Dedham Food Pantry

Who Can Visit?

The Dedham Food Pantry serves Dedham residents who meet the income guidelines. Eligibility is based on the total income of everyone in your household from all sources. The pantry doesn't consider savings or other assets, only income. Everyone living in the same home counts as one household, even if you're not related. Residents of emergency shelters in Dedham are not eligible to shop, but the pantry works with shelters to provide supplemental food.

New visitors need to register before shopping. Visit the pantry Tuesday through Friday from 10am to noon to sign up and bring your documents.

How to Register?

Come to the pantry any Tuesday through Friday between 10am and noon. You can download the registration form ahead of time or fill it out on the spot. The form is also available in español and kreyòl ayisyen. Once your form is processed and your Dedham address is confirmed, you'll be ready to shop.

Items Needed for Registration

Bring the following when you come to register:

• Proof of identity: a government-issued document with your name and photo, such as a passport, state-issued ID card, or driver's license
• Proof of residency: a document showing your name and permanent Dedham address, such as a current lease agreement, a recent rent receipt, a recent utility bill (gas, cable, phone, or electric), or a recent bank statement

Good to Know

Making a shopping reservation is strongly encouraged. Walk-ins are welcome, but due to high demand they'll be assigned a shopping time after clients who have appointments. You can reserve a shopping slot online. Sign-ups for Saturday open each Thursday at 8:00am, and sign-ups for Wednesday open each Monday at 5:00pm. There are item limits per visit, so a volunteer will help guide you through what's available.

Food & Essentials

The Dedham Food Pantry provides food at no cost, handing out more than 28,000 bags of food each year to over 500 Dedham households. Shelf-stable items regularly include pasta, canned white tuna, canned chunky soups, canned beef stew, canned whole tomatoes, rice mixes, and hot and cold cereals. The pantry also distributes personal care products such as body wash, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, hand lotion, and toothpaste. For special dietary needs, gluten-free pasta, cereals, and other products are available, along with baby food, formula, and toddler foods. Nutritional supplements like Ensure and Boost are also stocked.

How to Pick Up

The Dedham Food Pantry is a client-choice pantry where you pick your own items. A volunteer works with you one-on-one to help push your cart and guide you through what's available. After you finish shopping, volunteers also help load your groceries into your vehicle. To get the best shopping slot, make a reservation before your visit.

Additional Support

If you need help figuring out your SNAP eligibility or exemption status, Greater Boston Food Bank can assist. Reach out through their form at gbfb.org.

Ways to Give

Cash donations go furthest because the pantry purchases food from Greater Boston Food Bank where $1 buys about $3 worth of food. To donate, email manager@dedhamfoodpantry.org, call or text (781)269-1541, or mail a check to: Dedham Food Pantry, P.O. Box 46, Dedham, MA 02027.

Food donations are also welcome. The pantry's wish list includes shelf-stable foods, personal care items, baby food, formula, gluten-free products, and nutritional supplements. Please don't donate expired items. Drop off donations during pantry hours.

How to Join the Team?

If you have two or more hours to spare, you're welcome to join the team. Browse available shifts and sign up through the volunteer portal. Volunteers under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Roles include helping clients shop, loading groceries into cars, restocking shelves, and picking up donated food from local stores and restaurants. Questions can be sent to manager@dedhamfoodpantry.org.