New Client Registration
New client registration is done on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays only. We do not register new clients on Saturdays due to the high demand for food. New clients will be asked to supply a form of ID for anyone who will be on the account as well as proof of address. Eligibility, for services at the Pantry, is based on USDA poverty guidelines, which take into account the number of people living in the household and the collective income of all adults.
After registration the client will be given a scannable Pantry Photo ID card with their Pantry client account number on it. Bringing the Pantry I.D. card to each visit to the Pantry will speed up the check-in process.
SHOPPING AT THE PANTRY
- Clients are given a shopping list
- Clients are asked to fill out the shopping list, and chose the amount of food based on the number of bags assigned to the account. Please note there are, at times, limits for individual items regardless of family size.
- The completed shopping list is returned to the volunteer. The client will receive a deli number and when their deli number is called their groceries will be ready for pick up. This takes roughly 20-30 minutes.
- The client will receive a "boutique ticket" after they have received their food, so they can visit the Pantry Clothing Boutique to shop for clothing for themselves and any of the household members listed on the client account. All items in the boutique are free.
VERIFICATION OF IDENTITY
One of the following forms of ID will be required at the Family Pantry for each member of the household. Orignials or copies will be accepted.
Mass Health Card or other Health Insurance Card, EBT Card, Library Card, Public Transit Card, Referral from a Social Service Agency, Birth Certificate, Driver’s License, Government Issued Identification Card, school record, current piece of mail, or Passport. If you do not have any of these options, please speak to the volunteer and they can help.
VERIFICATION OF HOME ADDRESS
One of the following forms of address verification will be required at registration. Originals or copies will be accepted
Utility Bill, Mail with Post Mark, Bank Statement, Lease or Rental Agreement, Property Tax Bill, Letter from a Doctor, Clergy or Social Worker on your behalf, Motor Vehicle Registration, Driver’s License, or Government Issued Identification Card. If you do not have any of these options, please speak to the volunteer and they can help.
WHAT IS A HOUSEHOLD?
The amount of food distributed per household depends on the number of people in the household. To be fair to all clients, a “household” is defined as anyone who shares the home, shares the kitchen and prepares meals together. This can include family members, roommates, people renting a room, etc.
HOW MUCH FOOD TO EXPECT