repayment. We are open for appointments during the week and offer programming throughout the semester.

Student Hardship Fund

The Student Hardship Fund is designed to provide temporary, short-term financial assistance to students in degree programs who are managing demanding academic requirements while struggling with unanticipated or emergency financial situations.

Local Community Resources

• The City of Boston Food Map
• The Greater Boston Food Bank
• Project Bread’s Food Source Helpline – comprehensive statewide hotline and referral services
• Brookline Food Pantry
• Boston Medical Center Preventative Food Pantry – get physician referral to take advantage of BMC-based food pantry
• Massachusetts Women, Infants, & Children (WIC) Nutrition Program – support for women and children with an income eligibility scale; for US citizens or permanent residents
• Massachusetts SNAP Program – updated food stamp program with income eligibility scale; for US citizens or permanent residents
• City of Boston Food Resources Chatbot: Text ‘FOOD’ to 617-579-8238
• Neighborhood Food Resource Guide – available in multiple languages

Affordable Groceries and Food Items

• The Daily Table – grocery store in Dorchester, Roxbury and Cambridge
• Fair Foods – provides $2 bags of fresh produce
• Good and Cheap – free downloadable cookbook with recipes aimed at helping people prepare great meals on $4/day
• Fenway Cares Food Boxes: Pick up a food box every other Wednesday at 3:30 PM
• Boston Farmers Markets

Community Fridges

•  Allston-Brighton
•  Brookline Community Fridge
• Cambridge – Harvard Square
• Cambridge – Central Square
• Fenway Fridge
• South End Community Fridge