Food Pantry News

August 2023

Time to head back to school

We look forward to supporting your students going back to school this Fall and will continue with the gift card program. Please complete the form below and choose a day you would like to come to the Council to pick up the gift cards.

The deadline to complete the form is August 14th

All information will be kept confidential.

Form for Back to School Gift Cards HERE

Tech & Tutors

Community Room Visits

Linden/Chambers, Wednesday,

August 2nd, 11am

Seabeds Way, Wednesday,

August 9th, 11am

Topic: Using SNAP Card for Museums and More!

Did you know that your SNAP card can expand your horizons beyond just buying healthy food? Come learn how to search for discounts on the arts or ask us questions about your technologies!

Interested in getting a FREE Amazon Fire Tablet? Contact Stacey at 781-444-2415, ext 2120 or use the link below to apply:

Order a Fire Tablet

NEW: Introduction to Financial Wellness

Save the date for a new workshop series on financial wellness. This introduction to budgeting, banking, and more will be led by Needham High School teacher Adam Cole and will run for 4-5 consecutive weeks.

Wednesdays beginning October 18th at 6pm

Council offices - 570 Hillside Ave, Needham

Check back in the September newsletter for information on how to register.

Beginner ELL Classes & MORE

We are looking for learners for the next session of Beginner ELL Classes, advanced beginner conversation groups, and a Citizenship class for intermediate learners.

Beginner Class:

Starts September 11, 2023, for 13 weeks

Citizenship Class:

Starts September 30, 2023

For all fall ELL classes click below and check the website often as class times become available:

Fall ELL Classes

Fresh Food Right at Your Door!

The Mobile Market continues for the whole month of August! Shop a wide range of vegetables and expanded food choices. Stop in at one of these locations:

Capt. Robert Cook Drive

Tuesdays, 5pm - 5:30pm

Seabeds

Tuesday 5:30pm - 6pm

Linden & Chambers

(Farm Only)

Friday 3 pm - 3:30 pm

ALL Food Pantry customers are welcome at ANY of these locations!

Looking to get into the medical field?

Apply for a scholarship

If you or a family member is interested in entering a nursing or medical/clinical program, the MetroWest Health Foundation may have scholarships available.

Applications for a January class start date will be accepted from October 15 to November 30. Follow the link on the right for all the details and how to apply.

Apply for a scholarship

Thank you for Reading!

Enter to Win a Gift Card Here

Yes! We are still excited to have you reading the newsletter and want to reward you with a gift card! Continue to read and enter to win. Each month 10 lucky customers will win a gift card to a local business.

Winners will be notified via email around the 10th of the month.

Plan Your Next Food Pantry Visit

The Food Pantry will be OPEN one (1) Saturday in August:

Saturday, August 12th

New spots become available typically on the 3rd Friday of the Month, sign up early for best selection.

Easy Summer Meals

Ground Beef with Tomatoes and Zucchini

Ingredients:1 lb. lean ground beef
1 large zucchini, sliced
1 large tomato, chopped
1/2 medium yellow onion, chopped
2 teaspoons dried garlic flakes
2 tablespoons fresh basil or 2 teaspoons dried basil, chopped
1 tablespoon cooking oil
Cracked pepper to taste

Instructions:

Preheat a non stick pan over medium-high heat.
Brown ground meat for about 3 minutes until cooked through.
Add the zucchini, onions and stir fry 8-10 minutes until vegetables are browned. (If you are using fresh garlic cloves - add them when you add the zucchini and onions.)
Add tomato and cook 3-4 minutes.
Stir in garlic flakes, basil, olive oil and pepper.
Serve over 1/2 cup prepared rice

Back to School Lunch & Snack Tips

Design a balanced lunch by incorporating whole grain; opt for options like English muffins, whole-wheat cereal, rice cakes, or brown rice. Include fresh fruits, serve up fresh veggies, and offer reduced-fat dairy products like Greek yogurt, mozzarella cheese, or milk.
Save time and effort by prepping lunch for the entire week on one designated day.
Minimize food waste by packing suitable portions for your child's lunch. Look for kid-sized lunch boxes or smaller containers to ensure the right amounts.
Make lunch colorful, as children are more likely to eat it when it looks appealing.
Water is the best choice for hydration.
Minimize chips and sweets for snacks. Opt for natural sweet options like dates or pineapples.
Choose foods and snacks rich in unsaturated fats and omega-3 fatty acids, such as avocados, almonds, olives, and fatty fish.