May Behavioral Health Seeking New Food Pantry Provider
07/31/15
West Roxbury, Mass. – May Institute, a Massachusetts-based nonprofit that provides services for individuals of all ages with behavioral health concerns, autism spectrum disorder, and a variety of other special needs, is preparing to close its food pantry in West Roxbury on August 31. Until then, the pantry, located at 2020R Centre St., will continue to operate as usual on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
“We recognize and regret that our absence will leave a void in our community,” said Nancy K. Gajee, Ph.D., Senior Director of Behavioral Health, who also manages the operations of the pantry for the Institute. “It has become increasingly difficult for us to simultaneously operate both our behavioral health clinic and the food pantry in our West Roxbury location. The space, staffing, and logistics required to serve both have necessitated the pantry’s transfer or closure.”
According to Dr. Gajee, May Institute has been reaching out to other human service and community-based organizations in an effort to find one that would take over pantry operations. To date, this effort has not been successful. The Institute is asking any interested local organization to contact Dr. Gajee at 508-660-1510.
May Institute’s food pantry has been in operation for more than 20 years. It serves an average of 105 households per month; approximately 2,850 individuals annually. Patrons reside in West Roxbury and other surrounding towns and neighborhoods. “In preparation, we are providing them with contact information for other pantries and food agencies in adjacent communities, and will do everything we can to minimize the impact of the closing,” said Dr. Gajee.
Pantries in surrounding towns and neighborhoods include:
Roslindale Congregational Church (for residents of Roslindale and West Roxbury)
25 Cummins Highway, Roslindale, MA 02131
617-325-9755
Jamaica Plain APAC (referral needed)
30 Bickford Street, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130
617-522-4830
Dedham Food Pantry (residents of Dedham)
600 Washington Street, Dedham, MA 02026
781-320-9442
Patrons may also contact the Project Bread Food Source Hotline at 800-645-8333. This comprehensive statewide information and referral service in Massachusetts can connect individuals to food resources in their community.
“We wish to thank the community, individual donors, and local agencies and companies that have provided grants or funds to support the food pantry over the years,” said Dr. Gajee. “You helped us provide much-needed food to thousands of individuals and families. We are very proud to have provided this service in the West Roxbury community for many years.”