Donate & volunteer

Give help

Food, funds and time from neighbors like you keep the pantry running. The pantry is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and all donations are tax deductible.

Make a monetary donation

As a nonprofit organization, we depend entirely on donations from individuals, corporations, foundations and other strategic partners.

The Pantry benefits from a number of food drives each year that supplement our inventory. However, food donations are non-perishable items and it is imperative that we supplement free food from local drives and the Western Mass. Food Bank with sufficient additional food chosen for its nutritional value, such as fruits, vegetables, milk and eggs.

Give online

The Al Nelson Friendship Center Food Pantry is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and all donations are tax deductible.

Donate with PayPal

Food drives

Ideas for healthy food donations

Additional tips

Canned goods with pop-top lids are better than those requiring a can opener. Avoid foods packaged in glass. Do not donate foods that are past the expiration date.

Canned beans, dry beans
Peanut butter, or other nut butters
Rolled oats
Canned fruit in juice, not in light or heavy syrup
Canned vegetables, with no or low-sodium
Soups with low-sodium
Canned tuna in water or canned chicken
Brown rice
Shelf stable milk and milk substitutes
Whole grain, low sugar cold cereals
Canned tomatoes
Whole grain pasta
Low-sodium pasta sauce
Chicken, beef and vegetable broths and stock
Diapers, adult diapers, hygiene products

Volunteer

Give your time

Please stop by the pantry and fill out a volunteer form with areas of interest. Opportunities may include:

Wednesdays

Intake, Bagging or Phone Orders
10:00am-12:00pm or 12:00pm-2:00pm

Thursday mornings

Boxers and drivers 10:00am-12:00pm

Thursday evenings

Intake, bagging 4:30pm-6:00pm

Fridays

Unloading the delivery from the Western Mass. Food Bank
11:00am-12:30pm

Questions about giving?

Call (413) 664-0123 on Wednesdays between 10am and 2pm.