Client Spotlight: Steve Carter

Steve Carter, a Waban-born resident whose massage therapist business took a serious hit during the COVID pandemic, not only sings the praises of the food and staff, he readily adds other praises like fun, convenient and extra benefits.

“I’m not sure many people use the term ‘fun’ when talking about the Newton Food Pantry,” he said during a recent visit. “But I really enjoy coming here. The overall experience is fun. I love the diversity and the different languages I hear spoken, the friendliness of other clients and the support and respect we get from the volunteers.”

He said he is particularly appreciative of the fact that he can select his own fruits, vegetables, meats and other food items. “I’ve been to other food pantries and, while I appreciate what they do, they just provide you with pre-packed bags of food, most of which I can’t eat.”

The broad selection of food items at the Newton Food Pantry is particularly important to Steve, as he suffers from soy and gluten allergies. “Finding items that I can safely eat is sometimes challenging, but the staff are incredibly supportive in meeting my needs.”

While filling two large bags of food, enabling him to stretch his weekly budget, is his highest priority, Steve waxes poetic about the overall experience when he makes his regular Wednesday visit.

“The ease of parking, the centralized location, the table where I can pick up dishes and other items (thanks to Newton Food Pantry’s community partnership with Welcome Home) at no cost are all things that I really appreciate, not to mention that sometimes I can even get free blood pressure tests or talk to a dietician,” Steve said. “This place is really amazing.”

And if he arrives at the Newton Food Pantry early, he’ll stop at the Newton Free Library and visit the two small duck ponds and nearby Bullough’s Pond where his dad and grandfather once played ice hockey.