The Good Shepherd Parish Food Pantry 2024 Program

Over the 2024 season we have seen a rise in participants.

The program has grown according to need, that never seems to end. Our clientele are young families, disabled folks, the elderly, long time island residents, a growing Brazilian population and veterans on island.

On average 200+ families are served on each Tuesday distribution, and on Saturday distributions. We consistently are registering approximately 8 new families each day we are open!

While we are funded in part by the Good Shepard Parish Center, and local donations, this year we have experienced a continued rise in costs. Many foods that were once free must now be purchased. We have also had weeks or months without regular pantry items like milk or eggs, and frozen foods being available. When there are Monday holidays, the Greater Boston Food Bank is closed and our Tuesday distributions are limited in food options as we are not able to pick up our scheduled food. Where we once had our shelves stocked plentifully, after each distribution, much of our shelves, and stock room is empty.

We are dependent on our volunteers for this vital program. We have enjoyed working with Daybreak clients and we are currently looking for more volunteers. We are fortunate this year to have a couple volunteers who can help translate for new Brazilian Portuguese families.

The Good Shepherd Parish Food Pantry program offers a weekly walk-through pantry on Tuesdays from 8 am to 12 pm, and a walk-through pantry on 1st and 3rd Saturdays. We have also added specific times for Seniors: 11-12 on Tuesdays, and 9-10 on 1st and 3rd Saturdays. Registration closes 15 minutes prior to closing. We ask clients to visit once per week per household. Appointments may be made if folks are not able to make pantry hours. Contact Sarah Steigelman at (508)560-8764 or sarah@goodshephardmv.com        .

Respectfully submitted,

Sarah Steigelman

Community Suppers at St. Andrew’s 2024

In 2024 we saw an increase in the amount of shelter guests ranging from 15-20 people per day. With a steady group of people coming to the church and a few meals that were able to get delivered to some of families in need and unable to come in person, we were able to provide meals for over 30 people per week. The need is just as strong as we welcome in a new year. 

We are no longer receiving any food donations from the Greater Boston Food Bank. Mary, the wonderful manager at the Stop and Shop, has continued her generous support and we are shopping the circular to bring a well-balanced nutritious meal to our fellow community members. Thanks to the support of the St. Andrews Church community we are able to fund these important meals.

As Annette Anthony and I are having some health challenges we have taken a step back and are happy to say that our shoes are being filled with the helpful people that the Island is known for.

There has been an uptick in the number of meals served at the church. This is in part because of the need for affordable food and, from what I have heard from some of the patrons, it is the community spirit they come for. Let's face it - It's no fun eating alone. Everything tastes better when you have someone to share it with. I hope that these dinners will continue, as they fill a need that we Islanders share in the winter months: being with and seeing other people and sharing your day's events with the person next to you....

Lisa Lucier