TEO offers a monthly food shopping program for Townsend, Ashby, and Pepperell (with other communities by referral or connection – for example, anyone attending a church or school in Townsend). 

Members shop for their food selections in a setting similar to a market with shelves filled with non-perishable food and glass-cased refrigerators and freezers.  TEO has a farmers market-style area for fresh fruits and vegetables.

Distribution takes place the Saturday following the third Thursday of each month.

Registration for the months distribution will open on the Friday the preceding week. It is mandatory to register each month so we can plan accordingly for shopper volume.

The shopping schedule is below.

You need to shop with your group during your timeslot. You will not be able to shop in a later group due to how the allocations are set for some items. 

No one will be allowed in the building until 8:30AM.  Members will be let in alphabetical order so you do not have to come early. We do ask that you move through the aisles as quickly as possible so everyone can shop. You cannot shop for another person while shopping for yourself, this includes a family member, even if they are a TEO member. You can have a friend or family member shop for you if you are not able to attend.

If needed, a pre-packed box can be provided if someone who is a member can’t make it. 

Please bring your recyclable grocery store size (NOT DEPARTMENT STORE SIZE!) shopping bags and TEO-issued cooler bag with you if you have one.

If you do not have a TEO one, you are welcome to bring a folding cooler (15x13x10 or similar size for the bottom). 

Two bags for families of 1-2

Three bags for families of 3-4

Four bags for families 5 or more.

The bags for dry goods/non-perishables do not include your TEO-issued freezer bag or any bags that we provide to be used for fruits, vegetables, or dairy.