Food Pantry
Current Customers
For existing customers of
the Food Pantry.
New Customers
Needham residents experiencing food insecurity are encouraged to become New customers.
Giving to the Food Pantry
Learn more about how you can
give to the Food Pantry.
Current Customers
Quick Links
General Shopping Info
Latest Food Pantry News
Holiday Planning has begun
Temple Beth Shalom will once again join hands with the Needham Community Council to provide dinners on Christmas Day.
Temple Beth Shalom will be preparing and delivering a Christmas dinner on December 25th to residents that might otherwise not have a special meal. Please call the Council to reserve your Holiday meal. Limit of two meals per household. Please phone early to make your reservation 781-444-2415.
Holiday Gifts:
For our 4th year in a row, we will be distributing gift cards for all members in your family that we have on your account. You will then be able to shop at the businesses to select presents of your choice. No matter how you celebrate, our goal is to bring a smile to all our families! We will be asking for proof of residency at time of pick up.
Sign up for your holiday gifts today
Proof of Residency:
When you come to pick up your Thanksgiving food and at the time you pick up holiday gifts, you will need to show one of the following documents to prove that you reside in Needham:
- Valid driver’s license or Mass ID
- Utility bill with your name and 0address
- Copy of your lease agreement
- The letter you should have received in October
New Round of Extra-Curricular Scholarship Funds Available
With the help of two generous donors, we are expanding the Extra-Curricular Scholarship Program to assist with the cost of your student’s activities. Whether it’s music, clubs, athletics or driver’s education, we may be able to help. Click on the link below to learn more and complete and application.
Food Pantry Shopping Basics
Our food pantry is well stocked and we will always have food available for our customers. All food pick-ups are in person and done on an appointment only basis.
Each household may shop twice a month.
To plan your next visit please use the sign up .
Contact-Free Pick-Up Times
- Food Pick-Up Times:
Mondays: 10:30AM – 12:30PM
(sign up for this day closes the Friday prior at 2 pm)
Wednesdays: 10:30AM – 12:30PM &
5:00PM – 6:00PM
(sign up for this day closes the Tuesday prior at 2 pm) - All dry groceries will be distributed in pre-packed boxes
- Produce boxes are seasonal and are not customizable
- You will have a choice of Dairy and frozen items at pick up.
- Pick up at curbside only – no entering the food pantry
Deliveries
For any customers that are unable to come the Council, we will deliver food to your home. Deliveries are intended ONLY for households that CAN NOT PICKUP. If you are able to come to the Food Pantry, please sign up with the Sign Up Genius and schedule a pick up! All deliveries are scheduled directly with the office, please call us.
- Deliveries will be made on Tuesdays
- All food will be distributed in pre-packed boxes
- If you are not home or do not pick up the phone at your scheduled delivery day, YOUR FOOD WILL NOT BE LEFT
Contact Info
Call us if you have any questions at 781-444-2415 or
email us at office@needhamcouncil.org
Plan Your Next Order
How do I Make an Order?
On the Sign-Up Form, after you select your appointment time, follow the instructions on the diagram below to write what you Do Want and what you Do Not Want included in your order.
You may also call us to make an appointment and ask us to add the notes to your order: call 781-444-2415.
What is in a Typical Order?
If you do not want any of these items, please write the item in the “DO NOT WANT” section of the Sign-Up Form.
In additon to the below items, each order includes a box of produce filled with seasonal fresh fruits and vegetables.
| Groceries | Groceries | Hygiene | |
| Tuna | Juice | Toilet Paper | |
| Dried Fruit/Nuts | Pasta | Paper Towels | |
| Cereal | Rice | ||
| Tomato/Spaghetti Sauce | Snacks | ||
What items are available by Special Request?
We try to keep the following items in our inventory. You may request them in the “DO WANT” section of the Sign-Up Form. We can’t guarantee their availability but will do our best.
| Groceries | Groceries | Hygiene | Household |
| Canned salmon | Canned vegetables | Shampoo | Dishwashing soap |
| Canned chicken | Oil or olive oil | Conditioner | Laundry detergent |
| Soups/broth | Tomato paste | Body wash | All-purpose cleanter |
| Jelly products | Shelf stable milk | Body soap | |
| Peanut butter | Instant mashed potatoes | Deodorant | Specialty Diet |
| Canned beans | Rice mixes | Toothbrushes & paste | Gluten-free items |
| Dry beans | Ramen | Tampons | Low sugar |
| Ketchup | Mac and cheese | Menstrual pads | Milk alternatives |
| Salad dressing | Tea | Incontinence pads | Nutritional Drinks |
| Instant oatmeal | Ground coffee | Tissue | |
| Oatmeal packets | K-cups | ||
| Baking items | Whole bean coffee |
What if I get Expired Food?
On occasion the items you receive will be close to or beyond the “sell by” date.
There is confusion over what the different dates on the food really mean. That date often does not mean the the food is spoiled, only that it is not at it’s best.
We’ve compiled a Fact Sheet that can help explain what the different dates mean:
Other Food Pantry Programs
Extra-Curricular Scholarships
Offering a limited scholarship program to assist with the cost of your students’ extracurricular activities like music, clubs, athletics or driver’s education.
