In response to the needs of our community, the Beverly Bootstraps Food Pantry was started in 1992 by the parishioners at the First Baptist Church. Since then, our services have grown tremendously to meet the ongoing needs of the community.
Food Pantry
Beverly and Manchester residents may visit our Food Pantry once every 14 days. All residents must bring a piece of mail postmarked within the last 30 days to every visit.
Visitors choose the food they need based on family size, including fresh produce and personal care items, as well as dairy and protein options.
Home deliveries are available to homebound clients who have physical limitations and have a physician’s letter stating that they are unable to visit the Food Pantry.
Food Pantry Hours
Monday, Thursday and Friday, 10:00am–12:15pm
Tuesday, 5:00pm–6:45pm
Summer Tuesday hours (from June 17-Aug 30): 4:00pm–6:45pm
Wednesday, 10:00am–12:15pm and 5:oopm–6:45pm
New Client Registration Hours
Monday, 9:00am–9:30am
Tuesday, 3:45pm–4:30pm
Summer Tuesday registration hours (from June 17-Aug 30): 3:00pm–3:30pm
Wednesday, 9:00am–9:30am and 4:00pm–4:30pm
Thursday and Friday, 9:00am–9:30am
For information about food donations, please click here.
Kids Eat Healthy Initiative
Overview
No kid should go hungry or worry about where their next meal is coming from. Sadly, right here in Essex County, 11.5 % of kids are faced with these challenges every day. Through the Kids Eat Healthy initiative, we are committed to supporting local children in need of food.
We do this through our Summer Food and Weekend Food programs which are designed to provide increased access to the Food Pantry and to provide healthy snacks for children when not in school.
Summer Food Program
During the summer months when there is less access to food through the schools’ free and reduced lunch programs, families are encouraged to sign-up to visit the pantry every week instead of every 14 days. By coming every week, we are able to increase the amount of food available to children and their families.
2019 Summer Food available June 17-August 30 and registration is required.
Beverly Public Schools Food Service also provides free lunches at some park programs and the high school. See schedule here.
Weekend Food Program
During the school year we partner with Beverly Public Schools to provide food to elementary age children that are at extreme risk and do not have access to enough healthy food on days they are not in school such as weekends and vacation weeks. Depending on the needs of the family, either pre-packed bags of healthy snacks are provided or additional Food Pantry visits are offered.
Companies and groups are welcome to help support and volunteer for this program.
Food Assistance
Mobile Markets
Our Mobile Markets are free, fresh farmers markets that promote better health and nutrition by providing eligible households with fresh fruits and vegetables.
Participants choose free, fresh produce and have access to nutrition education, SNAP information, chef demonstrations, food samplings and youth activities.
Through these markets we serve residents of local housing complexes, senior citizens and local college students.
Nutrition Education
The benefits of healthy eating on a budget are taught through cooking classes that show how to shop for and prepare healthy meals. Each session’s menus are based on suggestions and input from the students. Each recipe used makes a meal that costs under $10 and can feed a family of four.
Students come away from this class with the skills to help them eat healthier that will last a life time.
Priority is given to families that have utilized other services offered by Beverly Bootstraps and can prove financial need.
Community Meals
The Beverly Community embraces those in need of a meal by providing a free dinner every night of the week. We support the local churches and groups hosting and preparing these meals by providing Food Safety Training and, when possible, access to the food needed to prepare meals.
“What a lot of people don’t understand is that it can happen to anyone.”
– Pamela, who never anticipated needing to use the Food Pantry