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United Way Food Drive Distributes 13,000 Pounds of Food to Local Agencies
Fitchburg, MA: June 13, 2024 – The United Way of North Central Massachusetts (UWNCM) successfully distributed nearly 13,000 pounds of food to 14 organizations dedicated to feeding those in need across North Central Massachusetts. The “April Foods Drive 2.0,” held from April 1 to June 4, is expected to feed over 700 families. The total value of the drive was nearly $33,000.
Donations from the community were collected in 42 boxes placed in local banks, libraries and grocery stores throughout the region. Each box overflowed with non-perishable items, demonstrating the community's commitment to supporting their neighbors in need.
“This is the time of year when the shelves at local food pantries are becoming bare,” said Judy Tomlinson, Director of Community Impact. “It’s a critical time and UWNCM assists by providing nutritious food to help feed those in need.”
UWNCM collaborated with Growing Places to receive potatoes, onions, tomatoes, radishes, and lettuce from local sources, aiming to bolster the community's health and economy by giving priority to locally produced food. Additionally, UWNCM purchased supplementary food items to ensure a well-rounded and nutritious distribution.
Donors also included Catania Oils, East Coast Retail Sales and Home Furnishings, Local Roots Cannabis Crafted and Tufts Health Plan.
“The April Foods Drive 2.0 was an incredible initiative that had a profound impact on our organization and the community we serve,” says Brandon Robbins, Executive Director of Ginny’s Helping Hand. “The generous donations we received not only helped us meet the immediate nutritional needs of countless individuals and families, but also fostered a sense of hope and solidarity during challenging times. We are deeply grateful for the support of the United Way of North Central Massachusetts and their partners and are inspired by the collective effort to make a positive difference.”
Volunteers from the Boys & Girls Club of Lunenburg and Rollstone Bank & Trust showed their commitment towards serving the community by helping to organize, pack and distribute the donated items.
The United Way of North Central Massachusetts serves the communities of Ashburnham, Ashby, Athol, Ayer, Devens, Fitchburg, Gardner, Groton, Harvard, Hubbardston, Leominster, Littleton, Pepperell, Lunenburg, Petersham, Phillipston, Royalston, Shirley, Templeton, Townsend, Westminster and Winchendon.
The Society of St. Vincent De Paul Food Pantry in Fitchburg collected donations from the April Foods 2.0 Drive with the help of volunteers from the Boys & Girls Club of Lunenburg and Rollstone Bank & Trust.
