The Randolph Friendly Food Pantry Partners with South Shore Food Bank

The South Shore Food Bank, working to improve food access on the South Shore, help address food equity across towns, and help make fresh options more readily available to families relying on food pantries to meet their needs, recently hosted a ribbon-cutting of the renovated Friendly Food Pantry of Randolph, 1 Turner Lane.

As a result of a $200,000 grant from the American Rescue Plan Act awarded through the Town of Randolph, the Randolph pantry has undergone a significant transformation. The South Shore Food Bank managed the fund allocation to enhance the pantry – an upgrade that will greatly improve food access to and uphold the dignity of residents who depend on the pantry for their most essential needs.

On May 12, Amanda Reed, newly appointed Executive Director of the Friendly Food Pantry of Randolph, welcomed state and local officials, community partners, volunteers and members of the community to tour the renovated facility. Pam Denholm, Executive Director of the South Shore Food Bank, and Julie Hackett, Board Member of the South Shore Food Bank, praised the collaboration with the Friendly Food Pantry of Randolph, recognizing its vital role in expanding food access and promoting food equity within the community.

Honored guests included Christina Peretti, Senior Director of Community Impact of the Greater Boston Food Bank; Randolph Town Manager Brian Howard; Richard Fernandez, President of Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital in Milton; and State Representative Richard Wells of the 7th Norfolk District.

The South Shore Food Bank recently formalized an agreement with the Friendly Food Pantry of Randolph to provide fiscal sponsorship, management, and operational support, ensuring long-term stability and enhanced service for the community.

The Friendly Food Pantry of Randolph has long been a vital resource for the community, offering food assistance to individuals and families in need. With its recent transformation, the pantry is not only strengthening its services but also creating an inclusive and dignified community space for those who seek support, and those who volunteer to support neighbors. The pantry includes a section for fresh produce, a refrigerator and freezer section, carts and a mural, donation storing, a storeroom, a meeting space and room for future capacity.

The renovation project was made possible through collaboration between the Town of Randolph, South Shore Food Bank, Greater Boston Food Bank, Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital-Milton, Boston Higashi School, Walker Development and Construction Management, and Bob's Discount Furniture.

“We congratulate the Friendly Food Pantry of Randolph on their beautiful new space and their commitment to the Randolph community,” said Pamela Denholm, Executive Director of the South Shore Food Bank. “We appreciate and thank the community partners who played a critical role in the transformation of the Friendly Food Pantry of Randolph. Their clients are completely thrilled at having free choices in choosing foods that fit their family’s needs and the space reflects our commitment to equity, dignity, and stability for all.”


About the South Shore Food Bank
Established in 2021, the South Shore Food Bank is part of a united community effort to bring food, dignity and hope to our South Shore neighbors. The organization acts as a hub for a network of food pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters supported by Greater Boston Food Bank, helping to get food to where it’s most needed, especially fresh produce and frozen goods. Currently, the South Shore Food Bank serves pantries in towns throughout the South Shore, including Abington, Braintree, East Bridgewater, West Bridgewater, Canton, Carver, Cohasset, Duxbury, Halifax, Hanson, Hanover, Hingham, Holbrook, Hull, Kingston, Marshfield, Milton, Norwell, Pembroke, Plympton, Quincy, Randolph, Rockland, Scituate, Weymouth, and Whitman.

The South Shore Food Bank is located at 40E Reservoir Park Drive, Rockland, MA 02370. For more information, please visit www.southshorefoodbank.org, email info@weymouthfoodpantry.org, or call 781-331-7682.