Where to make food donations in Boston?

[beckms]

My roommates and I have been on a cooking kick lately, and we constantly have way too much food in our apartment (and believe me, we DO try hard to eat it all! ). Right now, there's a fresh Apple Cider Pie and an Apple Strudel on the counter cooling (went apple picking), enchiladas in the fridge, Baked Pasta Casserole, Oatmeal Molasses Bread, etc....

SO I was thinking that as long as we're going to be putting so much energy into cooking, and also to prevent waste, we should try to make food to donate to a shelter or soup kitchen or something. But I would think that organizations might be kind of picky about receiving a bunch of homemade food (certain amounts, freezing abilities, etc?).

Does anyone in the Boston area know of places that we could donate food to? Or does it always have to be in the form of non-perishables?

Thanks!

[pilgrim719]

Originally posted by beckms
Does anyone in the Boston area know of places that we could donate food to? Thanks!

Sure! My address is... Just kidding (sort of )!

I am not sure you could take it all to a food pantry because, like you mentioned, they may not take perishable food items. Maybe you could start making recipes and saving a bit for you and your roommates and give the rest to a bake sale? Just a thought, I see a lot of ads in the paper for bake sales at churches and places in the area. I'd maybe give a shelter a call and ask them about donating baked goods and see what they say. Sorry I couldn't be more help!

Kari

[Kristilyn1]

I would suggest contacting Catholic Charities, they may be less picky than a state run organization.

Kristi

[HRJ]

Rebecca, as you said, perishable food items may likely be a problem for a food pantry or even a shelter.

But, there are likely some places that will take it, if the timing is right. I know that the synagogue we used to belong to would take the components of a home-cooked meal -- entrees, sides, desserts, bread -- over to a shelter in Somerville one Sunday afternoon a month (sorry, don't remember the name of the shelter). I think a big part of it is that the folks at the shelter/soup kitchen have to be prepared to handle whatever you're bringing.

I'd recommend posing this question to the Arlington list serv, which, as I'm sure you know already, is a fantastic resource.

You might also try calling Town Hall. I know there's an organization called Minuteman Senior Services that the town is involved in, but I don't know if they serve meals or would accept donations.

There's also the Bread and Jams soup kitchen, which is located on Mass. Ave in Cambridge, not far from Porter Square, 617-441-3831.

Here's a link with some other places that might be of help: http://www.bostonhomeless.org/ShelterChoose.asp

I'd also recommend sending Ellyn an e-mail or PM, in case she doesn't see this thread -- she's worked in the social service area for many years, and might have some better leads for you.

(Or, as Kari said -- if you're looking to feed a hungry BB'er, you know where you can find me!)

Good luck!

Helene

[granolagirl]

Contact your local Food Bank. They can send you in the right direction. Food pantries won't accept homemade food, or prepared food for that matter. Homeless shelters may, community meal sites may. Whatever you do CALL first to be sure.

Check out this website: www.gbfb.org

Good for you for thinking to donate it.

[Judii]

Definitely contact your local chapter of the Women’s Collective, for Women’s shelters and the like. We always bake pies and casseroles for two houses locally, for women and their children, women who temporarily aren’t doing their own cooking and baking. Your gift of home-made goodies will be very welcome.

Judii

[Mamasue]

We have a shelter for homeless and anytime the church or any function within the city or private has leftovers they bring the food to them. We also have a home for elderly men that have no families. A retired priest runs this home and accepts food of any type cooked or not cooked. Check the shelters in your area or surrounding towns.

[seathyme]

You might trying calling Rosie's Place. If they don't take it, they might know who would.

[eas11]

Becca,
A shelter or drop in day program in your area may be interested. The one I donate to does take EVERYTHING! Although meals there are prepared for 65-80 guests, there is always someone needing/wanting to eat off times (don't forget the hard working volunteer and/or low paid staff), so having some extra servings or snacks around is good.
Since you're talking about very small quantities by shelter standards, what would be great is if you could partner with a particular family- too bad you're not in my area, I could set that up for you and your roomies. Often a formally homeless person/family in a new living situation needs a bit of extra help, or has little resources to get fancy ingredients for special homemade goodies. Meals and snacks are generally, cheap and basic. Look for a shelter, food pantry, social service agency in your area that might be able to partner you.
Good luck- let me know if you hit a brick wall and I'll check my resource lists for your area.
Ellyn