The Brookline Food Pantry is open to Brookline residents who are in need of food assistance.
At this time we are only taking new clients who reside in Brookline. Previously we have served clients from neighboring towns, but as of November 2021, all new clients must have a Brookline address. If you do not live in Brookline, the Greater Boston Food Bank can help you find a pantry in your area. Contact them at gbfb.org or 617-427-0146
Clients are permitted to shop at one of our pantry locations once a week. You must have a valid ID to shop. Masks are currently optional at all pantry locations.
How to Qualify for Food Assistance
To qualify for emergency food assistance, individuals must be a Brookline resident and meet financial and food insecurity guidelines such as (but not limited to) receiving services from
- Mass Health (Medicaid) – Commonwealth Care
- SNAP (Formerly Food Stamp Program)
- Department of Transitional Assistance (Child Services)
- EAEDC (Emergency Aid to Elders, Disabled and Children)
- RAFT (Residence Assistance for Families in Transition)
- Unemployment Benefits
- SSI (Supplemental Security Income)
- TAFDC (Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children)
- Veterans’ Assistance
- TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)
- WIC (Women, Infants & Children up to age 5 at nutritional risk)
Clients may also qualify if they have:
- Been recently unemployed
- Lost past services such as Meals On Wheels, Springwell, etc.
If unsure of whether you qualify, please call us at 617-800-5339.
Locations & Process
Clients are permitted to shop at one of our pantry locations once a week.
210 Harvard St. United Parish
Wednesday: 2pm – 5pm
Thursday 10:30am – 1pm
Friday 10:30am – 1pm
226 High Street, Community Room
Tuesday: 3 pm – 7 pm
When clients arrive at our pantry locations, please line up in the designated area. You will check in at the front of the line. Please have your Brookline Food Pantry ID card ready for check in. If you do not have a card or are coming for the first time, please tell the check in volunteers your name and address. You must have an ID that lists your current Brookline address or a piece of mail with your name and address on it. You will receive a pantry card the next time you come.
Each client will receive 1 bag of refrigerator/freezer items, 1 bag of perishable foods such as fruits and vegetables, and 1 bag of nonperishable foods such as rice, cereals, and canned goods for a total of 3 bags.
Emergency food delivery assistance: (very limited) Due to the COVID 19 pandemic, we recognize some of our most vulnerable clients may be unable to come to our pantry to receive free food. As a temporary measure, we will be providing home delivery to clients who meet certain guidelines:
- Must live in Brookline
- Disabled or high risk due to age, immune compromised, or other related medical conditions
- Has a referral from local social service agencies (not required)
We unfortunately cannot accommodate every delivery request, but we will do our best if our delivery schedule allows.