What We Do - Rachel's Table of Western Massachusetts

Food Rescue

Six days per week, 200 volunteers collect approximately 50,000 pounds of surplus food from local grocery stores, restaurants, farmers markets, and bakeries, and deliver to over 60 food pantries, shelters, after school programs, community meals, and other agencies that serve people impacted by food insecurity.

Purchasing

Over the years, many generous people have created special projects to support communities impacted by food insecurity. From after-school snacks for students to protein items for families, Rachel’s Table’s purchasing programs tend to specific and seasonal needs in the community.

Bea's Harvest: The Gleaning Program of Rachel's Table

Bea’s Harvest (or ‘Gleaning’ for short) works with local farmers and community members of all backgrounds to collect and distribute fresh produce. Gleaning is a fun, interactive way to connect with the land, local farms, and food security networks.

Growing Gardens

An expansion of Bea’s Harvest, Growing Gardens supports self-determined, direct access to healthy food by supporting local organizations in building gardens and growing culturally appropriate food. We provide mentoring and materials such as kits to create raised beds, including for agencies that serve constituents who use wheelchairs.

Purchase - Rachel's Table Springfield, MA

Teen Board

Partially sponsored by a grant from The Harold Grinspoon Foundation, the Teen Board members work to alleviate childhood hunger and educate their peers about local hunger and poverty issues, as well as involve them in being part of the solution.