Serving North Adams, Clarksburg & Florida
The Al Nelson Friendship Center Food Pantry
Healthy, nutritious food for neighbors facing food insecurity, offered with openness, friendliness, dignity and respect. Anyone in need is eligible.
When to visit
Pantry hours
Open Wednesdays
10:00am – 2:00pm
Come directly to the pantry at 45 Eagle St., North Adams.
Deliveries Thursdays
10:00am – 12:00pm
Call (413) 664-0123 on Wednesday between 10am and 2pm to set one up.
Call or write
(413) 664-0123
Mailing address: P.O. Box 210, North Adams, MA
About deliveries
Those who cannot physically come to the pantry may call 413-664-0123 on Wednesday from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm to set up a delivery for Thursday. We will continue to distribute pre-packaged boxes of food based on household size for deliveries. Please specify cans or no cans.
As of 12/8/2021 we can no longer offer rides home. If you can't get your groceries home, please call on Wednesday for a delivery Thursday. There are no deliveries on Wednesday.
We will only fill deliveries for orders made between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm. If you call before or after those hours and leave a message, we cannot guarantee delivery.
How we can work together
Get help, give help
Get food
You can visit the pantry twice a month. All are eligible; you must be 18 to register on your own. As a client-choice pantry, you pick what you need.
How it worksDonate
We depend entirely on donations. The pantry is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and all donations are tax deductible.
Ways to giveVolunteer
We are a totally volunteer organization. Help with intake, bagging, phone orders, deliveries or unloading the food bank truck.
Volunteer shiftsWith gratitude
Thank you to our supporters
- A big thank you to First Congo Share the Love campaign for their very generous $4,400.00 donation in 2026!
- Thank you to the First Congregational Church, Williamstown, for their generous donation of $3,500.00 in 2025!
- Thanks again to A Better Community (ABC) in Williamstown, MA, for your $2,500.00 in donations for 2025!
- This program has been supported by a 2025 grant of $3,500.00 from the James and Robert Hardman Fund of Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation.
Remembering our co-founder
In memory of Al Nelson
Arlon Edward “Al” Nelson, 83, of Clarksburg, Mass., died on Monday, July 16, 2018, at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, Mass.
He was born in Providence, R.I., on October 1, 1934, a son of the late Edward and Esther (Soderquist) Nelson. Al graduated from North Attleboro High School and went on to attend the Leland Powers School of Radio, Television & Theater in Boston. He also studied at the National Academy of Broadcasting in Washington, D.C.
He was a decorated veteran of the Korean War, where he served in the U.S. Marine Corps as a Staff Sergeant. Al worked as the program director at the WMNB North Adams radio station for many years. He later worked as the director of the Northern Berkshire United Way.
Al was very actively involved in his community. He was a member of the Berkshire Community Coalition, where he served on the board in a number of capacities, including as treasurer. He was the co-founder of the Northern Berkshire Faith Action Initiative; the co-founder of the Friendship Food Pantry; served on the advisory board for the Salvation Army, as well as Habitat for Humanity; and enjoyed being a member of the Williams College Quarterback Club. He was also an active member of the First Baptist Church of North Adams, where he served as a longtime deacon.
Originally posted by iBerkshires
Questions? Give us a call.
Call (413) 664-0123 on Wednesdays between 10am and 2pm, or send us a message.