January 2023

New Round of Scholarships Available

With the help of a generous donor, the Needham Community Council is offering a limited scholarship program to assist with the cost of your students' extracurricular activities. Whether it's music, clubs, athletics or driver's education, we may be able to help.


If you've applied before, you may be eligible for a renewal of your scholarship. Please submit a new application and submit it to the office.

Questions - call 781-444-2415

Details and How to Apply

Looking Back

Moving Forward!

Start Survey Now

PLEASE Help Us, Help You!


We are reviewing the way the Food Pantry is currently running and we want your feedback. What is working? What is not? Where should we make changes? Please take some time and complete this new survey. Your comments will help us plan for the future and better support you.

New ELL Groups Begin Soon!

English language learning program is starting up with all new group classes for every level of learner. With a variety of classes from conversation groups to citizenship classes, in-person or on-line, there is something for everyone. Check out the classes below and sign up to attend - OPEN TO ALL!


Class Listing and Details
Sign Up HERE

Holiday Gifts

We hope you found a little joy this holiday season with your gifts. The generosity of the community is what made this possible!


Just a reminder - the gift certificates to Learning Express expire on January 31st.  Please use them before the end of the month. The certificates cannot be replaced if they expire!  


The Target cards do NOT expire. 

Our holiday program would not be possible without our community of donors.  If you've not already taken a moment to share with us your gratitude and/or holiday story with the "Thank You" note included with your gift, we ask that you do so soon. Your stories are more effective than any thank you note we could send and help us to continue this program each year.

Snow Guidelines

In the event of hazardous snow conditions, we may need to close the Food Pantry.


If we close:

  • We will add additional appointments as soon as possible

You will need to:

  • Please go to the Sign-Up Genius to reschedule
  • Or call the Council to reschedule 781-444-2415

Please note: if the weather is really bad we may not be able to change the phone message or answer the phone. Please leave a voice message with your name and phone number and someone will call you back as soon as possible. 

Needham Community Pantry

"Take what you need,

leave what you can"


A group of students have created the Needham Community Pantry to help residents access food. It is not connected to our Food Pantry in any way but you are welcome to visit it.


Located at 53 Chapel Street, Needham, next door to Lewandos Cleaners.


Free Class on Balance

Learn More Here

Many older adults experience concerns about falling and restrict their activities. A MATTER OF BALANCE is an award-winning program designed to manage falls and increase activity levels.


The Needham Public Health Department is hosting a class to help you stay healthy this winter.

Reading the Newsletter

Gift Cards Drawings are BACK!

Enter to Win a Gift Card Here

Important news about the Food Pantry will be in the each monthly newsletter. We want to reward you for reading the newsletter by entering you in a drawing to win a gift certificate.


Each month look for a new link to enter yourself in the drawing, so read your email and find the link!

Plan Your Next Food Pantry Visit

FOOD PANTRY WILL BE CLOSED


Monday, January 2nd for New Year's

Monday, January 16th for MLK Day



Schedule your January Food Pantry Visits NOW

Sign Up Here
Kids' Corner

Snowman Bowling Game

What you need:

  • paper cups
  • orange paper or marker
  • glue
  • black marker
  • snow balls or a ball


Cut the shape of a nose out of orange paper and glue it to the cup, or use an orange marker to draw a nose on the cup.


Use the black marker to draw some eyes and a mouth.


Stack cups up in a pyramid

Use a snowball or any ball to try to knock the cups down like you would at a bowling alley


Have fun!



Start the New Year with Healthy Meals

Detox Chicken Soup


2 Tbls oil

1 pound boneless chicken, cut into chunks

1 onion, diced

2 carrots, peeled and diced

4 garlic cloves, minced

16 oz mushrooms, sliced (optional)

1/2 tsp dried thyme

1/2 tsp dried oregano

8 cups chicken stock

1/2 cups orzo pasta (any small pasta)

1 bunch kale, stems removed & leaves chopped

1 can white bean, drained and rinsed

juice of 1 lemon


Butterfly and pound chicken breasts


Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, to taste. Add chicken to the stockpot and cook until golden, about 2-3 minutes; set aside.


Add remaining 1 tablespoon oil to the stockpot. Add onion, carrots and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 3-4 minutes.

Add garlic and mushrooms, and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender and browned, about 5-6 minutes. Stir in thyme and oregano until fragrant, about 1 minute.


Whisk in chicken stock and bay leaves; bring to a boil. Stir in orzo, rosemary and chicken; reduce heat and simmer until orzo is tender, about 10-12 minutes.


Stir in kale and cannellini beans until the kale has wilted, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in lemon juice and parsley; season with salt and pepper, to taste.


Serve immediately.

Turkey and Two-Bean Chili


1 lb ground turkey or lean beef

8 oz mushrooms - chopped (optional)

1 28oz can diced tomatoes

1 15 oz can kidney beans

1 15 oz can black beans

1 onion - chopped

1 green (or other color) pepper - chopped

1 6 oz can tomatoe paste

1 Tbsp chili powder

2 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp cumin

2 cups zucchini - chopped

salt and pepper to taste


In a large nonstick skillet cook turkey and mushrooms over medium until turkey is no longer pink, stirring to break apart.


Drain. Place in a 4- to 5-qt. slow cooker. Add tomatoes, both beans, onion, bell pepper, tomato paste, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, and salt. Stir to combine.


Cover and cook on low 6 to 8 hours or high 3 to 4 hours. If using low, turn cooker to high, stir in zucchini and cover and cook 30 minutes more or until tender.


Top as desired with green onions, cilantro, and lime wedges.

Hours

Council Thrift & Donation Hours


Monday & Friday 10 am - 4 pm

Tuesday & Thursday 10 am - 6 pm

Saturday 10 am - 2 pm

Office Hours


Monday - Friday

8:30 am - 4 pm


The Council will be Closed

Monday, January 2nd for New Year's

Monday, January 16th for MLK Day



Stay Connected


Needham Community Council
570 Hillside Avenue
Needham, MA 02494
781-444-2415
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