Wakefield Interfaith Food Pantry Plans for the Future

The Board of Directors of the Wakefield Interfaith Food Pantry recently held its first annual strategic planning session to set the future course of the pantry and its services to the Wakefield community.

Continued increases in the number of clients needing the pantry’s services led to the move to larger space at the Americal Civic Center a few years ago.  Today, the pantry is a significantly-sized operation with 40 permanent volunteers serving over 400 households.  Each month, the pantry distributes approximately 16,000 pounds of food to our neighbors in need.

Maureen Miller, Director of Operations, noted, “Half of the families who come to the pantry are employed but unable to make ends meet.  Most of the others are retired or unemployed due to disability.”

The goal of the strategic planning session and additional planning to come is to help the pantry leadership and volunteers further the pantry’s mission and prepare for the future.   Over the next 2-3 years, the board’s focus will be on the following priorities:

·       Develop and enhance strategic partnerships with local businesses, congregations and civic organizations to help meet program needs and increase awareness

·       Create a stewardship program where individuals in the community with particular skills are invited to join WIFP committees

·       Expanding  fund raising efforts to meet growing needs

The team also encourages everyone in Wakefield to view the new documentary about the food pantry: Hunger Hurts: A Community Responds.  This unique video shares the history of the WIFP and highlights the issue of hunger in our own community.

Find it on YouTube at:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zGkG2CckiaE, or watch it on WCAT, our local cable station.

Watch the 30th Year Commemoration Video on YouTube

30th Year Commemoration - Watch the 30th Year Commemoration Video on YouTube

Thirty years ago the Mission Committee of the First Baptist Church opened their doors to those in need by setting up a pantry.  This was in response to the many calls for help that Reverend Keech was receiving asking for food assistance.  The first pantry was actually a metal supply shelf filled with the canned food donated each Sunday by parishioners of the Baptist Church.  During it’s first year the food pantry helped 17 households.  Unfortunately, the need continued to grow and it grew rapidly.

Soon the First Baptist realized it needed the community at large to assist with the pantry.  As a result the Wakefield INTERFAITH food pantry was formed.  Each month a different congregation was responsible for stocking and providing food to those Wakefield residents who were in need.  By 2001, the Wakefield Interfaith Food Pantry was incorporated into a 501-3(c) non-profit with members from all congregations and the community on its board.  In 2010, the Wakefield Interfaith Food Pantry moved to larger accommodations at the Americal Civic Center to allow for use of the Greater Boston Food Bank, more storage, refrigeration and longer hours.

To commemorate these last 30 years, a group of volunteers with the help of WCAT has produced a documentary of the Wakefield Interfaith Food Pantry.  The documentary called “Hunger Hurts; A Community Responds” was shown on WCAT and is now available to watch on YouTube.  Please share this video with your neighbors!

Letter from the Director, Maureen Miller

Dear Friends,

We reside in the wonderful community of Wakefield that has never failed to provide the pantry with food and donations allowing us to serve those in need among us.  Since 1982 this community has supported the pantry through food drives, community events and donations.  Though it is bittersweet that we have been in existence for 30 years, it is heartwarming that we have always been able to help those in needs for that time period.

We are thankful for the many people who donate to the pantry through food or money.  Our average donation is approximately $50 and we process over 16,000 lbs of food each month.  This would not be possible without our individual donors and without the help of organizations such as Keurig, Shaws, Gathering Change and the Rotary.

Finally, we are so thankful for the wonderful volunteers that donate their time and energy to the Wakefield Interfaith Food Pantry.  These volunteers fulfill the many tasks necessary to feed our neighbors and they do it joyfully, compassionately and without judgment.  Through it’s volunteers, the Wakefield Interfaith Food Pantry strives to provide a warm and welcoming environment to all who come through the door.

As Director, I appreciate all of you who make the Wakefield Interfaith Food Pantry a success.  As Desmond Tutu said, “Do your little bit of good where you are; it's those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.”

Maureen Miller
Director, Wakefield Interfaith Food Pantry