OUR PROGRAMS
Making a Difference
Food Rescue Program
Founded in 1989, Rachel’s Table began as a food rescue program in Worcester, Massachusetts, with a mission to reduce food waste and fight hunger. Every week, thousands of pounds of high-quality surplus food are delivered to more than 30 local homeless shelters, neighborhood pantries, group homes, day programs, and soup kitchens. This vital work is made possible by 75 dedicated volunteers who contribute over 400 hours each month, using their own vehicles to transport donations.
The food we rescue comes from a wide network of generous donors, including markets, restaurants, senior centers, corporations, farm stands, schools, caterers, bakeries, and private individuals across Greater Worcester. Since 1989, Rachel’s Table has provided more than 14.5 million pounds of food and milk—food that would otherwise have gone to waste. All of it is distributed at no cost to the agencies we serve.
Rachel’s Table supplies an average of 33% of the donated food received by these agencies, making us the second largest source of food assistance in the area.
Children's Milk Program
Rachel’s Table launched the Children’s Milk Fund in 1992 to meet the urgent need for fresh milk and infant formula at agencies serving children across Greater Worcester. Fresh milk remains one of the most requested items, and without our support, many agencies would be unable to provide it.
Through this program, Rachel’s Table supplies at least 664 gallons of milk every week to 20 social service agencies, making us the only consistent source of donated milk in the area. The milk is either used on-site or distributed directly to families in need. Thanks to grants, community contributions, and individual donations, we are able to purchase this milk through a trusted partnership with a local dairy—and with additional funding, we can provide even more.
In 2022 alone, the program reached approximately 20,000 children. But as economic pressures continue to grow, more families depend on food pantries just to access this basic necessity.
Produce Program
Rachel’s Table understands the critical need to support children facing food insecurity during the summer months, when school closures mean the loss of regular school meals. Whenever funding allows, we purchase fresh fruits and vegetables to help sustain summer meal programs for children in Worcester.
In partnership with the Friendly House Neighborhood Center, Rachel’s Table helps ensure that nutritious breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and snacks are provided—free of charge—to children in need. This effort helps ease the burden of food insecurity and supports the health and well-being of our community’s children throughout the summer.