Financial Wellness
Starting October 18th, we are offering a Financial Wellness course for our Food Pantry Customers and ELL Learners. Class is 6-7:30 and runs for 5 weeks.
Karma of Clothing
The Karma of Clothing program is back and here to help you look your best. Schedule a styling appointment here.
Birthday Gift Cards
We celebrate your child’s birthday with a gift card to Learning Express. Be sure we have the correct birthdate information so we can send a card on the month of their special day.
Other Available Resources
Past Food Pantry Newsletters
Other Food Resources
SNAP Support
Supplemental nutrition assistance program provides income eligible families in MA with extra buying power.
Now the Needham Farmers Market accepts SNAP EBT Customers.
SNAP Website
Using your SNAP EBT card on Instacart
Project Bread
Project Bread can help you with registering with SNAP or find additional food resources near you.
PROJECT BREAD or Call 1-800-645-8333
WIC – Women, Infants & Children Nutrition Program
provides healthy foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and referrals to healthcare and other services, free of charge, to Massachusetts families who qualify.
WIC Information for Participants or Contact at (800) 942-1007.
Lasagna Love
Local chefs are ready to make a lasagna dinner for our food pantry customers, all you have to do is ask. Request a dinner through their website.
Kindness Cakes
A special birthday cake for your child, baked especially for you by a local baker. Please contact them directly to request a cake, allow at least 2 weeks for them to find a baker and plan.
Utility Help
Are you struggling with your utilites or heating bills? The Gift of Warmth program is here to help please contact the Needham Health Department at 781-455-7940 ext. 218
Mental Health Support
Free Mental Health Referrals
One of the challenges of accessing mental health is finding a provider that is able to help you and accepts your insurance. The William James College Interface Referral Program is available at no cost to all of our Food Pantry customers.
For more information on this program please call 617-332-3666 x 1411
United Way 211
Get help connecting with resources all over the US at any time day or night
Call 211 or 211 Website
Childcare & Early Education Support
Creative Start
The Newton-Watertown Creative Start Program offers Early education for preschoolers is available for qualified families.
Learn more about Creative Start Program
Family ACCESS Early Literacy Service
Free community services to provide educational experiences for all young children.
Learn more about it Family ACCESS Community Connection
Student Extra Curricular Resources
Many of the programs that are available in Needham already have scholarships available.
Below is a list and contact information for some of the more common programs. Please email the program
Charles River YMCA
These programs and membership typically have scholarships available for income eligible families. Please contact the email below or go in person to the Y to receive an application CharlesRiverY@ymcaboston.org
Needham Parks & Recreation
Most food pantry customer are eligible for a pool pass and classes. To apply for a scholarship begin by calling our office to get a referral letter. Then you should email Parks and Rec or go in person to the Rosemary Pool complex to request to sign up parkandrecreation@needhamma.gov
Needham Driving School
Some students at the high school qualify for free or discounted driving lessons. This is covered through the high school. Have your student reach out to their guidance counselor to arrange for this program. If there are portions that are not covered by the high school’s scholarship program, you may apply for the additional here.
Needham Youth Sports
There are many Needham sports teams like Needham Soccer Club, St. Joe’s or Needham Metrowest Basketball, Needham Baseball & Softball, and others that offer scholarships. Please EMAIL the program that you are interested in request a scholarship.
Needham Soccer Club: executivedirector@needhamsoccer.com
St. Joe’s Basketball: Steve Bloomberg / coachsteve39@msn.com
Needham MetroWest Basketball: needhammetrowest@gmail.com
Needham Baseball & Softball:
Other Programs
Many camps, ballet studios, and art studios can offer a discounted or free class to families that qualify. Please contact the provider to ask about options.
If there are programs that do not cover the full amount of the class or program, you are welcome to apply for a scholarship from us.
Learn more about the Council’s Extra-Curricular Scholarships
New Customers
New Customers
Current Food Pantry Eligibility
A typical Food Pantry distribution will include fresh fruits and vegetables, fresh meat and dairy, shelf stable products like soup, tuna, pasta, sauces and more including personal care products and paper goods. You will be asked to complete the following registration form and mail of drop it off at our office at:
Needham Community Council, 570 Hillside Avenue, Needham, MA 02494
We are not requiring income verification to join the Food Pantry.
If you are a resident of Needham and need food support due to income challenges, we are here to help!
Please call us at 781-444-2415
Giving to the Food Pantry
Ways to Give to the Food Pantry
Food Drives
Do a dedicated Food Drive with all the foods we have a hard time finding affordably but our customers love!
Make a Gift
We need your support now more than ever! Please consider giving today via our secure online donation form.
Cans For Calcium
Turn your returnable bottles & cans into milk for the Food Pantry!
Drop off at Needham RTS or at the home of Jeff Dinneen: 1625 Great Plain Ave (end of driveway).
Amazon Wish List
We keep a running list of items that we need for the Food Pantry. When you purchase an item, Amazon delivers it to us.
Donate Your Time
Be a part of the team of volunteers that help keep our Food Pantry running and organized.
Our Food Pantry Partners
