FAQs

Please visit the Using the DISH tab to learn more about signing up for the DISH Food Pantry. 

Current BHCC students receive 35 points per month, and faculty/staff receive 30 points per month. These points will automatically be loaded onto your Smart Choice account on the first day of each month 

• Please note that these points do not rollover. For example, if you do not use your points for one month, they will not carry over to the next month

On Smart Choice, we offer a variety of non-perishable items, fresh, refrigerated and frozen products, and hygiene items. Each item’s point value is based upon serving size, price point, and quantity of items available. Your points stretch far—most items are between 1-3 points!

You may place up to 2 orders per month at the DISH Food Pantry. Please try to make each order at least 5-6 items. You may also use all of your points in one order.

If you and your family are in need of additional points, please contact the DISH Food Pantry at 857-262-1412 or email dish@bhcc.edu for assistance. Each request will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

As of September 1, 2024, DISH will be moving to a Diaper Lottery system. If you are a registered DISH user with children in your household, you can enter the Diaper Lottery on a monthly basis here. Diapers and Pull-Ups will no longer be available to order on SmartChoice, and will not count towards monthly points or order limits.

To learn more, visit Using the DISH.

If you are selected to receive diapers one month, you are not eligible to receive diapers the following month. You can re-enter the lottery in 2 months’ time.

If you are not selected to receive diapers one month, you can re-enter the lottery the following month.

To learn more, visit Using the DISH.

Unfortunately our delivery system has been discontinued effective September 2022. If you are unable to come to campus to pick-up your order, please contact dish@bhcc.edu. 

• The DISH Food Pantry serves solely current students, staff, and faculty at Bunker Hill Community College. Alumni, unenrolled students, or family/friends of a current student are not eligible to register to use the DISH
• For food assistance in the community, please visit https://www.boston.gov/departments/food-access or https://gbfb.org/needfood to find another food pantry near you.
• If you have further questions, please contact dish@bhcc.edu

Please visit or contact the Single Stop office for SNAP assistance. They can be reached at: 617-228-3330, singlestop@bhcc.edu, or in Room N-113.

Please contact the DISH Food Pantry Coordinator at dish@bhcc.edu for more information about employment opportunities at the DISH Food Pantry.

If you receive your grocery order and find an item is not what you expected, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are happy to refund your points or figure out another solution. Additionally, if you are missing an item, please let us know! We can replace the item if we have it, or refund your points if we don't. Email dish@bhcc.edu.

Occasionally, DISH will distribute some items at our Grab & Go locations that are past the "best by" or "use by" date. We adhere to expiration guidelines provided by The Greater Boston Food Bank and only offer products that we believe are safe to consume. Many times, food items are still considered good and safe to consume past the packaged "best by" date. You are able to choose if you feel comfortable selecting these items or not. Please note that we often freeze donated bread products to offer at Grab & Go at a later date. Items you order through our grocery program should not be expired. You can find more information on the USDA website.