👩🌾 Non-Profit Spotlight: Island Grown Initiative & the Island Food Pantry
A look inside the newly renovated pantry and how IGI is feeding our island with dignity, care, and community.
Island Grown Initiative is a nonprofit focused on building a regenerative, accessible food system. Their programs span farming, education, and food security. One of their core efforts is running the Island Food Pantry.
Food insecurity is a serious issue for year-round residents. Many who keep the island running struggle to afford groceries. This article offers a behind-the-scenes look at what the Island Food Pantry is, who it serves, and how you can support this essential work. Whether you’ve relied on the pantry or just want to understand its role, I hope it gives you a clearer picture of its impact.
🛒 Inside the Island Food Pantry
The newly renovated building has transformed how the Island Food Pantry operates. With expanded storage, improved logistics, and a calm, organized setup, the space now offers a more welcoming and dignified experience for every visitor.
Each week, about 400 clients receive services through the pantry, adding up to 1,800 monthly visits across 735 households—including 400 children, 1,200 adults, and nearly 300 seniors.
In 2024 alone, IGI served over 6,000 unique individuals through the pantry
Clients place orders using the Smart Choice app, which is available in Portuguese, Spanish, and English
A full-time bilingual Brazilian/Portuguese staff member helps ensure accessibility for the island’s Brazilian community
Seniors are invited to shop in person on Fridays, while all other clients select a pickup time when ordering online
Food includes fresh produce, dairy, whole grains, frozen meats and veggies, and pantry staples—prioritizing low-sodium, and low-sugar options. Clients choose what they need, leading to more satisfying meals and less waste.
🥕 About Island Grown Initiative
While best known for running the Island Food Pantry, Island Grown Initiative’s work reaches far beyond food distribution. Since 2006, IGI has focused on building a resilient food system through local farming, education, and sustainability efforts.
IGI continues to provide fresh, local produce through its Gleaning Program, with harvested food going directly to the Pantry
IGI’s partnership with the Greater Boston Food Bank allows them to source 7,000 pounds of free or low-cost food every week for pantry clients
Other core programs include:
Farm + CSA (note: not currently open to new signups)
Island Grown Schools, a garden-based food education program reaching kids across the Island
Food waste drop-off at select Island locations (confirm?)
Community lunch and the Deer Donation Program, both helping to reduce waste and feed those in need
🎁 How You Can Support or Get Involved
Island Grown Initiative makes it easy to give back, whether with your time, resources, or simply your awareness.
Volunteer: Most IGI programs have strong support, but the Gleaning Program is always looking for extra hands. New afternoon and Saturday shifts make it even easier to pitch in. It’s a rewarding way to spend time outdoors, meet others, and help feed the Island. ➡️ Volunteer with IGI
Donate: Monetary donations go a long way. Thanks to IGI’s relationship with the Greater Boston Food Bank, every $1 donated helps provide the equivalent of three meals. ➡️ Make a Donation
📍 Plan Your Visit / Learn More
Food Pantry Location: 114 Dukes County Ave, Oak Bluffs
Website: igimv.org
Who Can Use the Pantry: Anyone struggling to access the food they need, for any reason, is welcome to use the Pantry. No identification or documentation needed. If you’re a senior and eligible to shop in person we will ask you to fill out a short registration form. If using our online pre-order shopping site you’ll be required to self-register before doing your first shop.
How It Works: Clients order through the Smart Choice platform (available in English, Portuguese, and Spanish) and select a time for pickup. Seniors (60+) may shop in person on Fridays from 12:00 to 1:45 PM.
How Often You Can Visit: Clients have access to Pantry services up to once per week.
The work happening at the Island Food Pantry is something we can all be proud of. It’s a reminder of how much good comes from collective support, and how many ways we can show up.
