MFNH Food Pantry
Our Community Food Services program annually supports over 6,000 individuals and families through our supermarket-style food pantry. This model empowers low to moderate-income participants to choose their food items, ensuring a two-week supply of groceries twice a month. Our pantry is more than just a place to get food; it is a welcoming space where community members can find nutritious options, learn about healthy eating habits, and connect with additional resources and support. We address immediate nutritional needs while fostering community, resilience, and hope.
The Margaret Fuller Neighborhood House Food Pantry is open to residents of Cambridge and the Greater Boston area. Please read below to learn more about regular pantry hours, volunteer opportunities, and scheduling donation drop-offs.
Food Pantry Hours
"I got a box of food from them, and I will continue to pick up boxes...until mama is on her feet. These times are difficult."
— Community Member
MFNH Food Pantry Impact
1,000 patrons are currently registered for the MFNH Food Pantry--- this represents over 2,000 family members.
500+ patrons utilize the pantry the maximum 2X per month and 40% of the patrons are seniors.
We record more than 11,000 individual pantry visits per year. These numbers have been continuing to increase during this inflationary spiral.
40,000 pounds of food on average is being distributed monthly; 480,000 pounds annually.
The value of this food is over $850,000 (using Feeding America and Greater Boston Food Bank accounting criteria)
65% of the patrons are from Cambridge. Our Food Pantry is one of only two food pantries in Cambridge where low-income residents from surrounding cities are eligible.
We engage dozens of volunteers in packing and distribution of food.
Rescued 52,766 lbs of food that would otherwise be discarded. This food was enough for 42,212 meals for people facing food insecurity with a value of $94,451
Scheduling a Donation Drop-Off
We accept donations of unopened, non-expired food items. We also accept hygiene and toiletry items including: diapers, wipes, shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, paper towels, etc. All donated items should be dropped off at our building located at 71 Cherry Street in Cambridge. Drop-offs can be scheduled by calling 617-547-4680 any time during business hours 9:00 - 5:00 PM.
If you are interested in donating perishable items or a large quantity of food, please contact Phoebe Heyman directly at [email protected] to coordinate.
Volunteer Opportunities
We are always looking for volunteers to help out at our Food Pantry. In order to volunteer, you must be 14 years or older. Responsibilities may include a combination of unloading food deliveries, organizing and packing up produce for distribution, setting up food stations up for patrons to select from, and organizing the storage room. We also have opportunities for those who are able/interested in doing heavy lifting (40-60 lbs).
Please note we are open to individual volunteers and clubs/corporate groups. To schedule service time for a larger group (more than five people), please contact our Food Pantry Coordinator Phoebe Heyman directly.
