Future Goals
1. Increase distribution of donated food by 3%. By 2020, Worcester County Food Bank (WCFB) aims to provide enough food for 5.8 million meals annually to people in need across Worcester County.
2. Advocate for more access to healthy food by growing support for programs shown to reduce hunger (i.e. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), School Breakfast in the Classroom, Summer Food Service Program, Healthy Incentives Program).
3. Collaborate with pantries and community meal programs in WCFB’s Partner Agency network to ensure a guest-centered experience for people seeking food assistance.
4. Establish partnerships with organizations that fill a food gap in Worcester County.
5. Expand WCFB’s SNAP Outreach and Application Assistance Pilot Program to reach more individuals eligible for this nutritional benefit.
6. Implement skilled volunteer positions across WCFB departments (Advocacy, Agency Relations, Communications, Fund Development, Operations).
7. Increase awareness of the WCFB Fund to End Hunger at Greater Worcester Community Foundation and fund more agencies with grants.
8. Collaborate with Central West Justice Center on Central MA SNAP Coalition and SNAP Food Security Project.
Fundraising Events/Opportunities
Hosting or giving to a fund or food drive are two great ways for individuals, businesses and organizations to support Worcester County Food Bank during the holiday season and year-round. For more information, visit our website.
Giving Opportunities
Financial Donations: Worcester County Food Bank (WCFB) gratefully accepts donations year-round. Contributions nourish bodies and bring peace of mind to individuals and families across all 60 cities and towns in Worcester County. Financial donations go an especially long way towards creating a hunger-free Worcester County. For every $1 received, WCFB can distribute $4 worth of donated food. Contributions are accepted online, by mail, or in-person.
Food Donations: Worcester County Food Bank welcomes food donations year-round from food drives, food retailers, and farmers within Worcester County. For more information on recommended healthy food items, visit our website.
The Worcester County Food Bank Fund to End Hunger at Greater Worcester Community Foundation: In partnership with the Greater Worcester Community Foundation, Worcester County Food Bank has established the Worcester County Food Bank Fund to End Hunger, which awards grants to nonprofit organizations that share the vision of creating hunger-free communities and work towards that goal through innovative and sustainable solutions. For more information on how you can support the Fund or receive support from it, visit our website.
Volunteer Opportunities
On-site at Worcester County Food Bank: Volunteers are crucial to Worcester County Food Bank’s mission. Last year, volunteers devoted over 4,998 hours to inspecting donated food, helping with mailings, and assisting Partner Agencies at our facility in Shrewsbury. (Individuals with regular weekday availability are encouraged to apply.) We also welcome volunteer groups at times throughout the year. A minimum of two hours of service per shift is recommended for a meaningful experience. For more information, visit our website.
One great way to discover opportunities that make a difference is by coming for a tour. The Worcester County Food Bank tour is a “behind the scenes” look at what happens at a food bank. To register for a tour, visit our website.
Volunteering with Worcester County Food Bank Partner Agencies: For prospective volunteers living in another part of Worcester County, there may be opportunities with one of our Partner Agencies. Partner Agencies – food pantries and community meal programs throughout the region – are largely volunteer-run. Many welcome support from volunteers. For more information, visit our website.
