FOOD & NUTRITION
*Please see this page for up-to-date information on our programs and services during COVID-19.*
Southwest Community Food Center
QCAP has been at the forefront of providing food and nutrition resources to area families for more than 50 years. QCAP’s Southwest Community Food Center provides food relief, helps families apply for SNAP, promotes nutrition awareness, and develops community support for hunger programs.
The SWCFC at 1 Copeland St. is open and fully operational during the COVID-19 public health emergency. The Food Center is following strict safety and social distancing protocols and has implemented additional cleaning, sanitizing, and hand-washing measures. We are open during our regular hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM and Wednesday 11:00 AM – 6:30PM. We are accepting new clients. Please call 617-471-0796 to make an appointment for a food order. SNAP application assistance and other guidance will take place over the phone.
Here are ways you can help the SWCFC:
- Donate critical funds. We are in great need of monetary donations right now due to the economic impact of COVID-19. Please mail cash or check donations or submit online.
- Donate items through our Amazon wishlist, which is kept up-to-date by the SWCFC team with items that we have a demand for and items that are urgently needed. If you wish to donate items in your possession such as food, hygiene products, or cleaning products to the SWCFC, please call ahead at 617-471-0796 to schedule a drop-off.
Food Orders
QCAP’s Southwest Community Food Center is the only area food pantry open five days a week, year-round, with late hours to accommodate working families.
Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM; Wednesdays, 11 AM to 6:30 PM (no morning appointments on Wednesdays).
Households typically receive one food order a month, or more often in times of extreme need or crisis. Food orders typically contain a balance of meat, produce, fruits and vegetables, and grains.
SNAP Application Assistance
Staff provides SNAP application assistance, helping clients to navigate through the process and serving as an important advocate on their behalf. If you would like to apply for SNAP, please call to schedule an appointment. We also make appointments for SNAP re-certifications. To apply for SNAP benefits, recertify, or ask questions about whether you may be eligible, call 617-471-0796. View our SNAP flyers in English and Chinese.
Holiday Food Orders
The Food Center packages special food orders during the holiday season, provided during Thanksgiving, Christmas/Hannukah, and Chinese New Year. Please contact us to request a special holiday food order.
Holiday Gift Program
QCAP provides donated gifts to families with children, from birth to 14 years of age, who are members of our food pantry. Interested families should call for membership information and program details.
Menu Planning and Budgeting
We know that budgeting can be challenging for all families. Food Center staff can help provide comprehensive menu planning to design healthy meals on a budget. In a program called Tasty Tuesdays, staff showcases meal preparation demonstrations and tastings using ingredients provided at the Food Center. Please call 617-471-0796 regarding scheduling.
