The City of Watertown sent out the following announcement:
The City of Watertown’s Human Services Department, with support from the Watertown Community Foundation, is excited to announce the kick-off of a Community Food Drive, on November 4, and continuing through December 2025. The City is taking steps to ensure the impacts of food insecurity are mitigated amidst the federal changes to SNAP, in addition to the freeze on those benefits beginning November 1.
The City is asking those who are able to donate nonperishable food items at one of the several food donation drop-off locations found around Watertown starting on November 4. All food donations will support the food pantries in Watertown and families who are in need.
Food donation drop-off locations include:
- Watertown City Hall (149 Main Street)
- Watertown Police Department (552 Main Street)
- Watertown Free Public Library (123 Main Street)
- Watertown Fire Station (564 Mt. Auburn Street)
All Watertown Public Schools
- Watertown High School (27 Westminster Ave)
- Watertown Middle School (68 Waverley Ave)
- Cunniff Elementary School (246 Warren St)
- Hosmer Elementary School (1 Concord Rd)
- James Russell Lowell Elementary School (123 Lowell Ave)
- Phillips School (30 Common St)
In addition to the above donation locations, temporary donation bins will also be placed at all Watertown polling locations on Election Day, November 4, 2025. See the polling locations.
Director of Human Services, Jenna Bancroft, expresses the importance of a collaborative approach to addressing community needs: “Many Watertown residents will be impacted by the federal changes to SNAP. That is why we find it critical at the City of Watertown to work in partnership with community-based organizations, local businesses and residents across the community, to address the needs and support our neighbors.”
There are also ways to contribute toward the food pantries before the start of the food drive on November 4 – see the Watertown Community Foundation to learn how.
Additional Resources focused on Food Insecurity
In addition to the on-going Community Food Drive, the Watertown Human Services Department is operating several other programs and services aimed at addressing food insecurity in Watertown.
The Watertown Food Pantry, located at 80 Mount Auburn Street, is extending their hours of operation beginning Tuesday, November 4, 2025, from 10 AM – 2 PM and 4 PM – 6 PM.
The Watertown Food Pantry operates a Porch Pick-Up Program each month for residents who would like to donate to the pantry but cannot make it in person. Sign-up online.
The Watertown Farmers’ Market is enrolling SNAP users in the winter HIP bag program for free produce. You can access this benefit if you have at least $0.01 (one cent) on your EBT card. Contact watertownmarket@gmail.com for more information.
Watertown residents who need help navigating resources and creating a food plan can reach out to one of the free community resources below.
- Watertown Social Services Resource Specialist (SSRS) Program
Residents age 18-59
617-744-9585 (call or text) - Watertown Senior Services
Residents 60+
617-972-6490 - Watertown Veterans Services
Watertown Veterans and their Families
617-972-6483 ext. 12159 - Watertown Housing Authority Resident Services
WHA Residents only
617-923-3950
Lastly, you can find this information, as well as updates on additional food resources and City initiatives, at watertown-ma.gov/HumanServices.
About the City of Watertown’s Human Services Department
The Human Services Department oversees the planning, direction, management, and operation of Watertown’s human services programs and referral pathways, including services that address housing, food, and economic insecurity as well as migrant supports.