Food Pantry

Mary Murray | Food Pantry Coordinator
(781) 821-8062 | cantonfoodpantry@gmail.com

The Canton Food Pantry provides free food, personal care items, and household products to eligible Canton residents on a temporary basis.  We serve many individuals and families who have been affected by economic challenges and we are operated by our Coordinator and a team of volunteers who wish to help their fellow community members by providing a basic human necessity.  The Canton Food Pantry is overseen and sponsored by the Canton Helpline.

Location:

1860 Washington Street, Canton, MA (formerly St. Gerard’s)

Hours:

Tuesdays:  9:15 am – 11:15 am
Wednesdays: 9:15 am – 11:15 am

     Note:  Shoppers are encouraged to arrive no later than 11:10 am.

1st Saturday of Each Month: 10:00 am – 10:30 am

     Note:  Shoppers are encouraged to arrive no later than 10:25 am.

***Please bring current proof of eligibility as described below***

To register to use the pantry, please visit us at 1860 Washington Street (formerly St. Gerard's). You will need to show proof of your Canton address for each household member. 1 card per household.

Adults :
Please provide 2 of the following documents for each adult in your household: utility/phone bill; lease agreement; property tax bill; mortgage statement; current piece of mail with your Canton address

For Children:
Please provide 1 of these documents for each child under 18:  school records; or immunization records with your current address.

Food, Personal Care & Household Products Donations

These donations can be dropped off at these businesses during normal business hours.

Abington Bank (Cobb Corner)
Canton Public Library (786 Washington St)
Canton Cooperative Bank (671 Washington St)
Conway Realtors (516 Washington St)
Pratt Realtors (1475 Washington St)
Shaw's (Cobb Corner - front entrance)
The Bank of Canton (557 Washington St)

Donations can also be made at the Canton Food Pantry Mondays between 7:00 am - 9:30 am or by appointment.

Financial Donations

The Canton Food Pantry relies not only on food donations, but also on financial contributions from individuals, businesses, and organizations.  Donated monies are used to purchase high need perishable items such as eggs, cheese, fruit, potatoes, etc, as well as non-perishable items that are in demand.  We receive some USDA foods for free, and the pantry is a member agency of the Greater Boston Food Bank.  Our GBFB membership allows us to purchase groceries at the GBFB at substantial discounted rates.  One week, we purchased 2,500 pounds of food for $94!

Donations are tax-deductible and may be mailed to:

Canton Helpline - Food Pantry
P.O. Box 202
Canton, MA 02021

Online Donations:  Please click here to Donate via PayPal using your debit or credit card.  Please add a note that your donation is intended to support the Canton Food Pantry.

Host a Food Drive:

If you’re interested in planning a food drive to support the work of the Canton Helpline’s Food Pantry, please follow the 3 simple steps outlined below to ensure your event is a success.  Also included are our Food Drive FAQs.

3 Simple Steps to a Successful Food Drive:

  1. Register with Us:
  1. Access our Food Drive Planning Tool Kit

      Messaging:  

    • Logo – Use our logo when possible and please refer to our food pantry as “The Canton Helpline’s Food Pantry” 
    • Sign – Collection receptacles can be labeled using our sign
    • List of High Need Items – Help your donors shop by sharing the list of high need items

      Share our Mission:

    • Use the one-minute REEL to help explain our mission
    • Share the link to our website
    • Please tag us!  Facebook (Canton Helpline) and Instagram (CantonMAHelpline)
  1. Deliver:
    • 1860 Washington Street (formerly St. Gerard’s)
    • Note: donations are received on Mondays 7:00am-8:30am or by appointment

Food Drive FAQs:

     What are the other Canton Helpline programs needing support?

     Are monetary donations tax-deductible?

    • Yes!  We are a 501(c)(3) organization.
    • Tax-deductible donations may be made via the “Donations” tab.  
    • Donations will support programs with the greatest need unless designated as “Direct Services,” “Food Pantry,” or “Holiday Helpers.” 

     What are the current high need items?

Boxes:

*Pasta

*Cereals

Jars:

*Pasta sauce

Beverages:

*Tea bags

*Coffee (ground/instant)

*Juices (64 oz)

*Milk – shelf stable / does not need refrigeration (whole/2%/1%/fat free)

Household Cleaning Products

 Cans:

*Tomatoes (diced/crushed/stewed/paste)

*Tuna (solid white in water)

*Chicken

*Beans

*Soup

*Fruits

*Vegetables

Toiletries:

*Shampoo

*Conditioner

*Toilet paper

Follow Us on Facebook Here! 
View our Blog Here!

Thank You

We are grateful to our generous donors helping to support our neighbors in need through all types of in-kind donations of food, time, and talent!

Thank you to the Town of Canton Select Board and School Department, and the many local organizations, businesses, individuals, and families who support our mission!