In a heartfelt and data-driven presentation to the Reading Select Board Tuesday night, Reading Food Pantry Director Simone Payment and Board President Sean Toro outlined a proposal to relocate the pantry to the Pleasant Street Center, citing a dramatic rise in food insecurity and operational challenges at their current location.
The presentation coincided with National Hunger Action Day, underscoring the urgency of the issue. Payment shared that one in four Middlesex County residents now face food insecurity, a number that has grown significantly in recent years due to inflation, housing costs, and cuts to federal assistance programs.
It’s often a hidden problem,” Payment said. “But we’re seeing new households every time we open.”
A Growing Need, A Strained Space
Founded in 1979 in a closet at Old South Church, the pantry now serves over 400 residents monthly, distributing more than 15,000 bags of food annually with the help of 100 volunteers. But the shared church space has become increasingly inadequate.
Challenges include:
- Limited accessibility for those with mobility issues
- Inefficient layout requiring setup and breakdown each service day
- Food storage spread across multiple rooms and floors
- Energy inefficiency due to scattered refrigeration units
Payment emphasized that the pantry’s delivery program helps some residents, but many still prefer to visit in person—something that’s becoming harder to accommodate.
Pleasant Street Center: A Promising Solution
Toro proposed the Pleasant Street Center as a new permanent home for the pantry, citing its central location, accessibility, and existing infrastructure that would require minimal retrofitting.
It’s a ready-made space that would allow us to expand hours, improve service, and even launch a community kitchen,” Toro said.
The kitchen would allow the pantry to prepare meals from donated produce that might otherwise go to waste, increasing sustainability and nutritional value for recipients.
Toro also clarified that while the pantry currently operates rent-free at Old South Church, they have budgeted for rent in future financial planning and are open to discussing terms with the town.
Select Board Reaction: Supportive but Cautious
Board members expressed strong support for the pantry’s mission and the proposed move, but emphasized the need for fairness and fiscal responsibility.
You’re a staple community partner,” said Co-Chair Chris Haley. “This seems like a win-win, but we need to be fair and transparent.”
Board member Melissa Murphy echoed the sentiment, noting the importance of visibility and reducing stigma around food insecurity.
The proposal would require a formal Request for Proposals (RFP) process due to procurement laws, and the board agreed to continue discussions in future meetings.
Community Impact
The pantry’s presence at the recent Fall Street Fair highlighted its growing role in the community. Payment shared a touching story of a resident who returned to thank the pantry for helping her through a difficult time in 2016.
The pantry currently operates on Monday evenings and Friday mornings, with donation bins at Market Basket and Stop & Shop, and welcomes contributions via its website and Facebook page.
