WESTBOROUGH – Phil Kittredge stood at the freezer, storing package after package of chicken.
He had just returned from a trip to Stop & Shop, where he picked up donations for the Westborough Food Pantry on East Main Street.
The trip is usually short and quiet. Not this time.
On June 27, Kittredge and his cargo of donated meat were given an escort, courtesy of the Westborough Police Department.
“I still can’t believe they did that,” he said.
The escort was to honor Kittredge, who was working his final day at the food pantry after 20 years of service.
His wife, Donna, retired in January.
Both remembered when the food pantry started about 40 years ago – one room at the senior center with no refrigerator or freezer.
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The food pantry served about 30 people back then – each client would receive one bag of groceries per week.
Kittredge, who was a member of the Fire Department, served as the department’s liaison.
“We bought peanut butter from BJ’s whenever they needed it,” he said.
After he retired from the Fire Department in 2013, Kittredge served as president of the food pantry, stepping down in 2023.
He leaves a food pantry with refrigerators and freezers, sorting areas and – most important – a crew of more than 85 volunteers, and a community helping to keep the shelves stocked.
“We have support from so many community organizations,” he said.
That increased support is in response to increased need, especially over the past few years. According to Kittredge, the food pantry currently serves 290 families, including those at local hotels and at the Sharp Building.
“You need to do something,” he said. “There are people who don’t have what we take for granted.”
While they said they’ve enjoyed their time at the food pantry, it was turning into a full-time job for both of them.
“The two of us were here close to 40 hours per week,” said Donna.
Now that both have retired, Phil Kittredge said they plan to do lots of day trips. He will keep working on his “side job,” repairing and restoring antique toys and trains.
In addition, he’s working on a book on the former state reform school, and he continues to restore old photographs.
About the Westborough Food Pantry
The food pantry is in the Forbes Community Building at 9 E. Main St.
Current hours are Tuesdays from 9 to 11 a.m. (for ages 60 and older); Thursdays from 9 to 11:30 a.m. and 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Food donations may be dropped off at the pantry during distribution hours or by appointment. Call ahead to arrange drop-off time.
Food donations may also be dropped at the Westborough Fire Department lobby (24 hours a day), Roche Bros. and Stop & Shop.
No expired or damaged items, please.
Financial donations are also accepted.
For information on what’s needed, and how to volunteer, visit https://westboroughfoodpantry.org/.