Remember Westwood Food Pantry This Season #GivingTuesday

After closing earlier in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Westwood Food Pantry* is open again for monthly deliveries to its clients as of August. “Since March 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic started to affect us here in Massachusetts, we have seen about a 20% increase in clients at the Food Pantry. We have also partnered with the Westwood Public Schools [during 2020] to provide students who are eligible for free/reduced lunch with gift cards to ensure they do not experience any food insecurity due to school closures or remote learning complications. Finally, we had to switch from an in-store shopping experience to a pre-ordered/curbside pick-up program to ensure the safety of our clients and our volunteers. So we have been busy, but we've managed to adapt and we are proud to continue to offer food to any Westwood resident who needs it,” reports Westwood Food Pantry board member Maya Plotkin.

Westwood Food Pantry needs donations. They can be dropped off at Westwood Council on Aging at 60 Nahatan Street, Monday through Friday, from 9:00 am - 12:00 pm. Items that are most needed are: peanut butter, jelly, flour, sugar, salad dressing, cake mixes, pancake mix and syrup, pasta sauce, condiments (mustard, ketchup, mayonnaise), baked beans, cleaning products, and personal items (tooth brushes, tooth paste, body wash, shampoo). There are also drop-off boxes at Westwood High School, Westwood Public Library, and at Roche Bros. grocery store.

Hanlon School and Deerfield School had a food drive competition for the Westwood Food Pantry that just ended. Hanlon School won the Turkey Trophy; however, both schools’ principals agreed to wear a turkey costume and do a “turkey trot” around the other’s school.

The Westwood Food Pantry welcomes monetary donations via check, credit/debit card, or PayPal.

During December 2020, Westwood Food Pantry will be the beneficiary of Stop & Shop’s Community Bag Program at the Stop & Shop in Walpole, MA. Each reusable “Community Bag” purchased will result in Westwood Food Pantry receiving $1.00.

“During the holidays, in addition to our regular food distribution, the Food Pantry provides holiday gift cards to its clients. We are continuing this program this year,” says Plotkin.

Are you experiencing food insecurity (defined by the USDA as a “lack of consistent access to enough food for an active, healthy life")? Any Westwood resident who cannot afford adequate food, whether their needs are short- or long-term, can apply to receive food from the food pantry. The application can be accessed on their website, or residents can reach the Food Pantry at westwoodfoodpantry@gmail.com or 781-269-2008.

“We are very grateful for the amazing outpouring of support we have felt from the Westwood community. Donations, both food supplies and monetary donations, continue to come into the Food Pantry and we receive lots of inquiries regarding volunteer opportunities. At this time, we have a strong volunteer base and don't really need to ask for more, but if anyone is interested in long-term and continuous volunteer opportunities, they should definitely reach out to us,” Plotkin concludes.

As always, full disclosure that members of my family are long-time volunteers with the Westwood Food Pantry.