Full Plate Project

Overview

The Full Plate Project embodies the Y’s mission of strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. More than just survive, healthy food allows everyone to thrive. 

YMCA Southcoast’s partnership with the Greater Boston Food Bank, the Full Plate Project started as an emergency response to pandemic-related nutrition insecurity in April 2020. It quickly grew into one of the largest hunger relief agencies in the Southcoast region. In 2022, the Full Plate Project distributed more than 1.64 million pounds of healthy food throughout southeastern Massachusetts. Food is distributed at mobile markets at five Y branches, delivered to affordable housing sites, and via community partnerships to people we wouldn’t otherwise be able to reach. 

Y community markets are open to all Southcoast residents in need. Each household receives prepackaged fresh, frozen, and pantry food items while supplies last. There are no town residency, eligibility, or Y membership requirements.

ALL IN NEED ARE WELCOME TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS FREE PROGRAM. FIRST COME FIRST SERVED.     

Participants will be asked to provide basic information including zip code and the number of people living in their household. No photo ID is required. Y Community Market locations are open to all Southcoast residents, you do not need to be a YMCA member! Markets typically last an hour and a half or less when food runs out, which happens often.  

Each household will receive pre-packaged bags of groceries that include a variety of nonperishable items, as well as fresh produce and meats when available. Items vary, based on availability.