The Elizabeth Peabody House’s food pantry provides much-needed food to those in need locally. — Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Peabody House

By Harry Kane

The Elizabeth Peabody House provides free groceries at its food pantry for those in need, but since the government shutdown and SNAP freeze, there is a greater demand.

The local distribution center provides a lifeline to households experiencing food insecurity amid a looming crisis. Last week, EPH served groceries to some 425 households, an uptick of 15 to 20 percent since the shutdown began.

“We’re seeing a pretty dramatic increase already,” said Matthew Caughey, executive director at EPH.

The pantry operates on Wednesday evenings from 5 to 7 p.m., Thursday mornings from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. They are the only food pantry open on Sundays in Somerville.

EPH distributes bags filled with food to meet basic nutritional needs. Items include pasta, rice, beans, dairy, meats, bread, canned goods, veggies, and fruits. Eggs and coffee are in high demand, but not always available.

“Our goal is to help people put food on the table and give people the essentials,” said Caughey.

There are two full-time staff members and two part-time staff members working at the food pantry. This is a free service that does not partake in the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. The pantry opened for students’ families in 2009 and has been serving the general public since 2011.

The majority of people on the food bank guest list are from Somerville, but the pantry doesn’t have city requirements.

“We’re really just here to serve the need for the community and fill that food gap for people,” said Caughey.

The pantry receives deliveries throughout the week from food partners like Greater Boston Food Bank, Food for Free, and Spoonfuls.

While the food is handed out at EPH, they do make some deliveries to local public housing buildings and homebound individuals. On any given week, they have the capacity to make 10-12 deliveries, said Caughey.

EPH’s annual Thanksgiving fundraiser to help out those in need this holiday season is ongoing, and donations can be made on their website.

Last year, the EPH team provided some 450 families with turkeys and the fixings for their Thanksgiving meal. This year, they hope to help out 500 families.

To donate, text “Thanksgiving” to 617-500-1101.

Elizabeth Peabody House
275 Broadway
Somerville, MA 02145
https://www.teph.org/