about us
We strive to end hunger by removing barriers to food caused by race, gender, sexual orientation, mental and physical health, income, and age.
The Reading Food Pantry aims to address the food and personal care needs of our neighbors through high-quality, respectful service in a welcoming environment, with a goal of enhancing well-being in our community.
The non-profit Reading Food Pantry, established in 1983, provides food assistance to families who live in Reading, MA. We currently serve 200+ households across town, operating out of Old South United Methodist Church: the big white church facing Reading Town Common, at 6 Salem St.
While some visit only occasionally, many rely on the Reading Food Pantry for a substantial portion of their food. Our neighbors come from every corner of Reading. Whether your need is temporary or ongoing, we encourage anyone experiencing food insecurity to contact us or come in for a visit— we are here to help!
Any Reading resident or family in need can visit the Reading Food Pantry. Neighbors are welcome to come to the Reading Food Pantry twice each month and on their first visit, in addition to groceries, household and personal care items, they also receive a gift card to Market Basket to purchase perishables that the Pantry does not stock, such as milk.
We serve neighbors via drive-through. Volunteers bring order forms to neighbors’ cars, fill their order inside the Pantry, and then bring the bags to neighbors. We also provide deliveries to neighbors who are unable to travel.
“The food pantry helps keep food on the table for the boys and I.”
-Food Pantry Neighbor
“The volunteers are always so kind and they refer to participants on a first-name basis. It feels like a community!”
— Food Pantry Neighbor
