2021 Honoree

The Ecumenical Community Food Pantry of Norwood, Inc. was born in the heart of one woman, Ruth Griffin. Inspired by the call to lay ministry and Ruth’s own life experiences she was determined that anyone in need of food should have the dignity of selecting what they took away. In the early years the committee did whatever they could from meal certificates and furniture donations to Thanksgiving dinners but they always had the long term goal of creating a food pantry. 

In 1989, Ruth wrote a proposal and received a grant of $2,000 from Project Bread and went looking for space. Grace Episcopal Church offered them a room which was being used for storage. The area was painted and a new floor laid. At the time, Roche Bros. was renovating one of their stores so they donated the old shelves. They had their space, now they needed donations so letters went out to all members of the Clergy Assoc. inviting each house of worship in Norwood to participate in a program to feed the hungry in our midst. On May 6, 1989, the food pantry opened its door to those who needed its assistance.  

Over the last 30 years, food and funds have been donated by the churches, synagogues, organizations, businesses, schools and individuals. The whole community of Norwood and much of Westwood has become involved from the very young in pre-schools to the older generation of volunteers. ​ This is the story of a grassroots effort. It speaks of what can be accomplished when people of diverse backgrounds get together and when one person is moved to take action to accomplish a particular good. 

The Ecumenical Community Food Pantry of Norwood serves over 350 families in the towns of Norwood and Westwood and does so with the time and effort of volunteers. 

If you would like to get more involved with the Norwood Food Pantry please visit their website https://www.norwoodpantry.org/