I recently brainstormed with volunteers from the Westminster Community Food Pantry. After surveying some people who I consider to be very attentive and involved in town, the most common response was that people just don't know enough about the Food Pantry.

The Westminster Community Food Pantry was founded 13 years ago to fulfill a need of supplemental food assistance to Westminster and Ashburnham families. The pantry is run by volunteers out of the basement of the First Congregational Church in Westminster, space which is generously donated. Although the Food Pantry is open year-round, the winter months are a particularly busy time, and the volunteers ask for help in keeping the shelves stocked.

Vincent's Country Store held a special Food Pantry Benefit Sale where customers saved over $450 in purchases and donated over 400 food items and nearly $800 to the Pantry!

Food Pantry on Facebook
To raise awareness of the Food Pantry, we've created a Facebook page. Please click now to like the Westminster Community Food Pantry on Facebook.

New drop off locations for Food Pantry donations
We will also be placing collection boxes at the Forbush Memorial Library children's room and at Vincent's Country Store, so whether you're heading out to the library or roaming the aisles at Vincent's, feel free to put items in those boxes or pick up a donation envelope.

More Food Pantry news to come!
We are also brainstorming ways to engage the community in getting involved with the Food Pantry. We're working with Vincent's Country Store on a long term fundraiser for the Food Pantry. Stay tuned. If you don't have a Facebook account but would like to be on an Westminster Community Food Pantry email list, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and I'll pass it along to the Food Pantry volunteers.

If you are in charge of a club, team, or particular group who might be looking for a community service, think of the Food Pantry. They accept donations of non-perishable food items. They are always in need of canned soups, vegetables, pasta sauces and fruits.  Boxed items such as cereals, macaroni and cheese, and pasta are welcomed.  Food donations can be dropped off at the pantry Thursday evenings from 6:30pm to 7:30pm.

The Westminster Community Food Pantry also accept financial contributions with which to buy food.  Donations can be mailed to Westminster Community Food Pantry, P.O. Box 477, Westminster, MA  01473.  Financial contributions are tax deductible, and a receipt is furnished upon request. 100% of the donated funds go directly to the purchase of food.

If you have any questions, feel free to call the Westminster Community Food Pantry at 978 874 7970 during the above hours.  A volunteer would be glad to answer any questions you may have.