What is food insecurity?

Food Insecurity is used by the US Department of Agriculture to describe conditions in which the food intake of household members is reduced and their normal eating patterns are disrupted because lack of money and resources to purchase food. The family’s finances are the most obvious reason for food insecurity but other reasons include physical or mental limitations, living alone and lack of transportation. The latest available statistics show that about 10% of families in the Scituate area were food insecure during 2015-2018

Since 1992, The Scituate Food Pantry has supported more than 500 Scituate families totaling more than 1,100 people. Originally founded by the Scituate Clergy Association as a small “emergency” pantry, it has since grown into a fully independent, volunteer-run organization. Over the years, the Pantry has continually expanded its services to meet the needs of the increasing number of families who rely on it.

Currently, the pantry serves 300+ households who are eligible to receive nutritious food once per week which includes frozen meat or fish, fresh produce, vegetables and fruit as well as non-perishable canned foods of all types.

 Special attention is paid to those with dietary restrictions and we distribute extra food during the holidays. Our goal is to be able to provide a complete Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner to those families that are in need. In addition to food, the Pantry also offers non food items, such as household products, personal care items, baby formula and diapers.