Established in 1990 in the basement of St. John’s Methodist Church, the food pantry currently serves approximately 250 Dedham families each month. Approximately one-half of those served are children.

The types of food distributed to our clients include a variety of non-perishable pantry staples. We also provide perishable items such as frozen meat, eggs, cheese, bread, and fresh seasonal produce when available.  We obtain the food from a variety of sources including purchases from the Greater Boston Food Bank; donated food from individuals, community or corporate food drives; purchases from warehouse and thrift stores; donated food from local grocery stores; and  donated produce from local farms.

The food is distributed based on family size per household, (1 time per month for singles, 2 times per month for families of 4 or less, and 3 times per month for families with 5 or more members per household), and the availability of provisions. We also offer clients personal hygiene items including shampoo, soap, toilet paper, and toothpaste when available.

The day to day pantry operations are supported entirely by our dedicated volunteers.  The Dedham Food Pantry is governed by a volunteer Board of Trustees in accordance to the governing by-laws. The Dedham Food Pantry has no paid employees and is run by 100% volunteers, does not receive any funding from the town or state and relies solely on monetary and food donations.

The hours of operation to food shop for ”new clients” as well as referral qualified “existing clients” is Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.

2011-2012 Dedham Food Pantry Board of Trustees

Lindsay Barich, President

Lynn Rogal, Vice President

Cindy Barich, Treasurer

Andrea O’Rourke, Recording Secretary

Janine Murphy, Corresponding Secretary

Brian Rogal, Trustee

Nancy Samya, Trustee

Bob Samonte, Trustee

Julie Bertsch, Trustee

David Jennings, Trustee