Dedicated Volunteers Sustain Westborough Food Pantry's Mission

Phil and Donna Kittredge have been the driving force behind the Westborough Food Pantry for over two decades, dedicating countless hours to ensuring the community's most vulnerable are fed. As they step down from their roles, the community celebrates their unwavering commitment and the legacy they leave behind.

Powering a Vital Community Resource Through Selfless Service

Humble Beginnings, Exponential Growth

The Westborough Food Pantry's origins trace back over 40 years, when it operated out of a single room at the senior center with limited resources. Phil Kittredge, a member of the Fire Department, served as the department's liaison, helping to secure essential supplies like peanut butter from BJ's. As the years passed, the pantry's operations expanded, acquiring refrigerators, freezers, and sorting areas, transforming it into the well-equipped facility it is today.

Kittredge's involvement deepened after his retirement from the Fire Department in 2013, when he assumed the role of president of the food pantry. Under his leadership, the pantry's volunteer base grew exponentially, from a handful of dedicated individuals to a team of over 85 community members. This surge in support has been crucial in keeping the shelves stocked and meeting the increasing demand for the pantry's services.

Responding to Rising Need

The Westborough Food Pantry has witnessed a significant uptick in the number of families it serves, a reflection of the economic challenges faced by the community. According to Kittredge, the pantry currently provides assistance to 290 families, including those residing in local hotels and the Sharp Building. This surge in demand has required the Kittredges and their team of volunteers to devote an ever-increasing amount of time to the pantry's operations.

Donna Kittredge, who retired from the pantry in January, echoed her husband's sentiments, noting that the two of them were dedicating close to 40 hours per week to the cause. "The two of us were here close to 40 hours per week," she said, underscoring the immense commitment required to sustain the pantry's vital services.

A Bittersweet Farewell

As Phil Kittredge stepped down from his role as president in 2023, the community came together to honor his two decades of service. On his final day, Kittredge was given a police escort as he transported a cargo of donated meat to the pantry, a gesture that left him in awe. "I still can't believe they did that," he said, reflecting on the outpouring of appreciation from the community he had served so tirelessly.

With both Phil and Donna Kittredge now retired, the couple plans to embark on a new chapter, filled with day trips and the pursuit of their personal interests. Phil Kittredge intends to continue his "side job" of repairing and restoring antique toys and trains, while also working on a book about the former state reform school and restoring old photographs.

A Legacy of Compassion and Community

The Kittredges' two decades of service at the Westborough Food Pantry have left an indelible mark on the community. They have not only overseen the transformation of the pantry into a well-equipped, well-stocked facility but have also cultivated a dedicated team of volunteers who share their passion for serving those in need.

As the Kittredges step away, the community they have served so tirelessly will undoubtedly feel their absence. However, the legacy they have built, the partnerships they have forged, and the spirit of compassion they have instilled will continue to guide the Westborough Food Pantry in its mission to support the most vulnerable members of the community.