Dana-Farber Food Pantry

Contact the Food Pantry

Call 857-215-5280

Contact the Food Basket

857-215-5280

Location: Longwood Campus, Smith Building, 1st Floor Lobby, Room 101
Hours: Monday Friday, 10 a.m. 4 p.m.
Walk-ins: Welcome

Email Us

Not having enough food or worrying about running out of food can add stress during cancer treatment. Our on-site food pantry — called the Dana-Farber Food Basket — offers nutritious support in a respectful, stigma-free environment at no cost.

About the Food Pantry

dana-farber-food-basket-sign-275x412.jpg

The Dana-Farber Food Basket provides access to healthy foods and, when available, basic household essentials for patients and families who need help accessing them. Offerings may change over time based on patient feedback and availability.

The pantry is designed to:

  • Reduce hunger
  • Support dignity
  • Promote well-being

Who is the Food Pantry for?

The pantry is available to established Dana-Farber pediatric and Jimmy Fund Clinic patients and their households who want help accessing healthy foods and other basic essentials. There are no income or other eligibility requirements.

Food insecurity can include:

  • Worrying about running out of food
  • Skipping meals or eating less so food lasts longer
  • Having to choose between buying food and paying for medicine, rent, or utilities

If you’re not sure whether this applies to you, your care team or a Dana-Farber social worker can help.

At a Glance

Who can use the pantry (current access): Established Dana-Farber pediatric and Jimmy Fund Clinic patients and their households
Cost: Free (no income requirements)
Location: Longwood Campus, Smith Building, 1st Floor Lobby, Room 101
Hours: Monday - Friday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Phone: 857-215-5280
Walk-ins: Welcome

Types of Food You May Find

The pantry focuses on foods that are healthy and easy to use, such as:

  • Shelf-stable foods (beans, rice, pasta, canned vegetables and fruits, nut butters, soups)
  • Protein foods (canned fish or chicken, beans, lentils, and other plant-based proteins)
  • Whole grains and high-fiber foods
  • Foods that may be easier to eat during treatment
  • Options selected to reflect patients’ cultural backgrounds and dietary needs

How the Food Pantry Supports Your Care

food-pantry-launch-toffler-ferrante-375x317.jpg

Having enough healthy food can affect:

  • Strength and energy during treatment
  • Ability to get to appointments and follow a care plan
  • Recovery after surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or other treatments
  • Stress levels for you and your family

By helping with reliable access to food, the Dana-Farber Food Basket aims to lower stress and support treatment and recovery so you and your family can focus on healing.

Additional Support and Resources

If you are worried about having enough food, please tell someone on your care team. Social workers and other staff members can help connect you with:

  • Community food pantries and meal programs
  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and other benefits
  • Local and national programs for families facing financial hardship during cancer treatment

To learn more, please visit: 

For information about food assistance in your community, download the tip sheet in your preferred language:

blum-center-2024-556x381.jpg

Resources and Support Services Directory

We offer a wide range of support programs and resources for patients, caregivers, and loved ones. Our supportive services are designed to help you navigate your care experiences with greater comfort and ease.

nutrition-team-members-600x368.jpg

Meet Our Nutritionists

Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center has one of the largest outpatient oncology nutrition departments in the United States. Our team is a diverse set of professionals, each with a specialized area of expertise.