ARLINGTON FOOD PANTRY
Church of our Savior
21 Marathon Street
Arlington, Ma. 02474
(Mass. Ave. toward Cambridge)
(2nd left after Lake Street)
OPEN FOR FOOD DISTRIBUTION:
SECOND TUESDAY OF EACH MONTH
And LAST SATURDAY OF EACH MONTH
9:30 AM – 11:30 AM
*Proof of Residency in Arlington Required
OPEN FOR FOOD DROP-OFF:
EVERY FRIDAY, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
For Information:
Department of Health and Human Services
Leon Cantor, 781-316-3251, lcantor@town.arlington.ma.us
Lyz Carey, 781-316-3264
HISTORY OF THE ARLINGTON FOOD PANTRY
In the fall of 1990, several community groups organized a holiday food drive for Arlington. Following the food distribution at what was once the Continental Cable office on Mystic Street, it was clear that there was a need for continued assistance.
Arthur Johnson, then Director of Human Services for the Town of Arlington, and a group of volunteers established The Arlington Food Pantry. The Church of our Saviour (Episcopal) offered space for a permanent home. The Town of Arlington helped by building the first shelves.
The Food Pantry soon began continuous operation with contributions of money and food coming from residents, schools, churches, and local businesses. More recently, The Pantry has also been fortunate to receive grant funds from Project Bread/Walk for Hunger. Arlington’s Department of Human Services continues to oversee the Pantry; however the real work is done by a very dedicated corps of volunteers. These volunteers staff the Food Pantry for the two monthly distributions and for the weekly stocking of shelves. The Pantry is totally subsidized by monetary donations and food donations from the citizens of Arlington.
FOOD PANTRY FACTS
Did you know that……..
*In 1991 The Food Pantry helped an average of 185 persons each month?
*In 2004 The Food Pantry helped an average of 375 persons each month?
*The Food Pantry distributes over 125 jars of peanut butter every month – and we NEVER have enough jelly to go with the peanut butter!?
*Over 600,000 people in the State of Massachusetts (including one out of every five children) go to bed hungry every day? (Statistics from Project Bread)
*It takes approximately 200 “Volunteer Hours” to operate The Pantry each month?
EXAMPLES OF DONATIONS
Cereal
Dried Milk
Canned Fruits & Vegetables
Peanut Butter & Jelly
Tuna Fish & Canned Meats
Meals in a Can, i.e.
Spaghetti-O’s, Stews, Hash, Ravioli, Soups
Fruit Juices, Coffee, Tea
Pasta & Sauces
Canned Tomatoes and Tomato Sauce
Crackers, Cookies, Mixes
Jello & Pudding Mixes
Baby Food
Toiletries, i.e.
Soap, Shampoo, Conditioners,
Toothpaste, Toothbrushes,
Toilet Paper, Paper Towels,
Diapers
*Please avoid glass containers and perishable foods.
MONETARY DONATIONS
Make checks payable to The Arlington Food Pantry. Send checks to:
The Arlington Food Pantry
Department of Health and Human Services
670R Massachusetts Avenue
Arlington, Ma. 02476
Monetary donations are used to purchase staples when in short supply and to purchase special items, including diapers, baby food, Depends, Ensure, etc.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Organize a Food Drive at your church, school, or club.
Deliver items to the Food Pantry
Pick up donated items from drop-off locations in Arlington and deliver them to The Pantry.
Help at monthly distributions and weekly shelf stocking.
Help carry heavy bundles to client’s cars during distributions.
To explore volunteer opportunities, please call 781-316-3251. Thanks!
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