Your Help Keeps Hopkinton Healthy

Project Just Because food pantry has been serving those in need in Hopkinton for the past 19 years. It was only this year, however, with help from the town of Hopkinton and The Greater Boston Food Bank (GBFB) that the pantry has been able to share nutritious perishable items with those struggling with hunger.

The pantry’s president, Cherylann Lambert-Walsh, said that in conversations with those getting food at the pantry, what they wanted most was the perishable food that is often too expensive in grocery stores.

“The goal of this project is to give people more food and meet the nutritional and food needs of our clients,” Cherylann said.

With grant money from the town, the pantry was able to purchase a commercial-size freezer and refrigerator last winter, so it could store fruits, vegetables, meat and dairy items. The pantry also recently received grant funding from GBFB to purchase equipment such as shelving, bins and carts.

Since Project Just Because obtained the new equipment, the size of its monthly food order from GBFB has nearly tripled. The pantry now also distributes food every other week as opposed to once a month.

(Photo courtesy of Project Just Because)

“I’m very grateful to GBFB for being there,” she said.

Cherylann recounted a story of a young mother who recently came into the pantry for the first time and was surprised to find out she could take home food like turkey, eggs and potatoes.

“She teared up and told me ‘this is going to make a difference in my life’,” Cherylann said.