BOSTON -- Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Boston is asking the community for donations to help provide food for our neighbors in need. Throughout Eastern Massachusetts, Catholic Charities has eight food pantries that are in need of a variety of items in order to provide for the individuals and families they serve. Other food assistance programs, available at seven additional locations are also in need of resources.

“While people are very generous during the holiday season, food donations typically slow down after the first of the year, however, the need for assistance remains the same,” said Father J. Bryan Hehir, president of Catholic Charities of Boston. “With the harsh realities of winter, many of the poor and working poor in our communities are in greater need of assistance. Many struggle to pay bills and often times they must choose between paying utility bills or buying food; most often people choose rent and heat over food.”

Pantries are seeking donations of pasta and sauces, canned fruit and vegetables, peanut butter, jelly, soups, beans, macaroni and cheese, rice, and cereal. Baby items, such as diapers, wipes, and liquid formula are in demand as well. Food pantries and programs also are in need of food gift certificates, which allow clients to purchase perishable items that a location may not be able to store. Monetary donations are accepted to purchase food and gift certificates.

The community also may support Catholic Charities’ food pantries by volunteering.

For more information on how to donate or volunteer, contact the food pantry or food program location nearest you or visit our Web site at www.ccab.org.

Food Pantries

G Brockton, Catholic Charities South, 686 N. Main Street, 508-587-0815

G Dorchester, Catholic Charities Yawkey Center, 185 Columbia Road, 617-506-6600

G Haverhill, Catholic Charities Open Hand Food Pantry, 16 Ashland Street, 978-372-2828

G Lowell, Catholic Charities Food Pantry of Merrimack Valley, 760 Merrimack Street, 978-454-9946

G Natick, Catholic Charities West, 5 Wilson Street, 508-647-5638

G Plymouth, Thrifty Pilgrim Thrift Shop and Food Pantry, 377 Court Street, 508-746-6133

G Somerville, Catholic Charities Greater Boston, 270 Washington Street, 617-625-1920

G South End, Catholic Charities El Centro del Cardenal, 76 Union Park Street, 617-542-9292

Food Assistance Programs

G Gloucester, Catholic Charities North, 74 Pleasant Street, 978-283-3005

G Lawrence, Merrimack Valley Catholic Charities, 439 S. Union Street, 978-685-5930

G Lowell, Merrimack Valley Catholic Charities, 70 Lawrence Street, 978-452-1421

G Lynn, Catholic Charities North, 55 Lynn Shore Drive, 781-593-2312

G Milford, Catholic Charities West, 126 Main Street, 508-478-9632

-- Salem, Catholic Charities North, 280 Washington Street, 978-740-6923

G South Boston, Catholic Charities Laboure Center, 275 West Broadway, 617-268-9670