Full Plate Project
The Full Plate Project is YMCA Southcoast’s year-round food access program, launched in April 2020 with the Greater Boston Food Bank. Since inception it has provided more than 5.5 million pounds of food. Community markets are free and open to anyone in need, with no residency, eligibility, or YMCA membership requirements.
Nourishing Neighbors and Strengthening Community
The Full Plate Project (FPP) 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.
Through 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.
Every dollar donated to the Full Plate Project helps us provide nutritious food to our members, friends, and neighbors who are struggling to make ends meet during this time of soaring inflation and economic uncertainty. This includes working families with children, senior citizens and disabled people on fixed budgets, and others feeling the pinch. Thank you for your support. Together we can fill plates.
In 2024, the FPP distributed 1,345,114 lbs. of food equating to nearly 1,120,928 nutritious meals. The program served 34,710 households comprising 95,234 individuals. On a monthly basis, this is an average of 2,892 households and 7,936 individual contacts.
Since inception, the FPP has provided over 5,500,000 lbs. of food across the Southcoast.
Y community markets are open to all Southcoast residents in need of nutrition assistance. 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.
Each household receives prepackaged fresh, frozen, and pantry food items based on availability. Markets typically last an hour and a half, or less when food runs out, which happens often. There are no town residency, eligibility, or Y membership requirements.
All in need are welcome to take advantage of this free program on a first come, first served basis.
Available at these Locations:
Market Schedule and Southcoast Food Resources
The United Way of Greater New Bedford maintains an online list of Southcoast food assistance resources. Click here to view. Here are a few other websites with information and help on SNAP, HIP, and other programs:
Tap on the calendar above to view the full size
Tap on the calendar above to view the full size
Spanish Market Schedule and Southcoast Food Resources
Portuguese Market Schedule and Southcoast Food Resources
Tap on the calendar above to view the full size
Would you like to Volunteer at a Packing or Market Day?
Our volunteers are the heart and soul of the Full Plate Project, a partnership between the YMCA Southcoast and the Greater Boston Food Bank to increase access to healthy food in the Southcoast region. Volunteer opportunities generally fall under two categories: packing and distribution.
Our packing sessions take place at the Dartmouth YMCA, 276 Gulf Road, every Thursday and two Mondays each month. Volunteers can also help load the truck and distribute food at monthly mobile markets at five Y branches.
Full Plate Project Frequently Asked Questions
There are no eligibility, YMCA Membership, or town residency requirements.
Be prepared to give the number of adults, children, and seniors in your household along with your zip code.
You’re welcome to pick up food for another household but will need to provide the same information for them.
Markets last for 1.5 hours or until food runs out.