What is Rachel's Table?

Rachel's Table, a recipient of the National Presidential Point of Light Award, and the Congressional Victory Against Hunger Award, is a food rescue program for the homeless and hungry of Worcester.

Rachel's Table is a volunteer-based group that transports unserved and unsold prepared and perishable foods that otherwise would be wasted.

This "excess" food is distributed to 41 shelters, soup kitchens and neighborhood pantries that serve our needy neighbors.

Rachel's Table picks up food donations generated by restaurants, markets, bakeries, hotels, hospitals, caterers, and other food institutions. Presently, over 70 volunteers of Rachel's Table are united in a desire to help feed hungry people, and at the same time prevent waste of valuable and nourishing food. Rachel's Table volunteers transport food in their own vehicles.

Rachel's Table volunteers will pick up good, unused, nutritious food from businesses and food institutions in Greater Worcester and deliver it to agencies that have feeding programs for hungry people. No money is charged for the meals.

What is the Children's Milk Fund?

In June 1992, a needs survey revealed desperate requests for fresh milk and infant formula in agencies servicing children. In response, Rachel's Table initiated its "Children's Milk Fund Program."

Fresh milk continues to be one of the most highly requested food items for needy children. Without Rachel's Table assistance, agencies do not have the means to provide milk for the children.

Milk is not regularly donated to Rachel's Table and the Worcester Country Food Bank. The Children's Milk Fund is the only regular source of donated milk in the area, and is the only program of its kind.The milk is used within the agency or given to the child's family to use at home. Increasing milk prices make this program more important than ever!

Coupled with on-going food donations, fresh milk provides these hungry children with a nutritious and balanced diet. The purchased milk is funded by grants as well as by community and individual donations. Through the use of a local dairy, the milk is distributed to hungry individuals who receive it in a way that promotes dignity and respect.

The Children's Milk Fund provides milk for 7,400 children every month.

Other programs supported by Rachel's Table

Rachel's Table purchases fruits and vegetables used by the summer meal program for Worcester's Children. During summer months when schools are closed, school meals are unavailable and children suffer. Rachel's Table works with Friendly House Neighborhood Center to provide healthy, free breakfasts, lunches, dinners and snacks. Last summer over 70,000 meals were served at 29 sites.

Rachel's Table purchases $1800 worth of special, individually wrapped food and drink items for the Homeless Outreach Advocasy Program ("HOAP"), to provide to their clients.

Also, Rachel's Table works with the Masachusetts Children's Fund to collect and transport baby-food for families in need. Talk to us about doing a baby-food drive!

For information on how you can help, please call Carla or Lissa at (508) 799-7699. Or you can email Carla or Lissa at carlaszyrt@gmail.com and lissakasakoff@gmail.com.