Our Commitment
As part of our mission to alleviate food insecurity in Newton, we believe all people have the right to access nutritious food through community-based approaches. We believe that no one deserves to go hungry. As an integral part of this community, the Newton Food Pantry has and will continue to open its arms to all members of the community regardless of their race, color, sex (including sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and pregnancy), genetic information, religion, political views, disability, veteran status, age or national origin. We treat those in need with compassion, dignity and respect.
Our Commitment in Action
In 2021, the Newton Food Pantry hired Visons, Inc. — a minority-owned, non-profit organization whose mission in part is to empower the creation of environments where differences are recognized, understood and appreciated. Visions, Inc. assessed the inclusiveness of Newton Food Pantry by meeting with leadership, volunteers and clients. While we learned that we are a welcoming community for all, the Newton Food Pantry acknowledges that there is always room for continued improvement.
The Board of Directors and Diversity Committee have and will continue to support and create systems and educational tools to advance our inclusion efforts. We created an Anti-Discrimination Policy and are consistently raising awareness throughout our daily work. Our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives, which include ongoing trainings and other tools, foster an environment that aligns with the mission of the Newton Food Pantry.
55% of the households served by the Newton Food Pantry identify as people of color and 60% of households speak a language other than English at home. Client surveys and focus groups indicate that “seeing someone who looks like you or speaks your language” makes clients feel more comfortable and helps remove the negative stigma that many cultures still associate with shopping at a food pantry. As a result, the Newton Food Pantry continually recruits and welcomes volunteers from diverse cultural backgrounds and bi- and multilingual volunteers.
In addition, offering culturally-relevant food choices are important to our clients. Each month, the Newton Food Pantry procures and provides ingredients from Russian, Asian and Latin markets so clients can prepare meals reflective of their cultures.