Due to Covid-19 restrictions, Brookline Thrives bags will no longer be distributed in the school setting.
At least for now, bags are available for distribution during normal pantry hours and at all locations.
What is Brookline Thrives?
Brookline Thrives is a Brookline Food Pantry program that works in partnership with the Public Schools of Brookline. Providing free take-home weekend meals to school-age children in need, Brookline Thrives reduces the number of Brookline students starting the school week hungry. For the 2019/2020 school year, Brookline Thrives was available to all students and families of Lincoln, Coolidge Corner, Pierce and Driscoll schools, as well as several Brookline Early Education Program locations. Our goal is to expand to all interested Brookline K-8 schools and Brookline High School.
How does it work?
What’s in a weekend bag?
Here's an example of what a bag includes:
Why does Brookline need a weekend food program?
In the 2018-19 school year, 14% of all Brookline Public Schools students received free or reduced meals. School administrators believe the actual need is much higher. Economic disparity is rising within Brookline. Between 2000 and 2010, the number of households earning less than $15,000 per year or more than $100,000 per year increased, while the number of households earning between $15,000-$99,000 decreased. The struggle to meet basic needs, including food, has a direct impact on the academic performance of Brookline students.
How do I sign up?
Program information and registration forms will be sent home to all families in participating schools, and are available in the school offices. Registration is not required, but it helps Brookline Thrives determine the number of food packs needed and to address specific dietary concerns.
At any time, you may also email thrives@brooklinefoodpantry.org.
How can I help?
Brookline Thrives is a volunteer-run organization and your help is appreciated. You can:
Donate – $250 feeds one student every weekend during the school year. Any amount is appreciated.
At least for now, bags are available for distribution during normal pantry hours and at all locations.
What is Brookline Thrives?
Brookline Thrives is a Brookline Food Pantry program that works in partnership with the Public Schools of Brookline. Providing free take-home weekend meals to school-age children in need, Brookline Thrives reduces the number of Brookline students starting the school week hungry. For the 2019/2020 school year, Brookline Thrives was available to all students and families of Lincoln, Coolidge Corner, Pierce and Driscoll schools, as well as several Brookline Early Education Program locations. Our goal is to expand to all interested Brookline K-8 schools and Brookline High School.
How does it work?
- Brookline Thrives is available to all families with students enrolled in the Public Schools of Brookline, even if they do not reside in Brookline. This includes siblings of Brookline students.
- Weekend bags can be picked up at participating schools every Friday during the school year ; no proof of financial need is required.
- Each bag contains single-serve portions of a variety of non-perishable foods and beverages for two breakfasts, two lunches, snacks and fresh fruit.
- Families may take bags for all children in their household. One bag feeds one child.
- A rotating three-week menu provides variety.
- Brookline Thrives can accommodate several food allergies and dietary restrictions.
What’s in a weekend bag?
Here's an example of what a bag includes:
- 2 shelf-stable 8oz. low fat milk boxes
- Cheerios single-serve bowl
- Instant Oatmeal packet
- Macaroni & cheese single-serve cup
- Chicken noodle soup cup
- Shelf-stable yogurt
- Granola bar
- Fig bar
- Crackers & cheese snack pack
- 2 whole pieces of fresh fruit
Why does Brookline need a weekend food program?
In the 2018-19 school year, 14% of all Brookline Public Schools students received free or reduced meals. School administrators believe the actual need is much higher. Economic disparity is rising within Brookline. Between 2000 and 2010, the number of households earning less than $15,000 per year or more than $100,000 per year increased, while the number of households earning between $15,000-$99,000 decreased. The struggle to meet basic needs, including food, has a direct impact on the academic performance of Brookline students.
How do I sign up?
Program information and registration forms will be sent home to all families in participating schools, and are available in the school offices. Registration is not required, but it helps Brookline Thrives determine the number of food packs needed and to address specific dietary concerns.
At any time, you may also email thrives@brooklinefoodpantry.org.
How can I help?
Brookline Thrives is a volunteer-run organization and your help is appreciated. You can:
Donate – $250 feeds one student every weekend during the school year. Any amount is appreciated.
Volunteer – Many volunteer shifts are available.
How can I learn more or volunteer?
Contact us at thrives@brooklinefoodpantry.org.
- Bag packing on Wednesday evenings and Thursday mornings. Click here to sign up.
- Helping with Thursday deliveries of bags to schools. Click here to sign up.
- Serving as a Thrives Liaison in schools on Fridays for about 1 hour in the mornings and/or afternoons (7:15-8:15am, 1:15-2:15pm).
- Picking up and delivering food to the Thrives storage area (drivers with large vehicles needed).
How can I learn more or volunteer?
Contact us at thrives@brooklinefoodpantry.org.
Donate By Mail
Tax deductible monetary donations can be made by sending a check to:
Brookline Food Pantry
15 St. Paul Street
Brookline, MA 02446
Tax deductible monetary donations can be made by sending a check to:
Brookline Food Pantry
15 St. Paul Street
Brookline, MA 02446