WORCESTER—On Tuesday, Aug. 19, every flatbread sold at American Flatbread Worcester will help put food on someone else’s table.
That’s the mission behind Rachel’s Table Worcester’s Benefit Night, a community-driven fundraiser where a portion of every pizza—whether dine-in, takeout, or delivery—will support local hunger relief efforts. From 4-11 p.m., $3.50 from each large flatbread and $1.75 from each small one will go toward rescuing and redistributing surplus food across Greater Worcester.
“This collaboration isn’t just about raising funds; it’s about joining forces to create impact,” Michael Schiumo of Rachel’s Table told the Worcester Guardian. “Sharing a pizza becomes a shared act of care — one that supports local families and helps us rescue more food for those who need it most.”
Rachel’s Table, a nonprofit dedicated to food rescue and redistribution, currently recovers more than 600,000 pounds of nutritious food each year—from grocery stores, farms, restaurants, and schools—and delivers it to over 50 local agencies, including pantries, shelters, and meal programs.
The food isn’t scraps. “A common misconception is that food rescue means scraps or leftovers,” Schiumo said. “In truth, most of what we collect is high-quality, nutritious food — extra produce, dairy, bakery items, and prepared meals that were never served.”
Donors include well-known local and national businesses such as Stop & Shop, Olive Garden, Table Talk Pies, and LongHorn Steakhouse, and recipients range from community pantries to transitional housing sites. A recent delivery of more than 1,000 pounds of milk, produce, and bread to Jeremiah’s Inn helped ensure that children, seniors, and even college students had meals on their plates.
The need is growing. About one in 12 Worcester residents faces food insecurity, with some neighborhoods seeing rates as high as one in four. Benefit Night proceeds will help fund fuel and logistics, volunteer coordination, and Rachel’s Table’s signature Children’s Milk Fund—which distributes over 600 gallons of locally sourced milk each week to families in need.
And while the fundraiser will make a real financial impact, Rachel’s Table hopes it will do even more. “What we’re truly hoping for is greater awareness, stronger community connection, and lasting engagement,” Schiumo said.
For those interested in supporting the organization beyond Aug. 19, volunteer opportunities range from food delivery driving to outreach and event support. “There are always ways for people to get involved,” Schiumo said.
More information about events and volunteer opportunities is available at www.rachelstable.org.
So when diners pick up a slice on Benefit Night, Schiumo has one simple request: “We’d ask them to remember that every slice they enjoy is connected to a greater purpose. It’s helping a child drink milk before school, a senior stock their fridge, and a shelter fill dinner plates with dignity.”
Have news, tips, or a story worth telling? Reach Editor Charlene Arsenault at carsenault@theworcesterguardian.org—because good stories (and great scoops) deserve to be shared.
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