The Foundation today announced the awardees of the Worcester County Food Bank (WCFB) Fund to End Hunger. The awardees were granted funds for projects that offer direct service and/or advocacy for federal nutrition programs.

“We are proud to be more than a decade into our partnership with the Worcester County Food Bank in supporting the community through these grants” said Jim Ayres, Foundation President/CEO. “The pandemic shined a spotlight on the fact that so many households struggle with food insecurity year after year. To be able to have a small impact on that big issue means a great deal.”

Established in 2011, The Worcester County Food Bank Fund to End Hunger works to partner with nonprofit organizations to achieve a shared vision of hunger-free communities. “Hunger is a solvable issue,” says Jean McMurray, CEO of the Worcester County Food Bank. “No child, adult or elder should have to worry about where their next meal is coming from. Everyone can help by doing their part to ensure their community members have healthy food and whole lives.”

Those organizations receiving funds this year are:

• Abby's House: Awarded $10,00 for Food and Nutrition Services
• AIDS Project Worcester: Awarded $2,500 for New Food Bank Set Up
• Boys & Girls Club of Worcester: Awarded $2,600 for Community Food Assistance.
• Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Worcester: Awarded $5,000 for Emergency Stabilization & Homeless Prevention
• CENTRO: Awarded $2,900 for Food Pantry
• Community Harvest Project: Awarded $10,000 for a New Forklift
• Friends of Grafton, Inc. - Grafton Food Bank: Awarded $1,400 for Increasing Food Storage Options
• Ginny's Helping Hand, Inc.: Awarded $5,000 for Food Pantry Support
• Growing Places Garden Project: Awarded $9,500 for Equitable and Accessible Food Security in North Central MA.
• Indian Lake Community Association, Inc.: Awarded $4,000 for Community Teaching Garden Literacy Project
• Jeremiah's Inn: Awarded $5,000 for Nutrition Center
• Living In Freedom Together (LIFT), Inc.: Awarded $5,000 for Food and Nutrition at HARBOR's Shelter and Drop In Center
• Overlook Food Awareness Resources of Massachusetts, Inc.: Awarded $3,200 for Increasing Produce at the Farm
• Pernet Family Health Service, Inc.: Awarded $5,000 for Food Pantry Storage and Distribution
• Rachel's Table (fs Jewish Federation of Central MA): Awarded $2,000 for Food Rescue Supplies
• Regional Environmental Council, Inc.: Awarded $5,000 for Mobile Farmers Markets
• South Middlesex Opportunity Council (SMOC): Awarded $950 for Equipment Purchases for Greater Worcester Housing Connection
• Southeast Asian Coalition of Central Massachusetts: Awarded $5,000 for Food and Hot Meal Delivery Program
• Winchendon Community Action Committee: Awarded $3,000 for Growing Sustainable Community Health
• Worcester Islamic Center Social Services: Awarded $9,750 for Halal Meals in a Box
• YWCA of Central Massachusetts: Awarded $1,500 for Emergency Shelter Food Pantry and Equipment Support