How to Help

How to Help

Volunteer

Volunteers are an essential part of the Wachusett Food Pantry.

We are a 100% volunteer operation and we always welcome new volunteers.

  • The average time commitment is 3 to 6 hours per month, on Friday or Saturday.
  • Volunteers are always needed.
  • Volunteers must be in 9th Grade or older.

For Volunteer Guidelines click here.

For more information about volunteer opportunities, call 978-563-1064 or e-mail wfp@wachusettfoodpantry.org.

Important Covid-19 Information: The Wachusett Food Pantry adheres to stringent standards for the safety of our volunteers and our recipients, including the mandatory wearing of a mask by all volunteers and recipients, contact-free food distribution, sanitizing of equipment, and social distancing.

Donate Food

Our partner agency, The Worcester County Food Bank, acquires and distributes a monthly allotment of canned, dry, frozen and fresh food and grocery products, the majority of which is provided by the State (MEFAP) and the Federal Government (TEFAP). About 80% of the food we provide comes from the WCFB.

About 20% of our food comes from food drives organized by local schools, religious and civic groups, and the generous contributions from the community at our drop-off sites throughout the region. Due to limited storage space and changing food needs, please Contact Us so we can assist you in organizing a successful food drive.

Bread and bagels are donated by Shaw’s in Worcester and The Bagel Inn in Holden.

The food pantry requests non-perishable and unexpired foods. Listed below are several items that are constant necessities:

  • Canned protein sources (chicken, baked beans)
  • 100% Juice (concentrate preferred)
  • Canned fruits and vegetables
  • Canned soup
  • Spaghetti sauce
  • Peanut butter
  • Cereal and oatmeal
  • Mac ‘n cheese
  • Personal care (soap, shampoo, etc.)
  • Paper products (toilet paper, tissues)

During the pandemic, non-perishable and unexpired food can be dropped off at two locations:

  1. Big Y in Holden: There’s a clearly-marked collection bin inside, near the checkout registers.
  2. Wachusett Food Pantry: We have a shopping cart outside our building at 50 Worcester Road (Route 12), Sterling. You can drop off food at any time, 24/7.

Donate Money

Tax-deductible contributions can be mailed to us at:

Wachusett Food Pantry
P.O. Box 62
Jefferson, MA
01522-0062

A receipt will be provided by return mail.