What We Do
We provide a generous variety of groceries to all, no matter when they visit.
Our programs consistently offer healthy and fresh food and other essentials to households in quantities that increase according to family size. This consistency provides stability, which is just as important as the food we distribute.
We operate outdoors in all seasons of New England weather, and offer our clients a convenient curbside pickup of groceries.
Monthly Distribution
8,000 Diapers
650 Kids Club Bags
1,500 Half Gallons of Milk
Two Programs in Need of Funding
In 2023 we had to suspend two programs due to lack of funding. Meal of the Month provided families all the ingredients to make a featured meal, or, a cooked, ready-to-eat meal. The Winter Warmer program gave children hot cocoa and cookies in December, sometimes with a little holiday surprise. If you, your company or organization would like to help us offer these programs again, please click the program name below.
Frequently Asked
Questions
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We source the majority of our food from the Greater Boston Food Bank, which gives us access to free food in from the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) program and MEFAP (Massachusetts Emergency Food Assistance Program). However, due to increased need, cuts in program funding and quantity limits in what GBFB can provide our agency, we purchase more than 50% of the produce and dairy that we distribute. We also purchase frozen proteins and other shelf stable groceries form GBFB at a cost similar to warehouse pricing. We purchase over 200 loaves of sliced bread every week from a New England bread supplier.
We have wonderful donation partners that include Iggy’s Bread of the world who bakes and donates several aroma-filled shopping bags of warm bread every week. -
Due to the number of families we serve and our limited space, we cannot rely on community donations for our grocery program. We do encourage Kids Club food drives so that families with children always receive a bag filled with food that kids will eat for breakfast and lunch.
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At the beginning of 2023, we budgeted $25,000 a month for food expenses, and this does not include trucking costs, operational expenses or the money needed to buy diapers, wipes and pet gift cards. We now exceed this budget monthly due to the number of large families we serve, compensating for food shortages at the Greater Boston Food Bank, and, the continued increase in food prices.
“You think about what I need to make meals. I feel respected by everyone I speak with. That means a lot.”
—George, Senior citizen