WORCESTER – Thursday, March 27, 2025 – The Juniper Outreach Foundation celebrated the grand opening of its eighth in-school food pantry in the Worcester Public Schools (WPS) at Doherty Memorial High School on Wednesday in an effort to fight food insecurity.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony brought together school officials, community leaders, and supporters to highlight the importance of ensuring students have access to nutritious food and essential resources. Speakers included Mayor Joseph Petty, Doherty Principal John Staley, and Tim Murray, President/CEO of the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce.
“This pantry is more than just a source of food - it’s a lifeline for students who may otherwise struggle to access meals outside of school hours,” said Julie McDonald, Executive Director of the Juniper Outreach Foundation. “With the support of our dedicated partners, donors, and volunteers, we are one step closer to ensuring no child in Worcester goes hungry.”
Dr. Rachel H. Monárrez, Superintendent of Worcester Public Schools, said, “The opening of this pantry is a testament to the strength of our community and our shared commitment to the well-being of our scholars. Every child deserves the opportunity to thrive, and by ensuring access to nutritious food, we are helping pave the way for their academic success and future opportunities.”
The Fairlawn Foundation’s generous donation played a pivotal role in making this pantry possible, reinforcing the community’s commitment to addressing food insecurity.
The new Doherty pantry joins Juniper’s growing network of school-based pantries, which currently serve students at:
Burncoat Preparatory School
Lincoln Street School
City View Discovery School
Elm Park Community School
Vernon Hill School
Gerald Creamer Center
South High School
Each pantry provides students with nutritious food, snacks, and essential items like clothing and toiletries. Founded in 2020, Juniper Outreach Foundation continues to expand its impact with the goal of reducing the stigma associated with food insecurity and ensuring every child has the resources needed to thrive.
For more information on Juniper Outreach Foundation’s mission and how to get involved, visit www.juniperhelps.org.
Worcester Public Schools (WPS) serves nearly 25,000 pre-K through grade 12 students across nearly 50 schools and programs in New England's second-largest city. With a community-minded approach, WPS fosters engagement across diverse voices and provides a nurturing environment for students who speak over 70 languages. Committed to innovation, technology, and collaboration, WPS prepares its scholars for a future-ready workforce and a vibrant community.