The Food Drive

The Food Drive Driving food security, food rescue, & hunger relief in our community
Jana Gimenez, Executive Director

The Food Drive is a community-driven nonprofit that provides hands-on, hyperlocal solutions to hunger and food waste. We distribute rescued, surplus, and donated food in our community; divert wholesome food from landfills; and work for change in our food system. We believe that solving food insecurity, malnutrition, and waste is possible through collaboration, and that sustainable change begins in

our own neighborhoods. Jana Gimenez, Executive Director
Tony Gimenez, Program Director
Liane Cassavoy, Board President
Beth Blatchford, Board Treasurer
Tracey Cruickshank, Board Secretary
Kate House, Board Member
Jennifer Manning, Board Member
Hilary Viola, Board Member

Did you know that the Melrose Farmers' Market has a SNAP match? $15 from your EBT card DOUBLES to $30 in Market Money to...
06/18/2026

Did you know that the Melrose Farmers' Market has a SNAP match? $15 from your EBT card DOUBLES to $30 in Market Money to spend at the market on fresh fruits, veggies, fish, meat, and eggs from local vendors. Thursdays from 2:30 to 6:30 PM!

Shoutout to Owner/Chef Julie Unger, Chef David Drew, and the June 9 "Cooking for a Cause" crew at The Kitchen for donati...
06/18/2026

Shoutout to Owner/Chef Julie Unger, Chef David Drew, and the June 9 "Cooking for a Cause" crew at The Kitchen for donating a portion of their beautiful enchilada meals for our Community Freezer program. We offer free "heat & eat" meals on Sunday mornings from 11:30 am to 12 noon at First United Methodist Church of Melrose, MA. All are welcome, no ID or paperwork needed.

"Food insecurity could be your next-door neighbor. When gas costs a little bit more or food costs a little bit more, or ...
06/18/2026

"Food insecurity could be your next-door neighbor. When gas costs a little bit more or food costs a little bit more, or they have a repair on their car or a medical bill, that takes away what they might be using to spend on food."

Food insecurity affects more families now than during the coronavirus pandemic, according to a new survey from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.

Shoutout to our friends at Farm Direct Coop! This is the FIFTH SUMMER they've donated the extras from their Melrose prod...
06/17/2026

Shoutout to our friends at Farm Direct Coop! This is the FIFTH SUMMER they've donated the extras from their Melrose produce hub at the Knoll on Tuesdays and Thursdays. We were thrilled to deliver beautiful fresh local produce to the McCarthy House in Melrose this morning, thanks to resident coordinator Elaine.

"Critics of SNAP used rare instances of individuals exploiting the system as justification to cut back on the program. I...
06/17/2026

"Critics of SNAP used rare instances of individuals exploiting the system as justification to cut back on the program. In reality, this narrative diminishes the struggles many people have when it comes to buying basic necessities and the support federal programs like SNAP can offer."

Experts say the rhetoric around fraud misrepresents federal food assistance.

Hosting a summer event? Text us at 781-214-1030 to make a plan to donate your extras! This Sunday our volunteer Sandy Di...
06/16/2026

Hosting a summer event? Text us at 781-214-1030 to make a plan to donate your extras! This Sunday our volunteer Sandy Dixon delivered all this fantastic food from a church banquet to the Housing Families Inc. Broadway Inn motel shelter in Malden. Help us fill the plates of our neighbors instead of landfills!

"Last week, Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry signed one of the cruelest anti-homeless bills in the country into law. HB 21...
06/16/2026

"Last week, Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry signed one of the cruelest anti-homeless bills in the country into law. HB 211 will make it a crime to sleep outside in Louisiana, punishing homeless people with extreme fines and draconian jail sentences.

Louisiana is already the incarceration capital of the world and one of the poorest states in the country, with nearly one in five residents unable to make ends meet. Instead of helping people living in poverty get the housing and support they need, Louisiana will funnel homeless people into its already infamous and overcrowded jails."

Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry signed one of the cruelest anti-homeless bills in the country into law. HB 211 will make it a crime to sleep outside in Louisiana, punishing homeless people with extreme fines and jail, while also setting the stage for forced treatment and even forced labor.

TONIGHT! Join us at Giacomo's of Melrose for a Guest Bartending Fundraiser in support of our work to feed our neighbors....
06/15/2026

TONIGHT! Join us at Giacomo's of Melrose for a Guest Bartending Fundraiser in support of our work to feed our neighbors. Giacomo's will donate all mason jar tips plus a portion of dine-in and takeout sales for the evening. Here's the schedule:

🍷 5 PM – Nancy Clover
🍷 6 PM – Emily Danielson
🍷 7 PM – Sean O'Brien
🍷 8 PM – Linda Apple

We'll also have a "Franklin Square" raffle basket featuring items from Paper & Clay Pottery Studio and Gallery Gift Shop and Peppino's Italian Market! Hope to see to see you there!

Shoutout to all our INCREDIBLE community cooks...we had a fully stocked freezer again this morning for our guests! That'...
06/15/2026

Shoutout to all our INCREDIBLE community cooks...we had a fully stocked freezer again this morning for our guests! That's neighbors helping neighbors! Our Community Freezer program is open every Sunday from 11:30 AM to 12 noon, and ALL ARE WELCOME. No ID or proof of residency or income required.

40% of Massachusetts residents are currently facing food insecurity. How can you help? For as little as $5 a month, you ...
06/13/2026

40% of Massachusetts residents are currently facing food insecurity. How can you help? For as little as $5 a month, you can sign up as a sustaining donor for The Food Drive. We're still seeking 8 new monthly donors to reach our 2026 spring goal of 85 total. For the price of one coffee a month, you can support our mission to feed our neighbors. CLICK HERE: http://bit.ly/4xofvWx

Address

25 Sargent Street
Melrose, MA
02176

Telephone

+16175017134

Website

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