Emergency Food Distribution Program (MLK Food Pantry)
The MLK Food Pantry provides emergency food services for individuals and families experiencing food shortage and screens individuals for SNAP benefit eligibility. The program relies on donations from grocery vendors and makes purchases from the Food Bank of Western MA. The MLK Food Pantry is staffed by a program director and is dependent on over 20 weekly volunteers.
Currently the Pantry operates from the 3 Rutland Street (Community Center) site in Springfield, Massachusetts in the Mason Square Neighborhood and it normally operates each Thursday from 8:00 AM until 12:00 PM. The Pantry offers a variety of foods, based on availability, including meats, dairy products, bakery goods, fresh/canned vegetables and fruit.
The MLK Food Pantry serves households in Hampden County (Massachusetts). Pantry Shoppers must be: 18 years of age or over, provide proof of residency and should not exceed income guidelines. The program is a “Choice” program, i.e., the food products are not bagged and shoppers choose from the available food items.
The Martin Luther King Jr. Family Services, in conjunction with the Food Bank Of Western Massachusetts, hosts a Mobile Food Bank at the 3 Rutland Street (Community Center) site in Springfield, Massachusetts. The Mobile Food Bank will take place every 2nd and 4th Thursday from 1:00 PM until 2:00 PM.
Shoppers accessing either of these resources must bring their own bags.