Food Resources for Seniors

Students Helping Older People (SHOP)

SHOP logo-FINAL (1)The S.H.O.P. (Students Helping Older People) Program has been a collaboration between the Brookline Senior Center and the community service program at Brookline High School for many years. During these years, literally hundreds of students have helped dozens of seniors. It is a win-win volunteer opportunity whereby students grocery shop for seniors in Brookline and seniors share their actual history and experience with students in a friendly visit after shopping.

Besides getting the groceries for the senior, the most important part of this program is developing meaningful multigenerational relationships. Some students have shopped for the same senior throughout high school and consider their elder an important part of their life; others continue to visit after graduating. The seniors tell us that they feel that their students are like family.

Due to the pandemic, this program has been on hiatus since March 2020. We are currently working with Brookline High School to develop a COVID safe plan that will possibly include shopping assistance alternatives that involve less in-person contact between the seniors and the students.

For more information on the SHOP program, please contact Valerie Graf at 617-730-2743 or at [email protected].

The SHOP program was a featured spot on Boston 25 News and can be viewed at the following link: SHOP Program news feature.

Greater Boston Food Bank Food Commodity Program

The Greater Boston Food Bank Commodity Program provides 35 lbs. of shelf-stable food to low income seniors each month. Two shopping bags of food for approved participants are distributed at the Brookline Senior Center (93 Winchester Street), Sussman House (50 Pleasant Street) and O’Shea House (61 Park Street) on the 3rd Wednesday of each month.

We are actively recruiting new applicants to participate in this program. If you or anyone you know are interested in applying for or finding out more about the program, please contact Jamie Jensen 617-730-2753 or at [email protected] to set up an appointment.

Brookline Food Pantry

Distribution Sites and Hours:

  • 210 Harvard Street, United Parish
    Wednesday: 2 PM - 5 PM
  • 55A Egmont Street, Community Room
    Thursday: 3 PM - 7 PM
    Saturday: 10 AM - 1 PM
    226 High Street, Community Room
    Tuesday: 3 PM - 7 PM
    Phone: (617) 800-5339

PLEASE NOTE: The Brookline Food Pantry remains open but implements the following emergency procedures:

  • Individuals may not enter the pantry to shop or drop off donations.
  • To pick up pre-packed bags of perishable and non-perishable food items, individuals must wait outside the pantry doors during open hours, listed above.
  • You do not need any ID, proof of residency, or proof of income to receive food. You do not need to call ahead.
  • A limited amount of home delivery is available if you are physically unable to safely go to the Food Pantry to pick up your food. Please call 617-800-5339, or email: [email protected] with the subject line, "Needs Home Delivery” to inquire about the availability of home delivery.

Brookline Senior Center Food Distribution Program

The Brookline Food Pantry has now relocated its main operations to United Parish (210 Harvard Street). The Senior Center is working in collaboration with the Food Pantry to ensure that all of our Food Distribution customers will be able to access the Pantry going forward.

For more information on the Food Pantry and other food resources, please call the Senior Center at 617-730-2777.

SNAP Online Purchasing Program

Massachusetts residents who receive SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits can use their EBT card to buy food online from Amazon, Stop & Shop, and Walmart, as well as ALDI, Hannaford, Price Chopper and Stop & Shop via Instacart.

For more information on how to use the online purchasing program, please visit: SNAP Online Purchasing Program.