1. What is Rachel’s Table?

Rachel’s Table is a volunteer-led, nonprofit food rescue program operating in Greater Worcester, Massachusetts, as part of the Jewish Federation of Central Massachusetts. Since its founding in 1989, the organization has focused on collecting surplus prepared and perishable food that would otherwise be wasted, and delivering it at no cost to local agencies serving people experiencing food insecurity.

 

2. Who receives the food?

Rachel's Table distributes donated and specially purchased foods to more than 30 local hunger-relief agencies, including shelters, soup kitchens, food pantries, day programs, recovery homes, group homes, and neighborhood centers.

The agencies serve diverse populations including:

• Families facing food insecurity

• Children in after-school and summer meal programs

• Seniors in affordable housing

• Women and children in transitional housing

• Veterans, immigrants, and individuals experiencing homelessness

 

You can explore our map of impact here: tiny.cc/mapofimpact 

 

3. Where does the food come from?

Donations are sourced from a wide network, including restaurants, grocery stores, bakeries, senior centers, farm stands, caterers, schools, corporations, and private individuals. Rachel’s Table also purchases fresh milk and produce when needed to supplement donations.

 

4. How much food does Rachel’s Table rescue?

• Weekly average: 2,500+ pounds per week of surplus food delivered across Greater Worcester.

• Historic milestone: Over 14.5 million pounds of food and milk distributed since 1989.

• Rachel’s Table supplies about 33% of the donated food received by partner agencies, making it the second-largest food source in the area.

 

5. How does food rescue work?

1. Identify food donors with high-quality surplus

2. Dispatchers coordinate efficient pick-up routes

3. Volunteer drivers use personal vehicles to collect and deliver food to agencies—usually the same day

4. Agencies serve the food immediately through their programs
    

6. What is the Children’s Milk Fund?

Started in 1992, this program ensures access to fresh milk for children served by partner agencies. Rachel’s Table purchases at least 664 gallons of milk weekly, providing milk consistently to approximately 20 agencies. In 2022, nearly 20,000 children received milk through the program. In many cases, agencies receive 80–100% of their milk from Rachel’s Table and would not be able to serve children without it.

 

7. How can I get involved as a volunteer?

The organization is powered by over 75 volunteers contributing over 400 hours per month in roles such as drivers, dispatchers, outreach, events, fundraising, writing, and photography.

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Volunteers can:

• Drive on weekly or on-call food rescue routes

• Join the dispatcher team

• Support community outreach or donation drives

• Offer specialized skills in communications or events
   

Visit our volunteer page to get started: https://www.rachelstable.org/volunteer-portal

 

8. How can food businesses partner with Rachel's Table?

Licensed food businesses—including restaurants, bakeries, grocery stores, caterers, and farms—can partner with Rachel’s Table. The organization complies with all Massachusetts food safety regulations and coordinates efficient pick-up or drop-off arrangements. Visit the Sponsors & Food Donors section on their site for details.

 

9. Can I make a financial donation?

Yes! Financial gifts support:

• Transportation and fuel expenses

• Operational costs and volunteer support

• Expansion of outreach and partner agency connections

• Food purchases for milk and produce programs

 

Donations can be made securely online via Rachel’s Table’s official Donate Page: https://www.jewishcentralmass.org/rachels-table

 

10. How can students or groups get involved?

Absolutely. Rachel’s Table welcomes participation from:

• School clubs and service groups

• Faith-based and community organizations

• Businesses for team volunteer days

• College interns seeking meaningful service opportunities

 

Email director@rachelstable.org to get involved today! 

 

11. How can I stay connected?

• Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachelstable_worcester/?hl=en

• Like on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Rachels-Table-Worcester-61550695425455/

• Sign up for our newsletter via their website for monthly updates, upcoming events, and impact stories

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12. What impact does Rachel’s Table make?

• 2,500+ lbs/week of food rescued and distributed

• Over 14.5 million lbs of food and milk distributed since 1989

• 33% of donated food for many partner agencies comes from Rachel’s Table

• Approximately 20,000 children served via the Milk Fund annually

• Agencies routinely receive 80–100% of their milk from Rachel’s Table, sustaining vital services for children and families in need  .