The Food Drive

The Food Drive is a community-driven food rescue program in Melrose that offers hands-on, hyperlocal solutions to hunger and food waste. It recovers food that would otherwise have been wasted and distributes it to food pantries, programs and people in need. Its mission is to promote food security and food justice by driving access to healthy food, and to promote sustainability by diverting wholesome food from landfills.

Beyond rescue and distribution, the organization points residents to information about local food pantries and free community meals in the area. Its hyperlocal hunger relief work has drawn support from the Cummings Foundation: in June 2025, The Food Drive was selected as one of 150 local nonprofits for the foundation’s $30 million grant program and will receive $120,000 over three years.

What to Know

• The organization offers Community Freezer meals.
• Residents can learn how to donate or volunteer through the organization.
• It is listed with the Melrose Chamber of Commerce as a community organization.