Every Tuesday, residents of the Swampscott Housing Authority can receive free groceries donated by Whole Foods Market on Paradise Road. From everyday staples like eggs and milk to prepared foods and sushi, residents can pick up items that are still fresh but nearing their expiration dates.

The program started in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. At first, maintenance workers from the Housing Authority delivered the groceries. About 15 households take advantage of the program each week, according to Service Coordinator Gina Cordy.

“It helps them save on their groceries with continued rising costs,” said Cordy. “Do you know the cost of eggs now?”

Cordy said residents founded the program and continue to manage it. Receiving groceries — from eggs and milk to pastries, bread, fruits and vegetables — has been a blessing for residents with limited resources, Cordy said.

“They are items that people can use on a regular basis,” said Cordy.

When maintenance workers’ schedules became too busy as the pandemic subsided, the Swampscott Senior Center stepped in to help. Now, some residents pick up the groceries from Whole Foods Market and bring them to a central location where others can select what they need.

“We’re grateful for the time they were able to do it,” Cordy said.

Swampscott Housing Authority Executive Director Kevin Johnson said the partnership has helped residents out for years.

“A lot of them have very menial income streams so this helps support their food budget,” said Johnson. “It’s a lot of healthy produce and prepared foods.”