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Explore Rachel’s Table programs in Worcester — from food delivery to food recovery. Discover how we support local families and how you can help. 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. Click Here to Donate

Get involved with Rachel’s Table in Worcester. Discover ways to donate, volunteer, or support our mission to fight hunger locally. SUPPORT OUR WORK Learn How You Can Help Volunteer Donate Food Make a Financial Contribution Rachel's Table welcomes individuals of all backgrounds, ages, and religions who share a commitment to ending hunger and reducing food waste. As a volunteer driver, your responsibility would involve picking up donated food and delivering it to soup kitchens, shelters, or neighborhood centers in Worcester. The driving schedules are flexible, allowing you to choose how much or how little you want to contribute. Alternatively, as a volunteer dispatcher, you would be responsible for coordinating the pickup and delivery of donated food. Dispatchers operate from the comfort of their homes, using their own phones, and typically fulfill their duties once or twice a month. By volunteering with Rachel's Table, you can make a meaningful difference by ensuring that good, nutritious food reaches those in need while simultaneously addressing the issue of food waste. To Volunteer, please visit: www.rachelstable.org/volunteer-portal To donate food or discuss a organizing a food drive, call Rachel's Table at (508) 799-7600 and leave a message . A volunteer will return your call. Please provide the followin g information: - Date and time of your call - Your name and phone number - Brief description of the amount and type of food for donation - Deadline for pick-up Rachel's Table accepts fresh or cooked food in good condition from growers and businesses. They transport a variety of items like catered food, vegetables, casseroles, pizzas, and fruits, as long as they are safe and in good condition. Donated food must be properly cooled or frozen, and donor guidelines are available. Donors are protected by the Good Samaritan Act, and there is no cost involved. Additionally, businesses may qualify for a tax credit for their cumulative donations at the end of the year. Rachel's Table offers an excellent opportunity to make a difference through a transformative program. By combining community food donations and purchased fresh milk, they provide meals to local individuals in need. To sustain their work, they need approximately $3,800 each week to ensure hungry children in Worcester receive milk. In the past year, they distributed 176,000 pounds of food and over 35,000 gallons of fresh milk. With just 8% administrative costs, your donation will be cost-effective. Click here to donate and support their mission of alleviating hunger and making a positive impact in lives. Click Here to Donate PARTNER WITH US Are you a local business, school, or nonprofit looking to give back? From food donors to event sponsors and collaborative service projects, we partner with organizations who share our mission of reducing food waste and feeding our neighbors. Start Now

Learn about Rachel’s Table’s mission to fight hunger in Worcester. Discover our history, programs, and how we serve the local community. ABOUT RACHEL'S TABLE Our Mission 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. Click Here to Donate

Volunteer with Rachel’s Table in Worcester. Join our team to help fight hunger and rescue food for families in need. Sign up today! Volunteer 1 Volunteer Driver Use your own vehicle to help fight food insecurity in Worcester, MA. Volunteer Drivers pick up surplus food from local donors and deliver it to shelters, soup kitchens, and neighborhood centers serving individuals and families in need. Sign Up to Drive Volunteer Dispatcher Coordinate food rescue operations from the comfort of your home. Volunteer Dispatchers manage pickup and delivery logistics by phone, helping ensure that every donation gets where it's needed most—on time. Sign Up to Dispatch Student Ambassador Lead your peers in the fight against hunger. Student Ambassadors raise awareness about food insecurity, host pop-up food drives, and recruit volunteers to support Rachel’s Table’s mission throughout Worcester, MA. Become a Student Ambassador

Rachel's Table is a food rescue organization that delivers unused nutritious food to over 30 hunger relief agencies in Worcester and beyond. Rescuing Food... Fighting Food Insecurity WHO WE ARE Rachel’s Table is a volunteer-driven organization committed to fighting food waste and hunger throughout Greater Worcester. Every day, we rescue unserved and unsold prepared and perishable food from restaurants, markets, bakeries, senior centers, and private donors. Instead of being discarded, this food is delivered to over 30 shelters, soup kitchens, and neighborhood pantries that provide meals to people experiencing food insecurity. Our work depends on more than 70 dedicated volunteers who use their own vehicles to transport these vital donations. Together, we strive to nourish our community while ensuring that good food never goes to waste. Learn more About Us. We are one of the many programs of the Jewish Federation of Central Massachusetts Donate Over the past 35 years Rachel's Table has distributed over 14 million pounds of food, at no cost, to 30 local shelters, pantries, and soup kitchens. Through our Children's Milk Fund we purchase at least 600 gallons of milk each week from a local dairy and distribute it to 20 different agencies in Worcester, MA. This is the only source of donated milk in the area. Hunger and the need for food continues to rise. We thank you for your donation to help our efforts . Click Here to Donate Subscribe to Get Exclusive Updates Email* Join Our Mailing List I want to subscribe to your mailing list.

