MANY LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS BENEFIT FROM GRANTS OFFERED THROUGH PHOENIX FOOD HUB

Thanks to the generosity of Mass General Brigham, Phoenix Food Hub has again been able to offer significant grants to many local organizations to assist in efforts to reduce food insecurity in the Greater Lynn area. A total of ten grants were awarded in support of food distribution programs, job training initiatives, nutrition counseling, and healthy cooking classes. The grants have been awarded for Fiscal Year 2024-2025.

“We’re thrilled to partner with the Phoenix Food Hub and Greater Lynn Senior Services to provide grants to ten local organizations working to tackle food insecurity for those who have been traditionally harder to reach,” said Elsie Taveras, MD, MPH, Chief Community Health & Health Equity Officer at Mass General Brigham. “This annual grant initiative advances our common goal of working together to more equitably address the food and nutrition needs of Lynn residents by funding innovative programs that reach those most in need.”

Phoenix Food Hub is a one-stop shop where individuals and families at risk of nutrition insufficiency can access a variety of resources to help them better manage their overall health and well-being. It is a collaborative project spearheaded by Greater Lynn Senior Services (GLSS) as part of the Lynn Food Policy Council. Services include healthy cooking classes; nutrition counseling and education; assistance applying for SNAP and related benefits; information about, and referral to, other community resources; and access to an on-site food pantry operated and funded by Catholic Charities.

“Phoenix Food Hub is a true community collaboration, and through this very generous funding from Mass General Brigham, we are able to broaden our coalition to reach and serve even more people of all ages in our communities,” said Kathryn C. Burns, GLSS’ CEO.

Awardees were chosen by a committee comprising key stakeholders, including Lynn Food Policy Council members and representatives of Mass General Brigham. Burns noted that there were more requests for grants than could be funded. “I think this speaks to the tremendous work being done throughout the community to address this critical issue,” she said.

A number of organizations received grants to improve area food distribution efforts. Catholic Charities’ Lynn Food Pantry was awarded a grant to enhance the capacity and efficiency of its market-style food pantry. My Brother’s Table will expand its Teen Parent Meal Program, which provides food distribution and outreach to the most at-risk mothers in Lynn, as they work towards graduating high school under difficult circumstances. The New American Association will establish a food pantry with culturally relevant and nutritious food and hire two part-time shoppers from its client base.

“We are very much trying to reach people in need across the spectrum of diverse populations in our community,” Burns said. “This includes providing assistance to organizations like the Salvation Army’s Lynn Corps Feeding and Food Distribution Program to improve its consumer experience and operations for children and families to The Haven Project, which will provide nutritious meals to more than 300 homeless young adults.” In addition, grants will also support the Open Door/Cape Ann Food Pantry’s Mobile Market Farmers’ Truck, serving North Shore Community College’s Lynn Campus, and the Salem Pantry, which serves many Lynn residents in need of nutrition support every month.

Several organizations received grants to provide education and job training assistance. Salem-based LEAP for Education will offer classes for middle school students that will combine culinary skills with community engagement to promote healthy nutrition and contribute to reducing food insecurity in Lynn. The Food Project’s “Common Market for Good” will support employing a youth-run farmers’ market with participants fully managing operations. Finally, the Demakes Family YMCA received a grant to teach gardening and nutrition skills to children and teens, as well as provide healthy meals and snacks to children and teens in need.

To learn more about Phoenix Food Hub and the community grants program, visit www.phoenixfoodhub.org.