Client Spotlight: Shirley Smith

A typical Newton Food Pantry client today is not unlike Shirley Smith, a gracious wife, mother, and grandmother who has lived in Newton for more than 46 years.

Shirley worked for 33 years as a social worker for the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families and has seen the price of food as well as other expenses increase sharply in recent years, making life a bit more challenging.

“I just learned about the Newton Food Pantry around the time of the COVID pandemic, and it really has been so important to us. It really has been a blessing,” Shirley said.  “The shelves at the supermarket were often empty, but I could always find what we needed at the pantry.

“We were able to put extra food on the table and that would have been very challenging to do without the support of the Newton Food Pantry. It is particularly important now as the prices of everything have become so expensive, particularly staples like eggs.

“I’m able to pick up milk, eggs, canned food and personal items every two weeks. Everything is there for us. I’m really able to stretch our budget and afford other important needs thanks to the Newton Food Pantry.”

Shirley is not only a client, but she’s become a fan and supporter of the Newton Food Pantry, as she’s encouraged two other families in need to visit us and is considering becoming a volunteer herself.

“I’ve been so impressed with the volunteers and staff right down to the high school students. They’re very giving, pleasant and always there for us. I’ll never forget that in the winter, during the pandemic, they stood out in the cold and put the food in our cars.”

We look forward to serving and working with Shirley for as long as possible. If you’re interested in becoming a volunteer or need to register to become a client of the Newton Food Pantry, please contact our Client & Volunteer Engagement Manager.