November 5, 2025 Submitted by Izzy Gilmartin
Stand Up Speak Out, a local, predominantly South Shore, protest group made up of concerned residents/citizens conducted a recent poll in their newsletter.
The poll resulted with the Stand Up Speak Out crowd overwhelmingly voting to reflect their desire to be involved in assisting those who are, more than ever, in need of their daily bread! And this is the season to give to others!! The food and other items will be distributed to the Hingham, Wellspring Multi-Service Center (Hull), and Weymouth food pantries.
Below is a priority list of most needed non-perishables that was compiled by Anne Stenfors, Director Of Food Services at Wellspring Multi-Service Centers — located in Hull and Weymouth (please do not bring expired goods):
FLOUR, SUGAR, COFFEE, CANNED SOUPS, CANNED VEGETABLES, CANNED FRUIT, CEREAL, DRIED BLACK BEANS – 1LB BAGS, RICE – 1LB BAGS (JASMINE, BROWN, WHITE), SHELF STABLE MILK, TOILET PAPER
Weymouth Food Pantry’s most needed items are:
JAM/JELLY, READY TO EAT (CANNED PASTA, CHILI, HASH), PANCAKE MIX/SYRUP, JARRED PASTA SAUCE, SIDE DISHES (SEASONED RICE/PASTA, KNORS, ZATARANS, ETC.), COLD CEREAL, GROUND COFFEE/ TEA, CONDIMENTS, WHITE TUNA, COOKING OIL/PAM
At this time, the Hingham Food Pantry’s needs are similar to those of the Wellspring and Weymouth food pantries.
– Along with non-perishables and toiletries, gift cards to affordable and accessible stores are needed. If you’re thinking of purchasing items, think about possibly giving money or store gift cards to our local food banks instead. Cash donations are welcome – the food banks we work with can use cash donations to bulk purchase fresh produce for their recipients! Some items we may not consider including in our donations such as paper goods, toothbrushes, diapers, and feminine products are in dire need! Remember that even those who may continue to receive SNAP benefits are not able to use it for products such as these.
– The following dates for collecting store gift cards, cash/checks, non-perishables, and toiletries are – Wednesdays, November 12 and 19; Wednesdays, December 3, 10 and 17. The location for collecting donations will be In front of St. Paul Church in Hingham. All of the above will be delivered to local food banks starting with Hingham, Hull, and Weymouth;
– There will be a vehicle parked in front of St. Paul’s to pick up non-perishable and toiletry donations; all store gift cards and cash/checks should be given to Isabelle (Izzy) Gilmartin or Vincent (Vinny) Fanuele for safekeeping until distribution.
– The local food banks that we will be contributing to are the Hingham Food Pantry, Wellspring (Hull), and the Weymouth Food Pantry;
We will also be asking store owners in Hingham and Hull if they would like to have a food donation box and related flyers in their stores.
Snacks are welcome too! It’s important to remember the value that something like a box of cookies or a bag of chips can bring to someone living under the poverty line. We ALL deserve the simple comfort that a treat can bring us!