Reading Food Pantry launches new kitchen, expands support for neighbors
(4-5 minute read)
The Reading Food Pantry is celebrating an exciting milestone: after months of planning and preparation, the pantry has officially opened its newly completed kitchen and is now preparing home-cooked meals for neighbors visiting the pantry.
In a recent newsletter update, Executive Director Simone Payment shared that the project became possible through a generous grant from the Greater Boston Food Bank, which funded major upgrades to a kitchen space in the basement of Old South Methodist Church. Improvements included a commercial refrigerator and freezer, a gas stove, and additional equipment needed to safely prepare food on-site. Several pantry volunteers also completed training to earn ServSafe Manager certifications, allowing the program to move forward.
After many months of preparation, the kitchen is now fully operational.
Turning leftovers into meals
Freshly prepared meals during the Reading Food Pantry’s new ktichen are now available for neighbors to take home. Photo from the Reading Food Pantry February 24, 2026, newsletter.
The new kitchen is already making a meaningful difference. In the past, leftover produce at the end of pantry shopping hours sometimes had to be composted if it could not last until the next distribution day. Now, those ingredients are being transformed into nutritious prepared meals for families.
In just the first few weeks of operation, volunteers have prepared a wide variety of take-home foods, including lasagna, soups, quiche, stuffed peppers, vegetable bakes, smoothies, muffins, banana bread, breakfast bakes, and fresh salsa. Pantry visitors can now select prepared meals and baked goods alongside their regular groceries.
The initiative helps reduce food waste while expanding access to ready-to-eat meals for neighbors who may face time, transportation, or cooking challenges.
The pantry is currently welcoming volunteers interested in cooking. Community members who enjoy preparing food are invited to join kitchen sessions held on Mondays, Thursdays, and every other Tuesday at noon.
Continuing a commitment to sustainability
Community donations help stock the shelves at the Reading Food Pantry and support neighbors in need. Photo from the Reading Food Pantry February 24, 2026, newsletter.
The newsletter also highlighted the pantry’s ongoing effort to reduce landfill waste. While most donated food can be distributed, some items arrive expired or damaged. The pantry responsibly composts unusable food through weekly pickup by Black Earth Compost.
For many years, longtime volunteer Mike Coltman led the effort of processing expired donations for composting. Following his passing last August, a small group of volunteers, including his wife, Judy, has continued the work. The pantry is now seeking additional volunteers to assist with sorting and compost preparation to help maintain an environmentally responsible operation.
Organizers also encourage donors to check expiration dates before donating, which helps save valuable volunteer time.
The first face neighbors see
Volunteers assist neighbors by bringing food orders directly to their vehicles at the Reading Food Pantry. Photo from the Reading Food Pantry February 24, 2026, newsletter.
Another group recognized in the newsletter was the pantry’s outdoor greeters - volunteers who welcome visitors, explain the ordering process, manage traffic flow, and assist neighbors with carry groceries to their vehicles.
These volunteers work outside in all weather conditions, often serving as the first friendly interaction when arriving at the pantry.
Friday morning volunteer Anna shared that greeting neighbors and helping create a welcoming environment is one of the most rewarding parts of the role, while longtime volunteer Jeanna noted she enjoys catching up with families and getting to know the community better each week.
Community partnerships make a difference
Children and adults visiting the pantry can choose free books from the pantry’s rolling bookshelves. Photo from the Reading Food Pantry February 24, 2026, newsletter.
The pantry also highlighted support from local business Whitelam Books, which regularly donates overstock and gently damaged books for distribution at the pantry. Two rolling bookshelves, built as an Eagle Scout project, allow visiting families to take books home alongside food items, a feature especially popular with children.
Whitelam Books also runs an ongoing gift card drive benefiting the pantry. Customers who donate a $25 grocery store gift card receive a $5 Whitelam Books gift card while helping support pantry operations.
Shop owner Liz Whitelam noted that supporting organizations that enrich community life is central to the store’s mission.
A community effort
Feedback from pantry visitors continues to highlight the impact of the organization’s work, with one neighbor sharing gratitude for the kindness and support received during difficult times.
Pantry leaders emphasized that every meal prepared, every bag distributed, and every welcoming interaction is made possible by volunteers, donors, and community partners working together.
As the new kitchen begins its first full season of operation, the Reading Food Pantry says it looks forward to continuing to expand services while keeping neighbors supported nourished, and connected.
