New 'Nourishing Needham' Food Assistance Program To Launch

NEEDHAM, MA — A new food assistance program in Needham is helping residents in need as well as restaurants struggling due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Nourishing Needham is a program that buys meals from local restaurants struggling from COVID-19 restrictions and donates the food to residents in need. The program is run by an anonymous $15,000 donation and will be running in Needham in partnership with the Needham Council on Aging and the Newton-Needham Regional Chamber of Commerce.

The program will provide 1,000 healthy meals to Needham seniors on a weekly basis through the spring, said LaTanya Steele, Director of Aging Services, Needham Council on Aging. Every dollar will go directly to support independent, full-service restaurants located in Needham, many of whom have seen declines in volume more than 75 percent even while adapting to takeout, outdoor dining and other models while restrictions remain in place, according to the chamber.

“While it will be a long road to recovery for our restaurants due to the pandemic losses, we appreciate those who contribute to help us survive and thrive,” said Jay Spencer, owner of French Press Bakery, a vice chair on the chamber’s board of directors and chair of the chamber’s Newton-Needham Dining Collaborative.

Meal deliveries are expected to begin early April. Full-service restaurants in Needham that would like to apply to participate may find more information and an application form here. Deadline to apply is April 1.