NAVIGATION

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.”
 
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May Institute does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, sex/gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, military status, veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, marital status, socioeconomic status, homelessness, or any other category protected under applicable law in treatment or employment at the Institute, admission or access to the Institute, or any other aspect of the educational programs and activities that the Institute operates. The Institute is required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504), Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX), the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 (Age Act), and their respective implementing regulations at 34 C.F.R. Parts 100, 104, 106 and 110, not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, or national origin (Title VI); disability (Section 504); sex (Title IX); or age (Age Act). Inquiries concerning the application of each of these statutes and their implementing regulations to the Institute may be referred to the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, at (617) 289-0111 or 5 Post Office Square, 8th Floor, Boston, MA 02109-3921, or to Terese Brennan - Compliance Officer, at 1-888-664-9870 or Compliance@mayinstitute.org or May Institute 14 Pacella Park Drive, Randolph, MA 02368.