Meet the nonprofit, community, and corporate partners who support Rachel’s Table Worcester in our mission to rescue food and fight hunger. Partner With Rachel’s Table Create local impact through food, community, and collaboration. Rachel’s Table partners with restaurants, businesses, organizations, and community groups to fight food insecurity and reduce food waste across Worcester County. Whether through food, fundraising, or creative collaboration, our partnerships are flexible, meaningful, and rooted in shared values. Choose the partnership path that fits you best below. 1. Restaurant & Food Business Partnerships Restaurants, cafés, bakeries, and bars can partner with Rachel’s Table through Dine & Do Good — a flexible program that turns menu items and dining experiences into real hunger relief. Partnership options include: Featured dish or baked good Treat Week–style campaigns Prix-fixe fundraising dinners Seasonal or holiday specials Limited-time give-back menu items Why partners love it: Low-lift and fully customizable Builds customer goodwill and visibility Creates tangible, local impact We handle promotion and storytelling 2. Food Donation Partnerships Restaurants, grocers, farms, caterers, and food service providers can donate surplus or unsellable-but-safe food to Rachel’s Table. Donations help nourish families while reducing food waste. We offer: Flexible, same-day pickup Reliable logistics and communication Tax documentation A trusted food rescue network 3. Host a Benefit Night Restaurants, cafes, breweries, and small businesses can host a Benefit Night — where a portion of sales or proceeds from a specific item are donated to Rachel’s Table. It’s a win-win: Generate new traffic, orders, and community goodwill Help fund food rescues, milk deliveries, and outreach programs Get promotional visibility through our newsletter and social channels We’ll help spread the word, co-design flyers, and celebrate your impact. 4. Corporate & Workplace Partnerships Companies and organizations can partner with Rachel’s Table through: Volunteer days Sponsored food rescue routes Workplace fundraisers Matching gift campaigns These partnerships offer hands-on engagement and meaningful team-building opportunities. 5. Food Drives & Group Fundraisers Schools, faith groups, clubs, and employee groups can organize food or fund drives to support hunger relief where it’s needed most. We provide: Printable flyers and digital graphics Collection bins and logistics support Recognition in outreach materials 6. Creative & Custom Partnerships Have a concept that doesn’t fit neatly into a category? We love collaborating on: Cause-marketing campaigns Workshops or experiences Co-branded products Creative or wellness events If it aligns with our mission, we’re open to exploring it. 🌟 Why Partner With Rachel’s Table? Support 39+ hunger relief agencies in Worcester County Reduce waste while promoting sustainability Elevate your brand as a community-focused leader Engage your customers and employees through purpose Get recognized on our website, social media, and printed materials 📞 Let’s Get Started Email director@rachelstable.org t o start the conversation. Or fill out our Partner Interest Form and we’ll be in touch soon. Together, we can nourish Worcester — one partnership at a time. Submit Interest Get Started Host A Benefit Night Propose a Custom Partnership

