Watertown Community Food Drive

The City of Watertown Thanks All for Successful Community Food Drive

January 12, 2026

The City of Watertown would like to extend its sincere gratitude to the entire Watertown community – residents, businesses, volunteers, and more – for supporting the community food drive hosted through November and December 2025. Thanks to everyone’s efforts together, thousands of food items were collected to support our pantries, community fridge, and directly to families in need.

This community food drive was organized by the City of Watertown, with support from the Watertown Community Foundation, in early November when federal SNAP benefits were delayed and over 1,600 Watertown households were unsure if the assistance, they rely on each month would come through.

Jenna Bancroft, Watertown’s Director of Human Services, was amazed by the way the community stepped up and supported their neighbors. “At a time when many households faced sudden uncertainty, the community showed up with compassion, urgency, and incredible generosity. I am thankful to all those who supported and made this program the success it turned out to be.”

As the food drive continued into December, this coordinated effort increased capacity at the community fridge and local food pantries, bridging the gap for many Watertown residents. Community members contributed non-perishable food items, volunteered their time and talents, and provided monetary donations that will continue to support our neighbors into the new year.

The Watertown Community Foundation was integral to the success of the food drive –organizing volunteers and distributing monetary donations to the pantries. Executive Director Tia Tilson added “Watertown turned out and showed up with heart and generosity for our neighbors in need. Thank you to everyone who made a financial contribution or brought groceries. We appreciate you.” Residents in Watertown and neighboring communities contributed more than $50,000 to support both food pantries, in addition to donating thousands of food items.

Though the food drive has ended, residents can continue to support local food access programs, whether through donations, volunteering, or advocacy. You can learn more by visiting the Human Services Department on the City’s website.

Information about Watertown Human Services

The Human Services Department oversees the planning, direction, management, and operation of Watertown’s human services programs and referral pathways, including services that address housing, food, and economic insecurity as well as migrant supports.

December 16, 2025, Update:

City of Watertown Community Food Drive update! Two weeks remain to donate nonperishable foods at locations across Watertown. Please be aware of the updated food drop off locations starting next week (Monday, December 22, 2025) in anticipation of the schools closing for winter recess. The final day to donate will be December 30, 2025. Thank you to everyone who has donated to this point!

• Watertown City Hall (149 Main Street)
• Watertown Free Public Library (123 Main Street)
• Watertown Police Department (552 Main Street)
• Watertown Fire Station (564 Mt. Auburn Street)
• *All Watertown Public School locations (through Friday, December 19, 2025)*

There are other ways to contribute to the food pantries – visit the Watertown Community Foundation to learn how.

If you or someone you care about needs help accessing food, visit the Human Services Food Access page for resources.