The following announcement was provided by the Watertown Community Foundation:
The Watertown Community Foundation will host their annual city-wide food drive during Watertown Helps Out from May 26 – June 9, in collaboration with the City of Watertown. This year’s food drive is sponsored by ButcherBox, the Watertown based direct-to-consumer meat and seafood brand.
“The rising cost of food and changes to federal benefit eligibility have made local food access programs, especially Watertown’s food pantries, more important than ever for many residents. Food donations tend to slow down over the summer compared to the holiday season, so extra community support is especially meaningful during this time,” said Jenna Bancroft, the City of Watertown’s Human Services Director.
This summer food drive will collect kid-friendly foods and snacks, in addition to important non- perishables and hygiene supplies to keep kids and families healthy all summer-long. A list of suggested food donations can be found at watertownfoundation.org/who-food/drive, and includes: cereal, bread, peanut butter and jelly, tuna, pasta and sauce, rice and beans, canned fruits and vegetables, shelf stable milk, and kids’ snacks like juice boxes, granola bars, crackers, and shelf stable pudding and Jello.
“When school is out during the summer months, more families with kids who rely on free school meals look for extra support from the Watertown food pantries. We are grateful to the Watertown community for their help in restocking the pantry shelves and appreciate the support of the City of Watertown and ButcherBox,” said Tia Tilson, Executive Director, Watertown Community Foundation.
Drop off locations can be found at City Hall, Watertown Free Public Library, and the Watertown Police Station at 552 Main St., the Mosesian Center for the Arts, and Watertown Pride Celebration on June 6th. Staff and families of Watertown Public School students can bring donations to collection sites at each of Watertown’s public schools.
“Summer is one of the hardest times for families who depend on school meal programs,” said Kelly Hilovsky, head of impact at ButcherBox. “We’re proud to support the Watertown Community Foundation’s summer drive as a way of showing up for our community in a practical, immediate way because access to food and the community around it, should be for everyone.”
About The Watertown Community Foundation
The Watertown Community Foundation advances and supports positive change for the people who live and work in Watertown through the transformative power of community giving. We envision a welcoming community where people of all backgrounds can thrive, connect, and contribute to the strength and resilience of our city. Started with funds from the sale of the Watertown Arsenal property in 2003 and powered by generous donations from Watertown residents and businesses, the Foundation has awarded more than $3 million in grants. We are committed to convening local stakeholders, creating cross-sector collaborations, and breaking down barriers to bring people together to turn philanthropy into action. For more info about our mission, board of trustees and impact, visit our website and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.