Newton Food Pantry

The Newton Food Pantry is the oldest and largest food pantry in Newton, serving neighbors in need since 1983. It runs as a choice pantry, where clients select, free of charge, the fresh and nutritious foods they need and want, in a space designed to feel like a neighborhood grocery store. The organization relies entirely on donations to fund its work against food insecurity in the city.

Founder Jackie Colby started the pantry in 1983, and at age 102 she attended the ribbon-cutting for its new building. That purpose-built home, made possible by an unsolicited donation of undeveloped land, replaced the pantry’s former space in the basement of Newton City Hall. In fiscal year 2026 the pantry distributed more than 800,000 pounds of groceries and personal care items to over 2,500 Newton residents.

What to Know

• Both appointment and walk-in visits are available on service days.
• The new site has 25 parking spaces for clients and a large waiting area.
• Four MBTA bus lines stop on nearby Lexington Street, a short walk away.
• A state energy grant is funding rooftop solar panels and battery storage.