Thanks to Mater Dei Parishioners and other good benefactors in local community sending food to our parish. Parish encourages volunteers to distribute foods if they schedule themselves early. 
Call us if you need to know more information. Ph: 802-334-5066

The Mater Dei food pantry located at St. Mary’s Star of the Sea Catholic Church presents everyone with an opportunity to be generous and giving to our fellow human beings that are in need of assistance in the form of food items.  Along with four other sites in the Newport area, which are open at different times of the week or month, the Mater Dei food pantry is open every Thursday of the year from 10 am until noon.  Should a holiday fall on a Thursday, volunteers will be present at the food pantry either the day before or the day after the holiday to distribute food items.  Those needing food can come to the food pantry once per month and need to register at the church rectory once per year.   Approximately 275 bags of food are given out yearly.  There is a list of food items listed below
If you wish to donate a sum of money, please send your contribution to Mater Dei Parish, 191 Clermont Terrace, Newport, Vt.  05855.  If you wish to give food items, the food may be left at any of the churches before or after Mass, and placed in designated containers.  Contributions may also be placed in the collection baskets at any of the Masses.  Donations made during the collection at Mass should be in an envelope marked “Food Pantry”.
All of the food items listed below are given to each recipient once per month: -

Contact Jen Patenaude

at  802-334-5066  ext # 9

Mater Dei Catholic Church – distribution of food/groceries is every Thursday throughout the year except for holidays.  Groceries are then given on the day before or the day after the holiday.  For added information, please call 334-5066.  Before receiving food, recipients will be asked to register at the rectory office.  Current Photo ID is required and a visit is reccorded each time someone receives a bag of groceries.
NEKCA – provides food assistance to working families who receive the Vermont earned income tax credit.  Monthly benefits for food average $200.00 per month to families with children.  www.neckavt.org   Tel. 802-334-7316
St. Mark’s on Second Street– Distributes food bags every Monday between 11:30am and 12:30pm.  For more information, call 334-7365.
The United Church on Third Street gives out bags of food to the needy on the first Tuesday and Wednesday of the month after the first Thursday.  For families of 4 and under – I grocery bag is given.  For families of 5 – 10, two bags of groceries are given. 
The Commodity Supplemental Food Program delivers groceries to people that are 62 years of age and older who qualify, or are disabled. Food is delivered on the fourth Wednesday of the month.  There is a small charge for some food items, or a small shipping fee may be applied to the delivery.  Also, individuals need to apply and qualify for this service.  vtfoodbank.org   The distribution center is at the Elks Club in Derby, Vt.  Tel. 800-214-4648 for more information.