The Franciscan Food Center (Food Center) was founded in October 2008 by Fr. David Convertino and Fr. Paul Lostritto, working in partnership with the Mayor’s Office and the Greater Boston Food Bank.

The mission of the Food Center is to feed people who are hungry by providing high-quality, nutritious food in a client choice setting and create a community in an environment of dignity, compassion and respect.

Today, we have about 1300 total members (families and individuals) and serve about 300-400 members weekly. Members can come to the Food Center for food once each week. 

Our menu (groceries not prepared foods) includes frozen whole chickens, fresh eggs, fresh produce and fruit, fresh bread, a grain, a cereal, rice or pasta and sauce, canned beans and some dessert. We access a range of other items as available including yoghurt, cheese and milk.

Our main food source today is the Greater Boston Food Bank as well as generous donations from members of the CEO Council on Hunger, our Worshipping Community, our Annual Campaign, a recent capital campaign to fund our new walk-in freezer and walk-in refrigerator and members of the St. Anthony Shrine and Ministry Center Guardian's Council.

The Food Center is primarily operated by volunteers who generously contribute their time to help receive and organize inventory, serve our Members and keep the Food Center clean and "inspection-ready" at all times.  Today, we have five main languages: English, Chinese, Creole, French and Spanish. All Member materials are translated into these languages and our opening dialog is also translated, as we have multi-lingual Volunteers available. 

The Food Center also works with other ministries within the Shrine, including the Kids Program which provides support for children in grades K-5 through a series of quarterly events including the Christmas in August School Supply Program. You must be a Food Center Member to be part of the Kids Program.

If you have questions, please call 617-542-6440, x258 to speak with Fr. Paul and the Food Center Team.

Please refer to our website for Volunteer Opportunities

More information will be coming soon...