In the summer of 2009 God put into the hearts of several First Church members a desire to reach the local community in a more tangible way.  Those touched by the Spirit all received the idea to begin a food pantry at a time when no one thought it was necessary.

The Barn on the campus had just become vacant and through prayer and planning the Food Pantry of First Church Boxford came into being.  God provided shelving through a donation of a food service company and in March of 2010 the initial set up of the pantry began.

The town of Boxford was contacted and through the health department the pantry was licensed, with the fee waived!  As the months progressed the church members were informed and began to donate the non-perishable food and household items.

Through press releases and newspaper articles, the Tri-town community began to learn about the pantry.  The economy was shifting and many families who never imagined a need started to hear about us.  In September of 2010 our first client called our confidential hot-line number and came to receive her first monthly supply of food. Schools principals were contacted in the Tri-town area and many local schools have since had food drives throughout the school year supporting the Pantry.  Local elementary,  middle school and high school students have participated in the drives, and have learned of the needs of those around them.

Many local organizations and businesses have joined in supporting the Pantry through organized food drives, and financial donations, including Boys Scouts, American Legion Post of Boxford, Harrows Chicken Pies, Invest in People, Second Congregational Church of Boxford, and many others.

Since its beginning the Pantry has given away thousands of pounds of non-perishable food to families in need in the Tri-town area, and loved and prayed for them.  Dozens of children have been fed through the Pantry and the love and compassion of Jesus Christ has been shared.