Food Security United States Project #17969

The Greater Boston Food Bank

by The Greater Boston Food Bank

Project Report | Sep 6, 2022
Meeting Needs in Martha's Vineyard

By Amanda Simeone | Donor Services Associate

Courtesy Mark Alan Lovewell and Vineyard Gazette

Most people don’t normally think of poverty and hunger when they think of Martha’s Vineyard, a community of luxury homes and wealthy summer vacationers. Yet, Sharon Brown, operations manager at the Island Food Pantry, sees another reality.

“A lot of people don’t believe a food pantry should exist on Martha’s Vineyard,” Sharon says. What they don’t understand, she explains, is how many people on the island are part of the low-wage service industry here, as well as seniors on fixed incomes.

“There are so many people here who are one step away from being homeless or hungry,” she says. “I know because I was one of them. When the pandemic hit, I lost my job as a head chef in a big restaurant. Suddenly, I was out of a job for two months with no income and children to feed. If it wasn’t for the food pantry, we wouldn’t have been able to eat. Then, this position opened up, and here I am.”

“A pantry is not just about providing food, it’s about providing love,” says Sharon.

Every week, the pantry provides free food for up to 700 people—and that number is growing. In addition to canned goods, they provide meat, dairy, fresh produce, pasta, pet food and even connect people to critical community services, such as blood pressure checks, family planning and Alcoholics Anonymous. But they offer something more.

“When you see someone come to the pantry, they don’t just need food,” Sharon says. “Something else brought them here. A food pantry is not just about providing food, it’s about providing love. It’s about providing support. Many seniors come here knowing they’ll find friendship and companionship. Several of our regulars come because they’ll find someone who cares.

“I wish the donors could see it for themselves—the wide-eyed excitement in the children’s eyes or the tears of joy in a senior’s eyes. Then they’d understand the difference they’re making,’’ Sharon adds.

Photo Courtesy of Ray Ewing and Vineyard Gazette

Links:

Link to Martha's Vineyard story

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May 10, 2022
The Life-changing Impact of Nutritious Food

By Amanda Simeone | Donor Services Associate

Alejandro (a former chef) with his mother

Alejandro, his elderly parents, and his siblings were thrilled to move in under one roof where they could take care of each other. They had finally found the right place and their timing could not have been better, as COVID-19 was about to hit and the country would soon experience an economic recession.

During the first two years of the pandemic, Alejandro was the only member of the household who was able to find steady work. But despite the hours he put in working as a busser/bartender and performing handyman jobs, Alejandro was also caring for his mother who had fallen ill and he soon realized he couldn’t provide enough nutritious food for everyone at home. He needed help and decided to turn to his local food pantry for support.

“I receive chicken, milk and lots of vegetables and fruit,” says Alejandro. “I was a chef before, so I like to experiment with what I get. I make sure everyone stays healthy!”

That “everyone” includes Alejandro himself. In fact, Alejandro struggled with diabetes before he made the decision to reach out to his local food pantry. But after he was welcomed at a GBFB partner hunger relief agency in Chelsea, everything changed. Now determined and able to eat better, he put the healthy ingredients and his ingenuity in the kitchen to work on his own behalf. Now he no longer needs insulin. That’s the powerful, life-changing impact that fresh produce can have.

Hundreds of thousands of our Eastern Massachusetts neighbors continue to face similar situations, strained by unemployment, bills and unforeseen expenses. Thanks to your generosity and commitment, we are able to help families like Alejandro’s every day and become one step closer to ending hunger in Eastern Massachusetts.

Links:

A story of hope

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Nov 12, 2021
Connecting the Waltham Community to Food

By Amanda Simeone | Donor Services Associate

Healthy Waltham staff members and volunteers

Healthy Waltham began as a community coalition to help kids with healthy eating. When the pandemic started, the mission stayed the same – but the need changed.

“The food needs just exploded overnight, and we had to get more focused in that area.” Myriam Michel, Executive Director of Healthy Waltham, explained. “We didn’t know how, but we just did it. We did what needed to be done. If kids aren’t eating and if their parents aren’t eating, how are they supposed to succeed?”

Myriam and Maria DiMaggio, Operations Director, tapped into their community to find resources. Soon, they began operating a thriving pantry twice a month out of a church basement, serving 1,000 local families in need.

“That’s when we officially became a Greater Boston Food Bank partner agency.” Myriam explains, “It was amazing to have consistent access to high-quality food, and partners to help distribute it.”

In addition to the pantry, Healthy Waltham has been able to implement alternate models where they bring food out into neighborhoods in need with the help of the community. These partners include Brandeis University's FRESH program for students facing food insecurity and Africano Waltham, which serves the growing Ugandan community in Waltham.

When asked about continuing these food services after the pandemic, Myriam explains "We're still exploring what the fitire holds. The country is beginning to open back up, but that doesn't mean people aren't backed up with bills. COVID-19 exacerbated a lot of issues, and we have to care for our communities." She continues. "But I'm confident."

“We’ve learned so much over the past year, and we’ve done miraculous things thanks to the support of the Greater Boston Food Bank. Food is caring. Food is a leveler, a connector, and food has and will continue to strengthen our community.”

FRESH/Brandeis collects food from Healthy Waltham

Links:

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