We Welcome Neighbors

BY ALYSSA QUACKENBUSH

A visit to the The Marshfeild Food Pantry with Julie Johnson

As neighboring towns’ food pantries have faced shortage issues and forced close with the pandemic, the Marshfield Food Pantry has graciously offered to temporarily adopt the families who would be without their food pantry until they can reopen. So, until further notice, the Marshfield Food Pantry is also serving Duxbury and Pembroke residents who need the resources that their respective food pantries can not provide at this time.

As Board Member Julie Johnson puts it, “neighbors are neighbors, not towns.”

The spirit of anonymity and no questions asked assistance at the Marshfield food pantry are continuing through the pandemic. It is there for anybody and everybody, whether you need to get through the month or need some more consistent long-term help.

Increased unemployment means that a lot of people who may have never needed food assistance in the past are utilizing these resources. In April alone, Board Member and Pantry Treasurer, Julie Johnson recounts 68 new families being served at the food pantry.

Marshfield’s food pantry has adjusted their typical protocol to follow CDC guidelines; food donations are no longer being accepted, groceries and essentials are currently being purchased to stock pantry shelves. Clients in the past have shopped our pantry, currently prepackaged bags of groceries can be obtained through curbside pickup. If somebody has any dietary restrictions that need to be met, they have the option to pull their car off to the side and let a staff member know what their needs are for personalized groceries.

The Marshfield Food Pantry provides 120-125 pounds of groceries monthly to local families. Again, help is provided with no questions asked. The only vetting process is any kind of proof of residency in Marshfield, Duxbury or Pembroke.

The support that the food pantry has seen since the beginning of this pandemic is incredibly encouraging. With donations coming in from both businesses and residents of Duxbury and Pembroke, as well as the ever generous Marshfield. There is much gratitude that the the shelves have stay stocked, and Julie has been working very closely and partnering with Jim Bunnell of the Boys and Girls Club to continue to provide for Marshfield’s youth.

Continued financial support is encouraged as volunteers shop to fill the shelves of the pantry. Julie’s reminder to you all is that these resources are in place to serve YOU!

If you have never used any of these safety nets but find yourself in a difficult spot, as many people are, don’t hesitate to get the help. Your community has your back. We are Marshfield and we welcome neighbors.

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN DONATING OR FINDING OUT MORE ABOUT THE MARSHFIELD FOOD PANTRY- CONTINUED COMMUNITY SUPPORT IS NEEDED.

#WeWelcomeNeighbors

Marshfield Food Pantry

P.O. Box 1097

Marshfield, MA 02050

director@marshfieldfoodpantry.org

Phone: 781.837.0359