The Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center

Who Can Visit?

The Emergency Food Pantry at the Boston Kroc Center serves residents in zip codes 02121, 02125, and 02127, covering the Grove Hall, South Boston, and Upham's Corner neighborhoods. All pantry visits are by appointment only.

If you live outside these zip codes and need emergency food help, call (617) 542-5420 or visit salvationarmyma.org to find the nearest Salvation Army location.

How to Register?

You can book your appointment online at salvationarmybostonkroc.simplybook.me or by calling (617) 318-6940. Once your appointment is confirmed, arrive at your scheduled time.

How Often You Can Visit?

Each person can make one appointment per month.

Food & Essentials

The pantry provides free fresh produce, canned goods, and healthy frozen items to help supplement your household meals.

How to Pick Up

Pantry distribution is by appointment only. After booking your slot, arrive at the center at your confirmed time to pick up your food. Pantry staff are welcoming and let visitors decline items they don't need.

Additional Support

The Social Services team can help with more than food. For emergency help with rent, utilities, prescriptions, or other pressing needs, contact the Social Services Department at (617) 318-6940 or email Captain Michelle Drigo at Michelle.Drigo@use.salvationarmy.org.

The Pathway of Hope program offers targeted case management and life skills support for families working to break the cycle of poverty. Caseworkers help identify what's driving the struggle and connect families to partner organizations when needed.

During the holiday season, qualifying individuals and families can register for Thanksgiving and Christmas assistance, which may include a meal, food vouchers, coats, and toys. Pre-registration is required for holiday assistance.

Ways to Give

The Boston Kroc Center accepts new, unused in-kind donations. Call (617) 318-6900 for more information.

Non-perishable food: crackers, applesauce, granola bars, canned soup, fruit snacks, peanut butter and jam, pasta, spaghetti sauce, canned vegetables and fruit, boxed macaroni and cheese, individual oatmeal packets, canned tuna, and bags of rice or beans.

Hygiene products: shampoo, conditioner, soap, deodorant, body lotion, socks, toothbrushes, toothpaste, dental floss, towels, washcloths, shower sandals, underwear, women's hygiene products, and disposable diapers and wipes.

Backpack drive (June-July): new backpacks for kids from kindergarten through high school, plus pens, pencils, paper, rulers, crayons, binders, and notebooks.

Holiday toys (October-December): new, unwrapped toys for all ages, including baby learning toys, playsets, dolls, action figures, and teen gifts such as purses, headphones, and sports equipment.

To make a financial gift, visit the donation page.

How to Join the Team?

The Boston Kroc Center welcomes volunteers who are 16 and older. All volunteers complete an application, background check, Child Safe training, and orientation. The intake process can take up to one month.

To get started, fill out the volunteer application online. A group volunteer application is also available to download. Staff will provide assignment details and any additional training once you're active.