
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 News
Student Scholarships
Food Pantry Shopping Basics
Our food pantry is well stocked and we will always have food available for our customers. All food pick-ups will continue to be contact-free 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
- Contact Free 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 food will be distributed in pre-packed boxes
- 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
- Masks must be work when your food is delivered
- 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 fresh fruits and vegetables.
Can Goods | Meats-Frozen | Dairy | Boxed Goods/Cleaning |
Canned Vegetables | Chicken Parts | Eggs | Juice |
Applesauce/Dried Fruit | Whole Chicken | Mile (whole or 2%) | Cereal/Oatmeal |
Peanut Butter/Jelly | Ground Beef | Cheese | Rice/Pasta |
Shelf Stable 1% Milk | Ground Turkey | Coffee/Tea | |
Tomato Sauce | Snacks | ||
Canned Fish | Toilet Paper | ||
Canned Beans | Paper Towels |
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.
Hygiene/Cleaning | Oil | More Groceries |
Diapers (Adult or Youth) | Oil | Baby Food |
Feminine Products | Ensure/Nutrition Drink | K-Cup Coffee |
Wipes | Butter | Cake Mixes & Frosting |
Toothbrush/Toothpaste | Yogurt | Gluten Free Products |
Body Soap (Bar/Liquid) | Bread | Baking Goods (Flour/Sugar) |
Shampoo | Fish (Frozen) | Frozen Dinners |
Laundry Soap | Mac & Cheese | |
Dish Liquid | Easy Prepare Meals | |
Spray Surface Cleaner | Soup | |
Kleenex/Tissue | ||
Razors |
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
A New program to help with the cost of your students’ extra-curricular activities.

Birthday Program
During their birthday month, each child of your household (18 & under) will receive a gift certificate to Learning Express or TJ Maxx.

Gift of Warmth
Need help with the cost of home heating? We support the Needham Health Department’s Gift of Warmth. To apply call
781-455-7940 x 217
Other Available Resources
Past Food Pantry Newsletters
Rent or Utility Help
Are you struggling with your utilites or heating bills? The Gift of Warmth program is here to help please contact Tiffany at the Needham Health Department at 781-455-7940 ext. 217
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
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
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.
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.