Spring 2026

Fresh News

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Announcing the Opening of Arlington EATS’ Mini Market at Drake Village

Bringing Food Access Home

This April, Arlington EATS proudly opened a new Market location: the Mini Market at Drake Village. Located on-site at Drake Village, Arlington Housing Authority’s largest property, the Mini Market will serve residents of 216 units for income-qualified seniors and adults with disabilities. For many residents, accessing fresh, healthy food isn’t always easy. Transportation challenges and mobility limitations can make the trip across town to EATS Market in East Arlington difficult, if not impossible. The Mini Market at Drake Village changes that.

As a satellite of our flagship EATS Market, this new location offers a free, full-choice, market experience directly to residents. Stocked with fresh produce, proteins, dairy, pantry staples, and essential non-food items, the Mini Market meets neighbors where they are with dignity, convenience, and care.

Open two days a week and serving an estimated 150 households monthly, the Mini Market doesn’t just expand access, but also expands impact. By serving Drake Village residents on-site, we’re freeing up capacity at our main EATS Market (117 Broadway) to reach even more neighbors across Arlington.

But this initiative goes beyond just groceries. Launching alongside the Mini Market is Cook & Thrive, a new senior wellness program that connects nutritious groceries with hands-on education and health support, in partnership with experts from Tufts University. From meal kits and recipe sharing to nutrition guidance and optional blood pressure screenings, Cook & Thrive is designed to help those accessing the Mini Market benefit not only from the groceries we offer, but also from improved nutrition, social connection, and overall wellbeing.

This pilot reflects the core of what Arlington EATS is all about: bringing dignified food access to our neighbors who need it most. As food insecurity rises and community needs grow more complex, the Mini Market at Drake Village represents a meaningful expansion of how – and where – we deliver support.

This project would not have been possible without incredible partners and supporters. We’re grateful to the Arlington Housing Authority for their collaboration at every level to bring the Mini Market to life, to Dr. Kelseanna Hollis-Hansen and team from Tufts’ Food is Medicine Institute for their collaboration on Cook & Thrive, and to the generous community members whose seed funding made this possible.

To learn more, please reach out to Johanna Niles, Community Food Access Manager, at jniles@arlingtoneats.org.

“It Feels Like Home”

How Arlington EATS is supporting one Arlington family

When J* moved to Arlington about four years ago, her life looked very different. What began as a stable home with her four sons shifted quickly after a separation, leaving her to navigate parenting, finances, and daily logistics on her own. When the SNAP crisis hit in November 2025 and federal food assistance was disrupted under the government shutdown, J found herself in challenging territory, without access to SNAP and needing to seek help. That’s when she turned to Arlington EATS.

In this conversation with journalist and Arlington EATS volunteer Kara Baskin, J shares her family’s experience.

Kara: Can you tell us a little about your story?

J: I moved to Arlington about four years ago with my four kids. At that time, I had a stable relationship and a normal family life. I never had to ask anyone for help. But we got separated and I have an autistic son who is five years old right now, and he gets sick a lot, so it’s been really hard for me to get a job.

Kara: How did you first hear about Arlington EATS?

J: A neighbor told me about it [EATS] right around the time SNAP benefits were stopped. That was hard. Arlington EATS really helped me with food during that time. I have four boys. They’re big and they play sports so they eat a lot and are always hungry. So it was a huge help.

Kara: What’s the experience like when you shop at Arlington EATS?

J: For me, for the first time going to a pantry, I don’t see it as a pantry. I see it like a market – a little, tiny market – but it has everything. I usually get vegetables, fruits, dry beans. It’s about having what I need for the week and knowing there’s something in my cabinet.

Kara: What do you like to make at home?

J: Spaghetti, rice and beans, chicken, fish. I try to make it all homemade because it’s more expensive when you don’t. My kids love it. I’m always cooking! I’m actually cooking right now while we’re talking.

Kara: How often do you visit Arlington EATS?

J: Sometimes every week, sometimes once or twice a month. It depends on what we need.

Kara: What are some of the challenges you’re facing right now?

J: It’s hard to work with four kids, especially with different school schedules and pickups, and one child who needs extra care. I’m looking for something I can do from home, but it’s stressful. I love Arlington, and I just want to stay here.

Kara: What does Arlington EATS mean to you, emotionally?

J: I feel good. I feel like I’m getting help, even from all the volunteers there. I don’t even know how to explain it…it’s something different. I feel like I’m just going to my mother’s house and grabbing something. It’s like I’m home. I’m someone who gets embarrassed asking for help, but not here. It feels like family now.

Kara: Thank you, J, for sharing your story.

Although the SNAP crisis of last fall may have faded from the headlines, families like J’s and many others are still feeling the deep financial and emotional impacts of safety net benefits being threatened, reduced, or lost altogether. Arlington EATS exists so that neighbors have somewhere to turn in tough times. We remain committed to showing up and providing consistent, dignified access to food for Arlington households like J’s.

*Full name has been redacted to protect our guest’s privacy.

The Arlington Farmers’ Market Opening Day is Wednesday, June 3rd! The season for fresh, local fruits, veggies, and more is right around the corner… Join us on Wednesdays from June – October from 2-6pm at the Russell Commons Municipal Lot (29 Mystic Street in Arlington, MA).

Do you or someone you know need food? Arlington EATS is a safe space for anyone in Arlington who needs access to free groceries. If you are unable to shop in person, home delivery is available. To learn more or make an appointment visit www.arlingtoneats.org/get-food.

Save the Date for Arlington EATS’ annual Turkey Trot 5k! This fun run and walk will take place November 8th at 8am at the Ed Burns Arena, Arlington, MA. Look out for signups this fall. We hope you’ll join us to trot for a cause!