We share the sentiment of our partners and friends at the Worcester County Food Bank (WCFB) that food is a matter of societal justice. As such, we take responsibility for increasing access to healthy food for all. Since 2011, WCFB and GWCF have been partners through the Worcester County Food Bank Fund to End Hunger, awarding grants to create hunger-free communities.

Over these six years, the Fund has awarded over $300,000 to local food pantries, markets, and social service agencies working to increase access to healthy food and build economic self-sufficiency. Supported initiatives include efforts to double SNAP benefits at farmer’s markets, nutrition education, building capacity at food pantries, and programs that support refugee farmers in becoming business owners. Last year alone the Fund awarded $60,000 in grants and received the highest volume of applications to date, indicating that a strong need continues. In fact, more than 750,000 people throughout Massachusetts currently live in food insecure households according to Project Bread, and Feeding America estimates that over 82,000 of our neighbors in Worcester County face food insecurity. WCFB employs a compassionate response to this critical community need through advocacy, education programming, and food distribution.

Grants for 2017 will be made soon. The Fund is currently accepting proposals from nonprofit organizations committed to cultivating a hunger-free community, applications are due by May 15.