Six hundred fewer Newton residents receive federal food assistance than a year ago, and the city's largest food pantry is stepping in from a brand-new building.

Newton's SNAP enrollment fell from 4,300 to 3,700 over the past 12 months, Newton Food Pantry Director Jeff Lemberg told the Newton Beacon. Lemberg attributed the drop to stricter eligibility rules under the Trump administration's July 2025 Reconciliation Bill.

"It's not 600 fewer people because they're doing so well," Lemberg said. "It's 600 fewer people [getting] kicked off."

Thirty percent of the pantry's clients are 65 or older and living on fixed incomes, Lemberg told the Beacon. The full interview details how inflation is outpacing Social Security adjustments and squeezing the pantry's own purchasing power.

The increased need comes as the Newton Food Pantry settles into its first permanent home. The organization held a grand opening June 12 for a 5,000-square-foot building at 131 Rumford Ave. in Auburndale. The facility replaced the pantry's former space in the basement of Newton City Hall.

State Sen. Cindy Creem and Mayor Marc Laredo attended the ribbon cutting. The standalone building includes expanded storage, larger service areas and assigned parking.

Board President Synthia Wayne, who helped lead the building effort, was recognized by Newton city councilors at a July 15 Programs and Services Committee meeting. Councilors praised Wayne's role in getting the Rumford Avenue facility open.

Founded in 1983, the Newton Food Pantry describes itself as the oldest and largest food pantry in the city of nearly 90,000 residents. It operates like a free grocery store, letting clients choose fresh produce and culturally relevant food for their families at no cost.

The pantry ran entirely on volunteers for its first 39 years. In 2022, it hired Denise Daniels as its first paid staff member and pantry manager. Lemberg credited Daniels for creative food procurement as costs rise, according to the Beacon's reporting.

The organization relies on donations from individuals, foundations and grants. Residents who want to support the pantry or access its services can visit newtonfoodpantry.org.