Stay up to date on Rachel’s Table events in Worcester. Join food drives, fundraisers, and community activities to fight hunger locally. Events Be part of the mission. Our events bring the community together to support food rescue, hunger relief, and sustainability across Greater Worcester. Join us in making a meaningful difference, one meal at a time! Rachel’s Table Meat Raffle at Trackside Tavern Thank you to everyone who joined us for our Meat Raffle at Trackside Tavern. Your support helped raise essential funds for Rachel’s Table, allowing us to rescue and deliver fresh meals to families across Worcester. With multiple raffle rounds, great cuts of meat — including a dedicated Kosher table — and a room full of community spirit, the event was a meaningful reminder of how small actions can make a big difference. We’re grateful to our attendees, sponsors, and partners for helping us move our mission forward. Date: November 16th, 2025 Benefit Night with American Flatbread Worcester Our August 19 Benefit Night with American Flatbread Worcester was a wonderful success! Thanks to everyone who dined in, took out, or ordered online, a portion of every flatbread sale supported Rachel’s Table. Together, we raised funds to rescue food and provide meals for families across Worcester County - we are so grateful for your support! Date: August 19th, 2025 Volunteer Appreciation Lemonade Social Our Volunteer Appreciation Lemonade Social was a sweet success! We gathered to celebrate the generosity and hard work of our incredible volunteers, sharing lemonade, conversation, and gratitude for all they do to support the mission, Date: June 8th, 2025 Touch-A-Truck with Worcester JCC We had a fantastic time at the Worcester JCC's Touch-A-Truck event! Families joined us for an afternoon filled with trucks, treats, and community fun. It was wonderful to connect with visitors who stopped by our booth to learn how Rachel's Table is rescuing food and fighting hunger across Worcester. Date: June 1st, 2025 Community Garden Volunteer Day Our Community Garden Volunteer Day with Whole Foods Shrewsbury was a wonderful success! Together at PineHill Meadows Community Garden, this incredible team helped plant, harvest, and assemble 50 care kits for neighbors experiencing homelessness. The kits were delivered to St. John's Food for the Poor and will directly support individuals in need. We're so grateful for the energy, heart, and generosity that made such a meaningful impact on our community. Trivia Night Fundraiser with Greater Good Brewing Company Our trivia night fundraiser was an unforgettable evening of fun, community, and impact! Guests came together to test their trivia skills, enjoy great company, and bid on incredible raffle prizes - all while supporting Rachel's Table and our mission to fight hunger. Huge thanks to Greater Good Brewing Company for hosting us, to our incredible sponsors for their generosity, and to everyone to made this night such a success! Date: March 27, 2025 Meat Raffle Fundraiser Our Meat Raffle at Trackside Tavern was a fun-filled afternoon of community and generosity! Guests had the chance to win delicious meat packages while supporting Rachel’s Table and our mission to fight hunger in Worcester. Huge thanks to everyone who came out and to our sponsors for making this event a success! Date: September 22nd, 2024 Volunteer Bagel Brunch Our annual Volunteer Bagel Brunch was a wonderful way to honor and thank our dedicated volunteers. Their tireless efforts are the driving force behind our mission to combat food insecurity, and we cherished the chance to come together, share a meal, and celebrate their impact. Date: December 8th, 2024 Brushes and Brews Our Brushes and Brews Paint Night at Redemption Rock Brewing Co. was a fantastic blend of creativity, fun, and community spirit! Guests sipped their favorite drinks, created beautiful masterpieces with guidance from a professional artist, and helped raise funds to support Rachel’s Table’s hunger relief work. We’re so thankful for everyone who joined us to make a difference! Date: June 9th, 2024 Trivia Night Fundraiser with Redemption Rock Brewing Company Our Trivia Night with Redemption Rock Brewing Co. was an incredible evening of fun, community, and philanthropy. Guests came together to test their knowledge, enjoy great company, and raise crucial funds to support our hunger relief programs. Every question answered brought us one step closer to making a difference for neighbors in need. We’re so grateful to everyone who made it such a success! Date: January 29th, 2024

