During the week, volunteers prepare the bags of groceries which are distributed each Saturday to our member families. The amount of groceries in each bag is based on the number of people in the household. Using the Greater Boston Food Bank's pyramid guide, we have chosen a nutritionally balanced selection of foods that should be enough for a three-day supply. New clients are asked to complete a form with basic information which is used by the Food Bank for statistical purposes. We then add the name to our client data base and allow usage of the pantry once every four weeks.
The Shepherd's Pantry is part of the distribution base for the Greater Boston Food Bank; every month, we receive a supply of non-perishable items to be distributed to our clients. We are also part of the USDA system; food from this program is also handed out each week.