Results are based on data collected in  four stores in each of four Boston neighborhoods (16 stores total). The average monthly cost of the Thrifty Food Plan (TFP) was $752, 39%  higher than the maximum monthly food stamp benefit for a family of four. On average, the TFP could not be purchased with the maximum food stamp benefit in any of the participating neighborhoods; the maximum benefit was sufficient to purchase the TFP in only two of sixteen surveyed stores. Families in Boston relying on small stores for their grocery needs pay the highest prices—nearly $800 according to our results.