GRANT IMPACT

Watertown’s Food Pantries

Two Pantries, One Goal:
Food Support for People Who Need It

Hunger in Watertown can be hard to spot, yet the people behind Watertown’s two food pantries know the need is real. The Watertown Food Pantry is run by the City, and the other, hosted at the Catholic Collaborative, is led by volunteers. The City Pantry opens mid-day on Tuesdays. The Catholic Collaborative Pantry opens Thursday mornings. Together, twice a week, they provide pantry items, fresh fruits, and vegetables to individuals and families in the greater Watertown area who need support putting meals on the table. Together, they support approximately 545 individuals a month. No questions asked.

The Watertown Food Pantry, operated under the auspices of the Watertown Senior Center, is city-staffed by Kathy Cunningham, who has coordinated the Watertown Food Pantry since 2017. “No one should ever go hungry. Ever,” says Kathy. She works with a team of 14-17 volunteers, many who have helped for decades, to keep the pantry running. The Watertown Food Pantry relies on donations and grants to pay the rent and run the program.

The Catholic Collaborative Food Pantry, led by Carol Pennington, continues a legacy begun by her mother, Kay Vincent. “My mom started this food pantry in 1989 because she saw people were struggling. People are still struggling, now, even more, after the pandemic,” says Carol. It’s now become a family affair. Carol’s kids volunteered to help when they were small, and, now adults, they continue to serve with 10 other volunteers. The Catholic Collaborative Food Pantry also relies on donations to keep their shelves stocked.

The Watertown Community Foundation has been a long-time partner to both pantries, organizing drives for food and hygiene supplies, building bridges to corporate partners for donations, and providing funding for essential infrastructure, like industrial refrigeration.

Keeping the shelves stocked at both sites requires the logistical skills of an air traffic controller. Kathy and Carol coordinate deliveries and food pick-ups, manage volunteer staffing, work closely with businesses and organizations on their food drives, all while supporting the individuals and families stopping in for food. Each organization receives groceries from the Greater Boston Food Bank; coordinates drop-offs with local businesses, like Watertown newcomer Wicked Bagel; works with the Farmers’ Market in summertime and other organizations in the winter to get fresh fruits and vegetables, and supports food drives by local schools, youth groups, organizations, and businesses.

The cost of food has gone through the roof. A bag of groceries that cost $100 just four years ago, now costs $125. The Watertown Food Pantry will be moving to a new location at the Parker Building Annex of Watertown City Hall sometime this fall as the beginning of an effort to better meet need. “This is a huge move for the Food Pantry,” said Lydia McCoy, Director of the Senior Services for the City. “This will allow us to expand our services, our outreach, and our overall outcomes. With food costs going sky high, health and nutrition is a big issue. This makes it difficult for people to keep food on the table. This change will give us more space to help.”

The Watertown Community Foundation is a proud supporter of both of Watertown’s Food Pantries. We honor the dedication and commitment of Kathy Cunningham and Carol Pennington to support people who need access to healthy food. They are Watertown’s food support system at work.

The Watertown Food Pantry, located at 80 Mt. Auburn Street (the rear of the Belmont-Watertown United Methodist Church), opens Tuesdays from 10 am – 2:00 pm. Visit The Watertown Food Pantry to learn more and volunteer.

The Catholic Collaborative Food Pantry, located at 770 Mt Auburn Street (Sacred Heart Church basement), opens Thursdays from 10:00 – 11:45am. Visit watertowncatholic.com/news/food-pantry to learn more and donate.

You can make a gift to support both of Watertown’s Food Pantries at the Watertown Community Foundation here.