Meal and Grocery Programs near Shutesbury
The Amherst Survival Center
138 Sunderland Rd. in North Amherst. Serves a free lunch indoors from 12-2:30pm on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Lunch "to go" is also available at its shed those days from 12-3pm. Call 413-549-3968.
Free groceries (10+ days' worth) for all household members of anyone in its service area, which includes Shutesbury, are also available from its Food Pantry. No income cap, ID or documentation required. Register and take food home the same day by going in person, phoning 413-549-3968 x109, or emailing pantry@amherstsurvival.org. Pre-packed groceries are also available; ask for details. Please bring your own bags! Pantry hours: Monday, Tuesday, Friday 12-3pm; Thursday 12-7pm; Third Saturday of the month 9am-12pm.
Not Bread Alone
Soup kitchen at at First Congregational Church of Amherst, 164 Main Street. Pick up lunch and supper takeout style behind the lower level of the church (enter from Spring Street). Supper: Wednesday 3:45-5:15pm. Lunch: Saturday and Sunday, 11:45am-1:15 pm.
Donated groceries are distributed on Saturday at 12:45pm.
Unitarian Universalist Society of Amherst
121 N. Pleasant Street, Amherst. Free breakfasts every Wednesday, 8-10am. Ingredients are provided by Craig's Doors and cooked by volunteers.
Meals on Wheels
Homebound individuals age 60 and older who are unable to prepare nutritionally balanced noon meals for themselves can receive them from LifePath, our local Area Agency on Aging. There's no charge for the meals, but financial donations are accepted. Volunteers deliver meals Monday-Friday. Call 800-732-4636.
Shopping and delivery services also available. Volunteers with LifePath will provide these services in Franklin County and the North Quabbin region to people over age 60, people will physical illnesses or disabilities, or people who are immuno-compromised. Call 800-732-4636.
Massachusetts Healthy Incentives Program (HIP)
All Shutesbury seniors who have SNAP (the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly known as Food Stamps) also have HIP, which allows them to get free fruits and vegetables at local farmers' markets, farm stands, and CSAs. HIP puts an extra $40-$80 on their EBT card each month for produce at eligible locations. Learn about HIP!