When a tractor-trailer backs up to the Middlesex Community College loading dock late this week, it will mark the real beginning of Bedford Rotary’s Hope for the Hungry 2025. Little more than a day later, the truckload it carries from Meals of Hope will be the centerpiece of meal assembly by dozens of volunteer meal-packers.
Meals of Hope, the principal partner in the Hope for the Hungry effort, is based nationally in southwest Florida, an area with increasing numbers of people struggling to put food on the table. A recent $3 million philanthropic grant significantly boosts sustaining and growing Meals of Hope’s programs in that region. In its 18-year history, Meals of Hope has organized and guided volunteers in packing more than 110 million meals nationwide. From its northeast base in Chelmsford, led by Jack Day, MOH Vice President, the organization’s commitment to bringing people together to fight hunger is mirrored in its goal of ending hunger and food insecurity in local communities throughout New England.
The fulfillment of that commitment will be witnessed in Middlesex Community College’s cafeteria space on Saturday, April 26. Transformed from a dining hall to meal-packing production lines, when it’s finished, an estimated 50,000 meals will have been packed, boxed, and ready for distribution. Where does it go from there?
Local food banks and pantries in Bedford, Billerica, Lexington, and Middlesex Community College will stock limited quantities of packed meals for their distribution. The bulk of the 50,000 meals will go to the Merrimack Valley Food Bank in Lowell.
Faced with recent USDA cuts in food deliveries, resulting in thousands fewer meals for families in their Middlesex and Essex county service area, Hope for the Hungry's packed meals become more important.
From its 27,000 sq. ft. facility, including huge refrigerated and freezer storerooms,the MVFB services 33 communities, encompassing 107 organizations and 144 service programs, including MVFB’s direct service programs. An average of 65-70 of their member agencies pick up at scheduled dock times weekly. Smaller organizations may come once or twice a month. On average, 6500-70,000 individuals are served monthly.
Volunteers largely staff the Food Bank. Last year, nearly 700 individuals, retirees, and corporate, school, and youth groups volunteered almost 6,700 work hours.
Six months ago, increasing food insecurity was evidenced by 18.4 percent of all Massachusetts households reporting being food insecure, struggling to feed themselves and their families. In that light, the Merrimack Valley Food Bank’s mission, “to help meet a person’s most profound need – adequate nutrition and freedom from hunger. Only through cooperative efforts can society initiate change and develop strategies to alleviate hunger and work toward the well-being of all people,” is starkly important.
Hope for the Hungry is a contribution to that mission.