Small donations, big impacts: POP Huddle raises $10K for Reading Food Pantry

Jan 14

(6-7 minute read)

When news broke in early November that federal SNAP benefits could be sharply reduced, members of the Reading-based POP Huddle community moved quickly to respond. What began as a modest fundraising effort soon grew into a powerful show of local support - raising approximately $10,000 for the Reading Food Pantry at a time of growing need.

The fundraiser was organized by POP Huddle Chairperson Laura Wilson, who said the scale of reliance on federal food assistance in Reading was eye-opening.

“I was shocked to learn that almost 1,000 of our neighbors depend on SNAP,” Wilson said. “I knew the Food Pantry was already overwhelmed and that it would be needed more than ever.”

Wilson initially set a goal of $5,000 and emailed POP Huddle members the same day the news emerged. The response quickly exceeded expectations.

A community responds

Rather than being driven by a few large gifts, the fundraiser’s success came from broad participation. Wilson said that most donations ranged from $20 to $100, underscoring how many residents wanted to help in whatever way they could.

“I hoped we might hit $5,000,” she said. “I never imagined we’d raise $10,000 - and certainly not through dozens of smaller donations. That part really surprised me.”

The urgency of the moment was a key motivator. Wilson noted that the bulk of the funds were raised when SNAP benefits were most at risk, reflecting a direct response to the potential loss of a critical safety net.

“Most donors agreed on one simple thing,” she said. “No one should go hungry.”

Impact at the Reading Food Pantry

For Simone Payment, Executive Director of the Reading Food Pantry, the timing of the fundraiser could not have been more critical.

“We’ve seen an uptick in need over the past three months, with new neighbors visiting for the first time most weeks we’re open,” Payment said. While the pantry does not ask visitors why they are seeking assistance, she noted that rising costs, combined with changes to federal aid, are placing added strain on many households, particularly those on fixed incomes.

A $10,000 donation provides critical flexibility.

“Large donations like this give us greater flexibility in responding to immediate needs in purchasing food. We are able to make up shortfalls in things like produce, meat, or eggs that might run out between trips to the Greater Boston Food Bank,” Payment explained.

While the funds have not yet been earmarked for a specific purpose, Payment said they may support the pantry’s upcoming community kitchen, including purchasing food for prepared meals.

Federal cuts, local consequences

Payment emphasized that reductions in federal food assistance often translate directly into increased demand at the local level.

“People who previously met their needs through SNAP alone may need to visit the pantry for the first time,” she said. “Others who were already supplementing assistance may need to rely on us more heavily.”

She also pointed to broader federal funding changes affecting the food supply chain. In 2025, the Greater Boston Food Bank lost $2.3 million in federal funds, resulting in shortages of items such as chicken, cheese, and produce - gaps that local pantries must often fill with purchased food.

Perishable items are especially challenging due to storage limitations and purchasing caps, making unrestricted donations, such as those from POP Huddle, particularly valuable.

Sustaining the work ahead

The Reading Food Pantry operates entirely through donations and grants, without direct town, state, or federal operating funds. As demand grows, space constraints at its current shared location have become increasingly apparent.

Despite these challenges, Payment said the generosity of the Reading community has sustained the pantry.

“So far, increased need has been balanced by increased generosity,” she said. “That community support has been essential.”

A community that shows up

While the immediate threat to SNAP funding has eased, Wilson said POP Huddle remains committed to supporting the Food Pantry.

“We will always promote drives and donations,” she said. “And if federal food resources are targeted again, we’ll absolutely step up with another fundraiser.”

Wilson also hopes residents take away a deeper understanding of food insecurity in Reading.

“Over 300 households rely on the Food Pantry, and many more depend on SNAP - mostly seniors and children,” she said. “That was sobering to learn.”

Residents interested in learning more about POP Huddle or getting involved can visit the POP Huddle website.

For those who may not realize food insecurity exists locally, Payment offered a reminder:

“Food insecurity affects every city and town,” she said. “Sometimes it’s temporary, sometimes ongoing… No matter the circumstances, the Reading Food Pantry is here to help!”

The pantry is open Monday evening from 6:30-7:30 pm and Friday mornings from 10:30 -11:30 am. New visitors can receive assistance on their first visit with no waiting period. Contact staff at ReadingFoodPantry@gmail.com or 781-944-8486.

The Reading Food Pantry continues to rely on community generosity to meet growing demand. Residents who can help support the pantry through donations or volunteering are encouraged to visit the Reading Food Pantry website to ensure that food remains available to neighbors when they need it most.