Newton Food Drive In Honor Of Fallen Mayor Continues Through July

NEWTON, MA — A community food drive honoring former Newton Mayor Setti Warren is continuing through Friday, July 10, giving residents an opportunity to support local families facing food insecurity while celebrating a legacy of public service.

The Setti D. Warren Food Drive, organized by the Rotary Club of Newton in partnership with Village Bank, the City of Newton and the Harmony Foundation, was launched as part of Newton's annual Martin Luther King Jr. community celebration. Organizers say the initiative reflects both King's commitment to service and Warren's lifelong dedication to helping others.

Collection boxes have been placed at Village Bank branches and community locations throughout Newton, with donations benefiting the Newton Food Pantry, Centre Street Food Pantry and Arabic Baptist Food Pantry.

In addition to collecting food and household essentials, the Rotary Club of Newton has pledged $1,000 to each participating pantry and challenged local businesses, organizations and residents to match those contributions.

Organizers are seeking donations of shelf-stable foods, including canned proteins, pasta, rice, grains, canned fruits and vegetables, as well as baby supplies and household necessities.

The food drive is intended not only to address hunger in Newton but also to honor the life and legacy of Warren, who died unexpectedly in November 2025 at age 55.

A Newton native, Warren served two terms as mayor from 2010 to 2018, becoming the first popularly elected Black mayor in Massachusetts history. Before entering local politics, he served in the U.S. Navy Reserve and completed a deployment to Iraq as an intelligence officer. He later worked in state and federal government before returning home to lead Newton through nearly a decade of growth and change.

Following his tenure as mayor, Warren joined Harvard Kennedy School, where he served as executive director of the Institute of Politics after previously leading the Shorenstein Center on Media, Politics and Public Policy. Colleagues, students and community leaders frequently described him as a mentor who believed deeply in public service and creating opportunities for future generations of civic leaders.

In the months since his death, Newton residents and institutions have looked for ways to preserve that legacy. Earlier this year, the City of Newton and Harvard University announced a new internship program in Warren's honor, creating opportunities for local students interested in public service and government.

Organizers say the food drive represents another way to carry forward the values Warren championed throughout his career.

"Setti believed in bringing people together to solve problems and strengthen communities," organizers said when promoting the initiative. "This effort honors that spirit while helping neighbors in need."

While the drive began as part of Newton's Martin Luther King Jr. celebration, organizers hope it will inspire continued support for local food pantries throughout the year, noting that demand for food assistance remains high across the region.

Residents can donate nonperishable food items and household essentials through Friday, July 10. Donations collected through the drive will be distributed among participating Newton food pantries to help support local families and individuals experiencing food insecurity.

See Also:

Shoplifting Remains A Challenge For Newton Stores

Newton South High School Selects Interim Leader For The Next School Year

Newton High School Selects Interim Leader For The Next School Year

Newton Leaders Sponsor Resolution Supporting Transgender Rights

Newton Man Charged After Using Machete During Road Rage Incident