The Foundation supports nonprofits providing healthy food to neighbors in need as well as those advancing sustainable solutions to hunger in Worcester County, where one in 10 residents lack enough nutritious food.
In 2022, using a $2 million federal Community Development Block Grant for Food Security, the Foundation enabled 16 nonprofits to acquire supplies and equipment, including 14 trucks, to expand their hunger relief work.
Worcester County Food Bank
Worcester County Food Bank distributes quality donated food to 90,000 people, one-third of them children, through its network of 119 pantries and meal programs. The organization also advocates for SNAP and monthly child tax credit payments that address root causes of hunger and poverty.
Our decade-long partnership with the Foundation on the Fund to End Hunger reflects our commitment to funding systemic change through annual grants totaling $100,000
- Jean McMurray, CEO, Worcester County Food Bank
The WellStorm
In Southbridge, The WellStorm connects vulnerable neighbors with helpful resources such as its 24/7 community fridge. Yesenia Arroyo, who with fellow social worker Carla Delacruz Davila founded this all-volunteer program, says “With our new refrigerated van, we access more distributors and a far higher volume of quality food.”
El Buen Samaritano
Founded 30 years ago by Maria and Osiris Reyes and now led by their daughter, Mari Gonzalez, El Buen Samaritano brings food to Worcester neighborhoods with many struggling households.
With our new truck, we pick up twice as much food and serve more families. Our new computer, printers, and iPads streamline intake of clients applying for SNAP benefits.
- Mari Gonzalez, Executive Director, El Buen Samaritano
2Gether We Eat
2Gether We Eat engages youth, seniors, daycare centers, and elementary schools in STEM-intensive hydroponic growing, which they then bring home to their families to enjoy.
The Worcester program gained two high-performance hydroponic farms, each housed in a shipping container, and a truck to transport fresh produce among partner sites. The new containers will add six tons to the annual harvest.