Support hunger relief in Worcester. Donate today to Rachel’s Table and help provide food to families in need. Every contribution makes a difference. Who Are Our Recipients? Abby's House Beryl's House Aids Project Worcester Bridge House Carol Schmidt Village Catholic Charities Food Pantry Central Mass. Shelter for Homeless Veterans Centro Las Americas Chelsea House Crompton Park Neighborhood Center Crozier House Daybreak Faith, Inc. Florence House Friendly House Neighborhood Center Friendly House Shelter Jeremiah's Inn Kid's Cafe of the Boys and Girls Club Maranda's House Mustard Seed Pernet Family Health Services Quinsigamond Village Community Center Safe Haven Sagamore Road Shelter Salvation Army South Worcester Neighborhood Center St. John's Food for the Poor Program Thom Worcester Area Early Intervention Program Youville House At Rachel's Table, we are on a mission to combat hunger in Worcester, Massachusetts . We blend the generosity of our community with fresh milk purchases to provide nourishing meals to local individuals and families in need . It costs us approximately $3,800 each week to ensure that thousands of hungry children in Worcester have access to milk . Click Here to Donate Our Impact In addition to the invaluable work of over 70 dedicated volunteers, Rachel's Table strives to enhance our impact whenever funding allows. We extend our reach by procuring fresh fruits and vegetables for Worcester's Summer Meal Program, benefiting even more children in our community. This past year, Rachel's Table accomplished remarkable milestones: Distributed about 176,000 pounds of donated food Delivered over 35,000 gallons of fresh milk Moreover, our commitment to efficiency means that our administrative costs are a mere 8%, ensuring that your donation is used effectively to make a significant difference. Recognition and Awards We take pride in the recognition we've received for our work. Rachel's Table has been featured in The Catalog of Philanthropy (Massachusetts 2000), a testament to our commitment to excellence, cost-effectiveness, and education about philanthropy. Additionally, we are honored to have received the Points of Light award , the Congressional Hunger Committee's Victory Against Hunger Award , and recognition from Project Bread . Our efforts have been featured in City Living Magazine , BostonVoyager Magazine , Sundays with Liz Walker on television , and we've been noted in the Worcester Telegram and Gazette as "People and Things to be Thankful For in Worcester." Support Us Your entire donation to Rachel's Table is tax-deductible. We operate under the Federal Tax ID number of the Jewish Federation of Central Massachusetts, which is available upon request. To maximize the impact of your donation, consider utilizing your employer's Matching Gift Program. Ready to make a difference? You can easily contribute online through our secure donation facility. Click here to donate now . If you prefer traditional mail, please send your contributions to: Rachel's Table 633 Salisbury Street Worcester, MA 01609 Join us in our fight against hunger, and together, we can make a lasting impact in our community.

Read testimonials from volunteers, partners, and supporters who share how Rachel’s Table Worcester makes a difference in fighting hunger. Testimonials These verified quotes come directly from the program directors, community leaders, and agency partners who work alongside Rachel’s Table. Their reflections highlight the real-world impact of our food programs — from weekly milk deliveries to supporting families in crisis. Together, these voices remind us why this work matters: because every meal delivered is a step toward dignity, health, and hope. “The food that Rachel’s Table provides is critical to our young mothers to help them support their children and to focus on improving their future.” — Amaireny Jose, Program Manager, Florence House “Simply put, your continued support of our programs is truly an inspiration of hope and a wonderful example of what The Salvation Army mission represents, ‘Doing the Most Good’ that helps to transform lives.” — Jorman Perez, Office Manager, The Salvation Army “If Friendly House did not have the support of Rachel’s Table Milk Program weekly, we would not be able to provide hundreds of children and their families with milk.” – Trish Appert, Executive Director, Friendly House “It feels incredibly important to support community members in need… That connection is deeply valuable.” – Lara Gleason, Volunteer . “Our partnership with Rachel’s Table is vital in helping us fulfill our program mission and best serve families.” – Joel D. Wallen, Associate Executive Director, Pernet Family Health Services “Your support means more food and essential items to the 7,500 families in Worcester whom we serve. Those who are possibly having to choose food over life-saving medications or important medical care…Your support means more comprehensive, trauma-informed, holistic treatment for our residential program patients who are desperately trying not to become a statistic, despite all the obstacles.” –Janelle Wilson, Executive Director, Jeremiah's Inn “I want to thank you on behalf of Centro and the community of Worcester. Without our partnership with Rachel's Table, we would not be able to provide our community's families with fresh milk and those great products that we get from you.” -Jafet Diaz, Food Pantry Coordinator, Centro Las Americas “If it weren't for Rachel’s Table, we would have to look for other sources to provide our children with the milk they need for their growing bodies.” – Alison Mallett, Program Director, Quinsigamond Village Community Center

Get quick answers to common questions about Rachel’s Table Worcester, from volunteering and donations to events and food rescue programs. Frequently Asked Questions 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? Identify food donors with high-quality surplus Dispatchers coordinate efficient pick-up routes Volunteer drivers use personal vehicles to collect and deliver food to agencies—usually the same day 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. 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 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 .

Express interest in becoming a corporate partner with Rachel’s Table and support food rescue efforts across Worcester County. Corporate Partnership Interest Form Organization name* First name Last name Email* Type of interest Submit

Contact Rachel’s Table in Worcester to learn more, volunteer, or donate. Reach out today to support hunger relief in your community. CONTACT Name Email Subject Message Submit Thanks for submitting! Click Here to Donate