ABOUT RACHEL'S TABLE

The Mission of Rachel’s Table

Rachel’s Table distributes donated and specially purchased foods—free of charge—to agencies that feed hungry families and individuals throughout Greater Worcester, Massachusetts. At the heart of our mission is not only helping those in need but also preventing the waste of nourishing food. Through our Children’s Milk Fund, we

purchase milk to support the health of children from low-income families.

To advance this mission, Rachel’s Table is dedicated to:

• Providing training programs on food safety and effective food distribution

• Building a strong network of community partners and collaborative support systems

• Advocating, where appropriate, on behalf of food-insecure individuals

Hunger in Worcester, Massachusetts

Rachel’s Table is helping to feed a growing number of people in the Worcester area who are struggling to meet basic needs. A severe shortage of affordable housing, rising heating and gas prices, medical and childcare costs, mortgage foreclosures, and the soaring cost of groceries have created what many agency leaders describe as a “critical” situation.

Nearly all of the food pantries and soup kitchens we serve have seen demand rise sharply. More families with children are turning to emergency food services, and 75% of pantries report an increase in elderly residents seeking help. In 2021 alone, the number of people needing food assistance through our partner agencies grew by 17%.

Many in our community face heartbreaking choices between paying for heat, medicine, or food.

Over the past 34 years, Rachel’s Table has distributed more than 14.5 million pounds of food—free of charge—to over 30 shelters, pantries, and soup kitchens. But the need continues to rise.