The Food Drive & FUMC Melrose

The Food Drive is partnering with our church to operate a Community Freezer in our church basement. It is already providing meals for individuals and families in need in our community, and we are hoping to increase participation so that we can help even more people. Below is some updated information about the freezer, and some guidelines for contributing. If you have any questions, please contact Jana Gimenez at fooddrivemelrose@gmail.com. Meals can be dropped off during church office hours, on Sunday mornings, or by making an arrangement with Jana.

What is the Community Freezer program?

This program is a partnership between Melrose FUMC, local community food resources and The Food Drive to provide healthy meals for local food pantries, motel shelters, and community members experiencing food insecurity. 

What is the process?

Meal donors should deliver DIRECTLY to the Community Freezer at Melrose First United Methodist Church, 345 Main Street Melrose. 

Meal Drop off Days and Times September 1, 2026 UPDATE

Weekdays: Please call the church office at 781-662-7060 in advance to confirm hours for dropping off meals as days and times vary. Sunday Mornings: Drop off from 9am – 11am.

Process: Park in the circular driveway in front of the church. Ring the buzzer at the front door, and Margo will answer. Place your meals in the “Incoming” freezer at the end of the first hallway on the right. Please put your name, phone number and meal information on the clipboard on the “incoming” freezer

Sign Up Genius Link:  The SignUpGenius link is the following, and we would still love for you to sign up so we can anticipate the number of meals each week. Here’s the link:   https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D44A8AA22ABF8C70-community#/

What kind of meal should I prepare?

Please prepare nutritious, filling, complete meals that are easily freezable and reheatable. The primary goal is to fill the freezer with single-serve meals, but we will also distribute family-size casserole-type meals as needed. 

All meals must be labeled with a description that includes special dietary information, including allergens. Since we’re unable to guarantee preparation in an allergen-free environment, we will not distribute to individuals with severe allergies at this point. 

Please note that the long-term goal of the program is to include a particular focus on maintaining an inventory of entrees for specific dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, low fat, dairy free, and low salt…items that are not always readily available at pantries and soup kitchens. 

DETAILS FOR MEAL PREPARERS

COOK: a meal to donate, double your dinner recipe for donation, or save extra dinner portions. 

PACKAGE: individual meals in single-serve microwave-safe containers. Takeout containers are ideal, so reuse clean ones you’ve collected, or use the containers we’ve provided at Melrose FUMC next to the freezer. Family-size meals can be packaged in aluminum containers for the oven, but please note that otherwise we are not able to accept styrofoam, aluminum, or Ziplocs.

LABEL: each container with your name, the donation date, the meal name(s), any dietary specifics: GF (gluten f ree), VE (Vegetarian) VG (Vegan), LS (low salt)

Important Requirements: Meals must be complete, including protein, veggie and starch; Meals should freeze well and reheat well; Meals must be individually labeled to enable guest choice; Make what you love to eat!

Most Requested Meals: Roasted/grilled meat & fish of all types with accompanying potatoes/rice & veggies, Soups & stews of all kinds, Macaroni & cheese, plus protein (chicken, pulled pork, etc.) & veggies 

Desserts! We need sweet treats for our guests! 

Please make desserts that are NUT-FREE, since some of our guests have sensitivities.

Desserts should freeze well, like cookies and bars. (Slices of pie are challenging.); Desserts should be individually packaged; Each dessert should be simply labeled to enable guest choice. Example: “Chocolate Chip Cookies,” no need to list all ingredients.

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you for making this mission a success in our community!

NOTE: To encourage donation of food to nonprofits for distribution to people in need, food donors are protected from liability under the 1996 Federal Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act.