Jesus said “Feed the Hungry” and so we do
About Us
Who We Are
Embracing Compassion: Our Mission to Aid the Needy and Feed the Hungry
St. John's Church is the mother church of two dioceses, Springfield and Worcester. It was the first Catholic church in New England built outside of Boston, founded by native Bostonian Father James Fitton, when the Diocese of Boston was the sole diocese for all New England. Father Fitton is often called the Apostle of New England. Located in the heart of downtown Worcester, the church’s elegant spire rises across the railroad tracks and the highway, and beckons all believers, especially immigrants and the poor, to a place of solace and hope. Our mission “Helping others and reaching out to the poor and hungry” has never wavered.
In 2012 a plan was developed to renovate the old building abutting St. John’s property into a new soup kitchen and food pantry. Mike Pagano, president of Lamoureux & Pagano Associates, Inc. proposed to honor his firm’s 40th year in business by graciously agreeing to take on the design and engineering work pro bono for the new building. Pagano’s philosophy was, “Just because people are poor doesn’t mean they don’t deserve a bright, safe, restaurant-like environment.” His firm created a design that lived up to his vision.
The new building was dedicated on May 31, 2013 and named the St. Francis Xavier Center — “Neighbors Helping Neighbors.”
Worcester Soup Kitchen & Food Pantry
“Beautiful, community-based food pantry and kitchen looking out for the most vulnerable in our community. Collaboration with other social service providers to ensure patrons can connect with needed services to improve their lives.”
-Barry Beaupre
Our History
Temple Street in Worcester, Massachusetts, holds a significant place in our city's history, particularly with landmarks we operate in such as St. John's Church and the Francis Xavier Center. St. John's Church is an emblem of the religious and cultural life in Worcester. Established to serve the burgeoning Catholic community in the 19th century, our church has been a spiritual home for generations. Its architecture and the community it has fostered reflect the historical journey of Catholics in the region, showcasing their challenges, growth, and contributions to the fabric of Worcester. The church has not only been a place of worship but also a center for social and educational activities, playing a pivotal role in the greater community's development.
Adjacent to St. John's Church, the Francis Xavier Center is another cornerstone of community support in Worcester and the home of St. John’s Food for the Poor Program. Named after Saint Francis Xavier, a co-founder of the Jesuit order, the center is deeply rooted in the mission of serving those in need. Services provided out of the center include food assistance, educational programs, and various forms of outreach to the less fortunate in the community. Our center exemplifies the church's commitment to living out its faith through acts of charity and support, making it an indispensable part of Worcester's social landscape. Together, St. John's Church and the Francis Xavier Center encapsulate the essence of community solidarity, compassion, and resilience in Worcester, Massachusetts.
Providing over 1000 meals and food pantry items on week days.
Jesus said feed the hungry and so we do. Our commitment stands to feed everyone who walks through our door and provide them a place of comfort to rest and recuperate. We are truly neighbors helping neighbors.
Wherever you're from, you are also welcome to walk through the doors and enjoy the company of both volunteers and the citizens of Greater Worcester. We open every weekday and will never turn down extra help. So if you'd like to join the community or help out for a day, we appreciate your kindness and are looking forward to seeing you.
Get In touch
St. John's Food for the Poor Program
20 Temple Street, Worcester, MA 01604
508-756-7165
Nonprofit 501(c)(3) EIN #042 106 729
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No. Everyone is welcome each day to come and eat no matter where they live. The only time we do anything based on Zip Code is the Thanksgiving basket give away.
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Every Wednesday is a free health clinic onsite. From May-October we offer mobile showers for those in need. There is a clothing room at the rectory that is available as needed and as supplies last.
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We serve a variety of breakfast and lunch foods based on what we get donated from local establishments. We always offer a variety of fresh, healthy foods, coffee, milk, water, juice etc.
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We will do our best to accommodate anyone who is in an emergency situation. We strongly recommend coming during the hours we are open if you need emergency food.