Newton-Needham food pantries need your help
Newton-Needham food pantries need your help
Updated: Monday, March 23, 2020
Responding to many requests from our members as to how they can help during this time of crisis, the chamber will be providing updates from our nonprofit members.
FOOD PANTRIES
There are currently three organizations in the chamber that serve as food pantries for the Newton, Needham and several surrounding communities. Below is a brief overview of each organization and ways to help.
The Needham Community Council supports people in Needham who have under-met health, educational or social needs with a food pantry being an integral part of its organization.
The Newton Food Pantry is the city’s oldest and largest all-volunteer food pantry, providing a five-day supply of nutritionally-balanced free food and personal care products to approximately 750 Newton residents who cannot afford enough to eat.
Centre Street Food Pantry’s mission is to provide families within Newton and seven neighboring communities with consistent access to nutritious food in a dignified and sensitive environment.
All three organizations have altered their food pantry operations to ensure the health and safety of the people they serve and their many volunteers during the COVID-19 health crisis.
Visit their websites for the most up-to-date hours and needs
570 Hillside Avenue, Needham
Due to the overwhelming response of food donations, the Needham Community Council has moved to monetary donations only. CLICK HERE to donate online.
New hours: Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, 10:30 a.m – 1 p.m.; Wednesdays, 5-7 p.m.; Fridays, home deliveries only; closed on Saturdays until further notice.
The NCC is operating by appointment only; no more than 1-2 clients at a time. All food will be distributed in pre-packed boxes. Pick up is at curb-side only…drive through – no in person visits into the Pantry. Also providing delivery to homebound seniors.
And read about the Front Steps Project by local Needham photographer Cara Soulis, with all donations benefiting the Food Pantry. Her photo project has been picked up by CNN and other news outlets and modeled in other towns.
Newton City Hall
During this time, please drop off nonperishable donations to 36 Metacomet Road or 61 Ballard Street. See website for COVIC-19 emergency wish list.
Open during the City Hall closure and providing food to Newton residents (including both NEW and EXISTING clients) during regularly scheduled hours.
Hours: Wednesdays 1:30 – 5:30 PMThird Saturday of every month 10:00 AM – Noon
(Volunteers scheduled to come should still plan to arrive during their scheduled shift.)
The NFP is able to offer all Newton residents who need food the opportunity to pick up pre-packaged bags of groceries twice per monthuntil this crisis subsides. Every client will receive the same pre-bagged food, but the amounts will vary based on family size.
In addition to revamping operations to change from a choice pantry to pre-bagged food, the NFP has been working with numerous local businesses to expand inventory. Great Harvest Bread has been providing fresh baked bread offerings, and Johnny's Luncheonette has been providing homemade soup offerings.
Anyone who wishes to volunteer and is between the ages of 18-60 and not in a high risk group for COVID-19, please email Regina Wu at volunteercoordinator@newtonfoodpantry.org.
11 Homer Street in the Trinity Episcopal Church. Entrance is on Furber Lane.
Only accepting monetary donations at this time; CLICK HERE for the emergency fundraiser link.
Hours: Prepacked grocery pickupTuesdays2:30 - 6:00PMSaturday, April 411:30AM - 2:00PM
Centre Street Food Pantry depends on the generosity of those living in the community to help provide groceries for people who need them – it does not receive funding from the city of Newton or any other town.
During this time the CSFP is striving to provide every household in need with at least (2) pre-packed grocery bags of shelf stable food for breakfast, lunch and dinner; large families may receive more.
The CSFP also distributes bags of fresh produce, refrigerated items and frozen chicken, fish, meat and vegetables.
Families with children receive an additional "Kids Club" bag of food that includes mini-milk boxes, granola bars, peanut butter, jam, canned tuna and snacks.
Currently the CSFP is providing groceries to 100 families a week, adding up to about 7,500 pounds of food packed into 500 bags every time the pantry is open.