On of four Red Cross food pantries in eastern Massachusetts, the South Coast Pantry located in this office is just one of the Red Cross services meeting the growing needs of the community.  The Food Pantry concentrates its efforts to maintain the availability of emergency food through effective and creative use of tax-deductible contributions made by private individuals, local businesses, area organizations, and grants.

Each month the South Coast Pantry provides each client or client family with three nutritionally balanced meals for four days.  By networking and collaborating with agencies including, the Greater Boston Food Bank, PACE, Market Ministries, Salvation Army and many others the pantry continues to expand its service ability.  These partnerships allow the Red Cross to be part of a team addressing a growing concern on the South Coast.

FOOD STAMP OUTREACH PROGRAM

The Food Stamp Program is a Federal/State program to help low-income families buy the food they need to stay healthy, and be productive members of society. It provides low-income households with coupons or electronic benefits they can use like cash at most grocery stores to ensure that they have access to a healthy diet.

Food Stamp Benefits help buy nutritious food.

Food Stamp Benefits can give you extra money for other things you need, like prescription medicines, fuel for your home, or dependent care.

You Could Qualify For Food Stamps If:

·         You have or will get a social security number,

·         You have little or no income or work for low wages,

·         You are elderly or disabled, and have high housing costs or medical bills,

·         You have child or elder care costs, or pay child support,

·         You will get a job if you are able and aren’t working now, OR

The New Bedford Office of the American Red Cross provides food stamp screening to determine eligibility for Food Stamps on:

Mondays:  9 am to 12 Noon

Tuesdays and Wednesdays:  1 to 4 pm

Fridays:  9 am to 4 pm

We can assist qualified applicants with an online food stamp request and submit it directly to the Department of Transitional Assistance on their behalf.

For an appointment or more information, call:

(508) 996-8286

By contributing to the South Coast Area Food Pantry, children within the service area will not likely suffer from hunger as an obstacle to their capacity to attend and be attentive in school, be in good health, and have more energy.  The elderly are also at high risk, since many on medication have to choose between paying for medications and buying food.  Poor nutrition contributes to ill health and disease.

You can play an important role in their recovery.  With your monetary donation, the South Coast Pantry will be able to purchase meat, cheese, fresh vegetables, fruit and other goods to meet the significantly increased demand for services.  Without your gift, these items would be unavailable to the families most in need.  Hunger has serious, negative effects on physiological, behavioral, and cognitive development, and parents shouldn't have to make such debilitating choices.