The Friendly Food Pantry of Randolph is excited to announce a significant makeover. From operations and technology to facility upgrades and expanded cold storage, the makeover project will dramatically improve food access and dignity for the neighbors who rely on the pantry for their most basic needs.
This transformative initiative is being made possible through a partnership with the South Shore Food Bank, whose mission it is to improve food access on the South Shore, strengthen food security infrastructure across towns, and make fresh options more readily available to families relying on food pantries for groceries. The South Shore Food Bank recently came to an agreement with the Friendly Food Pantry of Randolph to provide fiscal sponsorship, management and operational support for the organization.
South Shore Food Bank will oversee the utilization of a $200,000 American Rescue Plan Act grant through the Town of Randolph. This funding represents a profound commitment to the residents of Randolph, with efforts focused on expanding food access and improving the quality of food available to residents relying on the food pantry for help, and creating a healthier, more resilient community. “Ensuring that every resident of Randolph has access to nutritious food is a priority for our community,” said Brian Howard, Town Manager of Randolph. “This investment is about more than just upgrading a facility—it’s about strengthening the support system that so many of our neighbors rely on. We are proud to partner with the South Shore Food Bank and the Friendly Food Pantry to make meaningful improvements that will expand food access, enhance dignity, and build a healthier Randolph for all.”
The Friendly Food Pantry of Randolph, all volunteer-run, has long been a pillar of support for the community, providing essential food assistance to families and individuals in need. With this makeover, the pantry aims to not only enhance its current services but also to provide a welcoming and dignified environment for all who walk through its doors. “Last year we served a record-breaking number of neighbors,” said Debbie Batson, Executive Director of the Friendly Food Pantry, “it was a real struggle to keep going. We are so thankful for the support of the town and the commitment from South Shore Food Bank. Without them, I am not sure what we would have done.”
“We are thrilled to be able to partner with the Randolph community in this way,” said Pam Denholm, Executive Director at the South Shore Food Bank. “The project perfectly aligns with our commitment to equity in food access, and we are working alongside volunteers to deliver a pantry that will be a valuable resource for Randolph residents for years to come.”
The Greater Boston Food Bank reports that nearly 2 million adults in Massachusetts are food insecure, and 1 in 3 households with children in the state experienced child-level food insecurity in 2023. This means a child went hungry, skipped a meal, or didn’t eat for an entire day due to lack of resources.
The Friendly Food Pantry of Randolph looks forward to inviting the community into the space when renovations are complete and hopes Randolph will continue supporting its mission to alleviate hunger and provide hope.
About the South Shore Food Bank
Established in 2021, the South Shore Food Bank is part of a united community effort to bring food, dignity and hope to our South Shore neighbors. The organization acts as a hub for a network of food pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters supported by Greater Boston Food Bank. It facilitates getting food, especially fresh produce and frozen goods to where it is most needed.. Currently, the South Shore Food Bank serves pantries in towns throughout the South Shore, including Abington, Braintree, East Bridgewater, West Bridgewater, Canton, Carver, Cohasset, Duxbury, Halifax, Hanson, Hanover, Hingham, Holbrook, Hull, Kingston, Marshfield, Milton, Norwell, Pembroke, Plympton, Quincy, Randolph, Rockland, Scituate, Weymouth, and Whitman.
The South Shore Food Bank is located at 40E Reservoir Park Drive, Rockland, MA 02370. For more information, please visit www.southshorefoodbank.org, email pam@southshorefoodbank.org, or call 781-331-7682.
About Randolph Food Pantry
The Friendly Food Pantry of Randolph is a volunteer-run organization, established in 2009 that offers supplemental groceries to over 1,000 Randolph residents a year. Relationships with the Greater Boston Food Bank and the South Shore Food Bank help the pantry access food and increase their buying power, and they rely on donations and funding from grants to keep their shelves stocked and doors open. Food access programs include regular grocery pick-up appointments and a home delivery for those who qualify, with expanded hours coming soon. The pantry is located at 1 Turner Lane, Randolph, MA 02368. For more information please visit www.friendlyfoodpantry.org.
