Transforming Community Support: Land Bank and Nourish Nantucket Partner to Launch a New Food Pantry

The Nantucket Food Pantry might soon find a new home on Boynton Lane. After some uncertainty about its future, the Nantucket Land Bank and Nourish Nantucket are collaborating with the Food Pantry to purchase three nearby properties—17, 19, and 21 Boynton Lane. This plan aims to create a central hub focused on food security.

The new facility will not only house the Food Pantry but also include a deer processing area. This will allow for more efficient processing of meat donated by local hunters, helping to feed even more people in need.

Kim Reed, an island resident, has owned the buildings since 2003. Currently, they serve as the headquarters for her catering business, A Taste of Nantucket. The details of the deal are still under wraps.

Rabbi Gary Bretton-Granatoor, President of the Nantucket Interfaith Council, expressed excitement about the partnership. He believes it strengthens the community’s ability to provide reliable access to healthy food for everyone.

The Boynton Lane site is centrally located, just a short distance from a bus stop. It already features a commercial kitchen, which meets many of the Food Pantry’s needs. This move will allow the Food Pantry to expand its services and reach more residents.

Rachael Freeman, director of the Land Bank, mentioned that this facility symbolizes their collective dedication to the community’s well-being. The goal is to create a strong safety net for food security that can last for generations.

The Food Pantry has been a vital part of Nantucket since 1991. It has offered assistance to many residents, especially as about one in five Nantucketers struggles to afford food. In addition to the Food Pantry, Nourish Nantucket is also working to tackle this issue. Their goal is to promote local food systems and community meals, making the new facility a perfect fit for their mission.

Brooke Mohr, President of Nourish Nantucket, called this an essential step forward. The partnership not only enhances resources but also boosts the confidence of donors in the organization’s future.

A key aspect of the hub is the custom butchery for venison. This initiative comes as part of the ACK Deer Management Project, which aims to increase deer donations through the Massachusetts Department of Fisheries and Wildlife’s “Share the Harvest” program.

Last year, hunters brought in 863 deer; the hope is to double that number. While this won’t eliminate the deer issue, managing the population could have several benefits. These deer often disrupt local ecosystems and pose hazards on roads. Current estimates suggest there are around 10,000 deer on the island, far over the recommended limit of about 900.

To combat this, local authorities are offering more hunting permits and exploring various strategies, including extended hunting seasons. A facility like the one on Boynton Lane might provide the necessary resources to help manage this growing problem.

This recent purchase by the Land Bank is notable, as it involves non-conservation land. Typically, the Land Bank focuses on properties for open space and agriculture. However, the organization has supported local farming for over 40 years, solidifying its role in Nantucket’s agricultural heritage.

Through this substantial collaboration, Nantucket is taking significant steps toward addressing both food insecurity and deer overpopulation, shaping a healthier future for all its residents.



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